Audi packs performance in pricey S4 Cabriolet
This week, we test drive the Audi S4 Cabriolet, a high-end sports car that is loaded with everything that makes a car fun to drive. The S4 combines the qualities of a convertible (cabriolet) with an extremely powerful V-8 engine mated to Audi’s world-renowned Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The result is a car that offers the latest in technological wonders and runs like a muscle car from the ‘60s when the pedal meets the carpet.
S4 styling cues abound both inside and out. The seats are firm and race-bred, offering excellent side-to-side support and comfort on longer journeys, thanks to lumbar and thigh support settings.
Under the hood sits Audi’s 4.2-liter, 252 cubic-inch DOHC V-8 engine, developing 340 horsepower at 7,000 rpm and 302 pound-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm. Remember the GTOs of the ‘60s? Well, this car would have no problem outrunning one in the quarter-mile. Notable is the sound emitted from the chrome-tipped tailpipes, as you’d swear you were back in that GTO. It’s deep and robust, yet not blatant.
Performance? How about zero to 60 mph in 5.8 seconds and about 13.8 in the quarter-mile?
The six-speed close-ratio manual transmission is a must for those who really love driving. The final rear drive ratio is a 3.88, which is great for acceleration but not for fuel mileage.
Putting all of this torque and power to the ground in comfort comes via a sports suspension system. The weight-saving aluminum running gear consists of four-link front and trapezoidal-link rear suspension. The low unsprung weight makes the suspension more responsive to road-surface irregularities.
Overall, we’d rate the suspension firm, which is how we like it and necessary for a performance car. Braking comes from Audi’s excellent four-wheel ABS disc setup, complete with brake assist for even better stopping abilities. Eighteen-inch aluminum wheels mated to 235/40R18 high-performance summer tires complete the package.
Audi’s Quattro system is one of the best AWD systems in the world. It’s a permanent four-wheel-drive standard feature, not an option on this model. As for the convertible top, it retracts fully into the body in just seconds.
Important numbers include a wheelbase of 104.5 inches, 4,090-pound curb weight, 15-mpg city and 21-mpg highway EPA numbers (premium fuel), and 10.2 cubic feet of cargo space.
With its 340-horsepower V-8, the Audi S4 is above anything else we’ve driven this year in just about all categories. Of course, you’ll need close to $60,000 to buy it, so it’s not cheap. Audi has merged all that’s good in performance driving, added its blend of convertible craftsmanship, and then put a race-bred suspension under it for dynamic performance. We’ll give it a strong nine on a scale of one to 10. It’s really a great car.
Likes: 340 horsepower, handling, looks, comfort, true performance.
Dislikes: Low gear ratios lower fuel economy, $1,700 guzzler tax.