19 May 06
From rest, the RS4 Cabrio will crack 62mph in just 4.9seconds, 124mph in just 17.4seconds and only will stop itself breaking the land speed record for a convertible once the magical 155mph electronically controlled top speed is hit. Getting back down from those heady speeds is no trouble either, as the RS4 has high-performance eight-piston ventilated brake discs at the front measuring a colossal 365mm in diameter. Supercar-style ceramic brakes are a £4235 option and these will reduce the car's unsprung weight, giving a more nimble handling dynamic. They're super-strong, resisting fade after a hard day's pounding and as an added bonus, they should last for over 180,000miles - outlasting regular steel discs at least two times over.
Inside, you get a choice between leather Recaro sports seats, very comfortable when cruising along, or RS4 bucket seats that'll hug you in places you didn't know even existed, keeping you pinned into the seat through even the harshest of corners. Other RS4 niceties include the flat-bottomed steering wheel complete with Sport button, which quickens up the throttle response and changes the exhaust note, drilled aluminium pedals and real carbon-fibre trim, all impeccably made and fitted to Audi's exacting standards.
The rear seats are only really a realistic option for long-distance travel if the front seat passengers are on the short side, though, as there's not a huge amount of legroom on offer. Access is somewhat restricted if you have the bucket seats fitted as they only tip forward, which means if the roof is up, you'll need a degree in contortionism to get in.
On the outside, Audi's big-toothed grille features with some gills in the front wings to give the front brakes a bit of cooling. 19" 7-double-spoke alloys are standard on all RS4s - although the no-cost option 18" 5-spoke wheels suit the lines of the Cabrio more, and the ride is also marginally better.
