Audi RS4: Test drive review

Here's another nice review of the Audi RS4 inluding some great pics.

At the heart of the RS4 is its excellent engine, which is a 4.2-liter V8 that delivers 420hp at 7,800rpm and 317 lb-ft of torque at 6,000rpm. It features Audi's acclaimed FSI Direct Injection, which was developed in the R8 prototype race car. The engine is mated to a 6-speed manual transmission, which is the only transmission offered on this car. The suspension is pretty straightforward for a high performance sedan, with an independent 4-link layout in front with single-tube shocks and coil springs, and a double-wishbone layout in the rear. The RS4 also uses anti-roll bars on both ends.

In design, the RS4 is unmistakably an Audi and is possibly the best looking model in Audi's current model lineup.

The RS4's obvious competitor is the BMW M3, and while some may still find the M3 better as a pure driver's car, the RS4 has some distinct advantages and is a serious rival to the M3 in performance. For one thing, it has four doors. While BMW has not decided yet whether the new M3 coming in late 2007 will have a four door version, Audi has the RS4 now and is no doubt selling some to BMW enthusiasts who wish the current E46 M3 did have four doors (BMW did offer a four-door version with the previous E36 M3). Quattro is also a key selling point with the RS4, particularly if you drive the car year-round in any region that gets snow or ice during winter months.

Overall, we came away very impressed with the RS4. It's the best driver's car Audi has ever made and has set the mark pretty high when it comes to sub-$70,000 sports sedans.

Related news: GermanCarBlog, P4MR, Audi RS4

Source: Race Site via Fourtitude

Audi RS4: Test drive review

Watch more TV. The German Car TV.

Read more