Audi RS4

There are few cars that can elicit whoops and impromptu thumbs ups from anonymous bystanders the way the Audi RS4 does. Although it’s hard to forget that the basis of the RS4’s exterior is the understated garb of the A4, the indecently fast super saloon stands out for its flared wheelarches, RS design bumpers with the diamond-look mesh grille, flared side-sills, matt aluminium exterior mirrors, 18-inch five-spoke wheel rims and, of course, the red “RS4” designation front and rear… Only Audi could make that much bling seem elegant and reserved.

But get inside the leather-trimmed cabin, with its Lamborghini Gallardo-esque flat-bottomed steering wheel, drilled pedals, and plenty of aluminium-look trim and you’ll know you’re in a mean machine! The body-hugging Recaro seats have electronically-adjustable bolsters and if you activate the Sport programme (by an “S” button on the steering wheel) the RS4’s throttle responses are sharper, the engine growl beefier and your torso gets 15 per cent more side bolstering. Do, however, take care when getting behind the wheel, ‘cause you can’t slide into the sturdy seats – unless you have indestructible hips. Furthermore, it’s uncomfortable to change gears when the armrest is down (why’s it there in the first place?) and the location of the silver starter button (behind the gear lever) reveals that it was added to the A4 interior after the fact.

But such idiosyncrasies pale into insignificance when you unleash the awesome firepower of the RS4. Propelled by a 4,2-litre V8 FSI engine producing 309 kW at 7 800 r/min, and 430 N.m of torque at 5 500, the RS4 has a power-to-weight ratio of 187 kW per tonne. Its suspension has been lowered by 30 mm (compared with a standard A4) and its track is wider by 37 mm in front and 47 mm at the rear. Audi claims a 0-100 km/h time of 4,65 seconds, 0-200 km/h in 16,6 secs, and a limited top speed of 266 km/h, making the RS4 a double agent – an executive express and a decadently indulgent track toy! The super saloon delivers a relatively supple ride, handles imperfect road surfaces with aplomb and is positively graceful at cruising speeds, but one can’t resist the breathtaking bellow of the V8’s booming baritone at full tilt. The exhaust note is glorious, especially on up-shifts. Does the RS4 have a sound system? Who cares?

When you mash the loud pedal to the floor it’s easy to hit the rev-limiter in no time at all. But thanks to the gigantic reserve of torque available from the RS4’s powerplant, you can select the wrong gear and still bolt out of a corner with the ferocity of a blow from Thor’s hammer. Perforated and ventilated discs provide the RS4 with eyeball-popping instant stopping power, which you’ll need often!

The RS4’s steering is impressively sharp, but still on the uncommunicative side of light (unless that’s to your preference), and the car’s handling is exceptionally neutral - very forgiving! As a result of the new 40:60 split quattro system, the rear power bias minimises the much-maligned understeer. So, you can make a hash of your braking point and miss the apex of a corner completely, yet the front of the car stays on course (very impressive, if one considers that a big V8 was bolted into the RS4’s engine bay).