2008 Audi RS 4 Cabriolet Quattro
By: Juan G. Robbin
A four seat cabriolet with the soul of a sports car
Audi RS 4 Cabriolet quattro (2008)
The RS moniker for Audi denotes; Limited production, special features, greater power and performance. The RS 4 Cabriolet quattro is one of the newest models in the Audi line to have the RS badge bestowed on it. The RS 4 Cabriolet has conservative styling, especially when it comes to its traditional top set up. Audi has gone with the classic soft top system instead of the hard-top convertible that is the current rage with most of the coupes. The overall design is elegant, yet fairly conservative. The RS 4 Cabriolet quattro will give you instant exclusivity, as only 300 vehicles are scheduled to be sold during the model year 2008.
Seats are sporty, with larger side bolsters and deep seat bottoms, these are firm yet comfortable. Once seated, you immediately notice the quality of the fit and finish throughout the interior. There is the Audi MMI multifunction system in the center of the dash, which handles the vehicle’s navigation and sound systems. This set up is fairly easy to use, but you do need some time going through the functions and menus. There is a beefy rimmed sports steering wheel with finger tip buttons as well as a very comfortable and precise gear shifter.
Starting the engine on the RS 4 Cabriolet quattro instantly lets you know this is not a typical Audi. The engine sound is throaty and powerful. There is a sports button on the high center dash that gives you a slightly louder exhaust sound and heightened throttle response, giving a more direct driving experience. Clutch and brakes feel exactly as they should for this type of car, making it one of the most satisfying sport convertible cars to drive. Top is electric, taking less than one minute to complete is cycle. We did not like the placement of the top activation button, as this is far back on the center console under the arm rest, making it a bit uncomfortable to access and use.
Rear seat is tight but comfortable as long as you don’t have a long legged driver. Trunk space is average for a coupe, with a bit more usable space if the top is up and the top trunk sleeve is retracted upwards.
Driving the RS 4 Cabriolet quattro is a unique experience due to the feedback to the senses. Sound and feel is just out of this world, with tons of more power and agility. Cornering leaves you breathless, as the Audi legendary quattro system comes into its own and shines during turns on nice curvy roads or rounding tight corners. Brakes are high performance with cross drilled rotors and large calipers giving a fade free brake feel every time you use them even if it’s the 10th time you brake hard. All this performance does come at a price though. Fuel consumption is high, even more so if you drive this car aggressively. We managed to only squeeze 16.0 MPG during our mixed driving week.
After one week and almost 300 miles of driving, we really did not want to give this car back. There is a perfect blend of sportiness, capability, performance and the latest technology all wrapped into one neat and tidy package.
The Audi RS 4 Cabriolet quattro. What a blast to drive; I’ll take mine in red !
The Essentials
MSRP: $81,900.00 (As Tested): $84,775.00
Fuel Economy (Observed): 16.0 MPG
Engine: V8, 4.2 liter, 420 HP
Popular options: Brushed aluminum decorative inlays, Ipod interface.
Visit: www.audi.com