With the current crop of ultra-performance sedans coming out of Germany, Audi has typically been left in the shadows of the AMG products from Mercedes-Benz and the M products from BMW. Now, with the 2007 Audi RS 4, the folks from Ingolstadt show they are serious about making a mark in this prestigious segment.
Essentially an S4 taken to a higher level, the Audi RS 4 has an even more powerful V8, bigger brakes, a more sporting chassis and exclusive interior trim. It also has a much higher price tag. Subtle yet powerful design differences, such as aggressively flared wheel openings, a discrete deck lid spoiler and 19-inch, double-spoke wheels separate the RS 4 from the S4.
In addition to the car's 420-horsepower V8, Audi's well-developed quattro all-wheel-drive system gives the RS 4 an edge over its rear-drive rivals. Sure, traction control and stability control (which of course come on the RS 4 as well) will help the competition in bad weather. But nothing can equal the grip and control all-wheel drive provides on slippery pavement.
