Audi RS4: A faithful point-to-point supersedan

TCC has a great review of the Aud RS4, unfortunately they are starting with the wrong question "Is it better than the M5?".
The anwer is yes! Not only in my personal opinion, but also mentioned by TCC.

nter the Audi RS4, Ingolstadt 's take on the uber-sedan concept, smaller and less complicated than the M5 with old-fashioned enhancements like mechanical differentials and a manual gearbox (that's a stick that pokes up between the seats that has to be moved around some to make the car go faster).

Although you might suspect its all-aluminum 4.2-liter V-8 is shared with the S4, other than the engine block it's basically an all-new motor. There are new pistons and connecting rods; a new crankshaft together with its bearings; new cylinder heads; a free-flow twin exhaust system and the latest direct-injection technology to help it achieve its stratospheric 8250-rpm redline. Power peaks at an astonishing 414 hp at 7800 rpm and maximum torque is 317 lb-ft at 6000 rpm, although 90 percent of its twisty impulse is available between 2250 rpm and 7600 rpm so there are no real flat spots anywhere in its delivery.

As a driving tool, the RS4 is simply staggering, offering the intimate feel and razor sharp responses lacking in the rather serious S4 sedan. Turn-in is phenomenal, with every minute steering input causing an immediate change in the RS4's trajectory and because there's almost no roll from the car's trick suspension, cornering forces are simply ferocious. The steering is perfectly weighted and full of communication but it's also a very refined set up that is completely devoid of kickback and artificiality. Whereas the S4 reminds you every second that there's a massive V-8 hanging out over the front axle the RS4 feels perfectly balanced and poised, communicating and playing along with you by letting you know exactly what each wheel is up to. That's not to say it's not bombarding you with every piddly little detail of the road surface beneath - it gives you just enough info to make it fun and filters the rest out so as not to wear you out. That not only makes the RS4 a reasonably comfortable cruiser, it's also very, very easy to drive hard for long periods of time.

I'm utterly and completely smitten by the RS4. Not only is the best looking supersedan on the market, it's also one of the fastest and most faithful point-to-point cars in the world. The driving experience is simply phenomenal, the V-8's cultured howl is simply addictive and yet it's as comfortable and well equipped as you could want, without resorting to the technological overkill that plagues the M5. To me, the Audi RS4 is like an Evo in Armani: Intimate, pure, fast and fun, but oozing style and class as well.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi RS4

Source: The Car Connection

Audi RS4: A faithful point-to-point supersedan

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