2004 Audi S4 Cabriolet Road Test

In addition to the spectacular drop-top, what communicates to the eagle-eyed car enthusiast that this is no ordinary Audi A4 you

No tonneau covers in sight, the S4's top is neatly stowed away under a seamless looking hard cover. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

ask? Well, the red highlighted "S4" badging, in conjunction with two chrome-tipped exhaust ports and an aggressive lower front fascia ought to do it. If any doubt remains, a blip of the throttle will convince the most skeptical that something threatening resides beneath the hood.

The source of such intimidation is a 4.2-liter (254 cu-in) 40-valve DOHC V8 producing a ground shaking 340 horsepower and 302 pounds-feet of torque, thanks in part to its variable-valve-timing technology. This fire-breather emits a low rumble at idle that hearkens back to the muscle-car era of the 1960s and early 70s. With the roof retracted, listening

A 4.2-liter (254 cu-in) 40-valve DOHC V8 produces a ground shaking 340 horsepower and 302 pounds-feet of torque. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press)

to the V8's deep exhaust note seems completely incongruent with the refined yet muted exhaust tuning I generally associate with an Audi - and that's quite okay with me. The S4's rumble-in-the-road auditory sensation is spectacular and fully backed by a serious dose of V8 power.

With such a deep well of power, the engine scarcely has to break a sweat to accelerate the 4,090 pound car with gusto and authority. Power is delivered early in the 4.2's powerband, staying solid as the tachometer flings itself toward the 7,000 rpm red line - all the while producing a growl that could put a scare into Mephistopheles. This is an engine that loves to please and does so with exceptional balance and agility, revving freely to its 7,000-RPM redline.