T he overall 2009 Audi RS4 package is so endearing and evocative that it has to rank for now as the most fascinating and ferocious fourdoor in its price range.

The numbers that accompany this aural art are compelling in themselves: sixty in the mid-fours, thirteens in the quarter, and a governed (but quickly hit) top of 155. What’s really enticing is how easy this level of performance is to access. Aside from the fact that you have to row your own, as the 2009 Audi RS4 only comes with a six-speed manual (and a wonderfully precise one at that), this is a thoroughly refined and friendly beast, offering all-wheel drive, rich appointments, and plumb-perfect build quality.

SPECS:
Base Price (Sedan): $66,910
Base Price (Cabrio.): $81,900
Horsepower: 420 @ 7500
Torque: 317@ 6000
0-60: 4.4s


Photos and Videos at right.

Full specs and review under the ARTICLE tab above.

DreamGarage.com on Facebook
PAGE OF 1

T here is a rather innocuous button on the dash of Audi’s RS 4 sedan, labeled only with a stylized ‘ S ’. Yet it serves as a perfect summation of the dual nature of Ingolstadt’s latest bahn burner. Push it and not only does the throttle response speed up slightly, but much more obviously, a bypass valve opens in the exhaust. The hard V8 throb of the 420hp goes from merely mellow and throaty to unbelievably vocal. A perfect bass backbeat underlies a ripsnarl when you get on it; back off and it pops and crackles like a musclecar of yore blastin’ through glasspacks.

The numbers that accompany this aural art are compelling in themselves: sixty in the mid-fours, thirteens in the quarter, and a governed (but quickly hit) top of 155. What’s really enticing is how easy this level of performance is to access. Aside from the fact that you have to row your own, as the RS 4 only comes with a six-speed manual (and a wonderfully precise one at that), this is a thoroughly refined and friendly beast, offering all-wheel drive, rich appointments, and plumb-perfect built quality.

The ride is nicely judged and comfortable over all but the most broken bitumen, despite the 19” rubber-band tires. This is the result of a bespoke, Yamaha-developed chassis design wherein fluid runs between diagonally opposed corners of the car. Typical lumps and bumps are absorbed without upsetting the occupants overmuch, yet when it is loaded into a corner, or the massively endowed brakes are used in earnest the body motions remain flat and composed.

Despite the fact that the RS 4—like all cars with its drivetrain layout—is incredibly nose-heavy, its rear-biased torque split and careful honing result in the best dynamics and steering of any Audi since the original Quattro coupe of the late eighties.

Like the chassis, the engine implementation is a bit of a departure for the company, exchanging turbocharged torque for high crank speeds—over 8250 rpm is available—and terrific throttle response. And, of course, that noise . And because of that special ‘ S ’ button, which ended up being dubbed “SuperSounds of the Naughties,” you can always quiet the thunder to keep the neighbors quiescent.

If some of the engineering is unexpected, the look is pure Audi hotrod, from the brushed aluminum trim, fat pipes, and extreme slats and spoilers through to the luscious bubble-flared fenders, which barely contain the huge, split-spoke rims that are open enough to show off the supersized stopping hardware. Inside as well its another class-act, where some of the sexiest carbon fiber extant complements Recaro seats that seem able to accommodate all body types without complaint. The only letdowns are a fiddly nav system and interface (that seems designed for users in right-hand drive countries), and the steering wheel.

PAGE OF 2
Audi  RS4

Audi RS4

This is pure Audi hotrod, from the brushed aluminum trim, fat pipes, and extreme slats and spoilers through to the luscious bubble-flared fenders. Sedan & Cabriolet featured.

PHOTOS

Back
Audi  RS4Audi  RS4Audi  RS4Audi  RS4Audi  RS4Audi  RS4Audi  RS4
Next
Back
Next

For display advertising, along with unique branding and marketing opportunities, please click here.

Affiliate Banner

Abt

Abt

Car Audio Systems. GPS Navigation. Mobile Video Systems. Radar Detectors. Handy online tool to learn "What Fits Your Vehicle." All Major Brands. Shop Now!

Free shipping on thousands of electronics!

AllPosters

AllPosters

Browse by car type, by decade, or by make and model. Try on different custom frames. See it on canvas, see it mounted, or see it laminated. Shop now!

Huge Selection of Automobile Posters & Prints

PAGE OF 6
GET LOCAL RESULTS: WITHIN:
Affiliate Banner

No resources found.
To become a resource or post a classified, click here.

GET LOCAL RESULTS:
SEARCH:
Affiliate Banner

No resources found.
To become a resource or post a classified, click here.

BECOME A RESOURCE

Become a resource and connect with affluent customers who are bringing their dream garages to life every day.

By creating an ad below, you will become a dreamgarage.com resource for three months. One week before your ad expires, you will receive an email detailing your renewal options. Follow the easy steps below to create your ad. You can edit your ad 24/7.

1. SELECT RESOURCE TYPE *

PARTNER (3 months)*:

- OR -

LOCAL (3 months)*:

- OR -

CLASSIFIED (3 months)*:

* This charge is for a one-time, three-month placement of one resource ad.

2. SELECT CATEGORIES *

3. CREATE AD *

Resource Title / Company Name *

Website URL

Image (120x60 .gif or .jpg)
Default Image

Resource Description / About Your Company * 130 Characters Remaining

Featured Offer (For Partners) 50 Characters Remaining

FOR LOCAL ADS ONLY

Address

City

State

Zip

Phone

Ad performance will not be grounds for reimbursement of payment once you Become A Resource or Purchase Advertising on Dreamgarage.com. No refunds and no exchanges.

* Denotes required field.

Enter Payment Information
on Secure Page »

Cancel