2007 Audi RS4 Preview

With a power ratio of 3.93 kg/hp, one might think that the RS4 is a stripped-out, road-racer, but the reality is that

Surprisingly, the racy RS4 is just as luxurious as its regular A4 cousins. (Photo: Audi Canada)

the new car is just as luxurious as its regular A4 cousins. Instead of lacquer trim and wood, however, the main interior trims are aluminum and carbon fiber weave.

As with any proper sports sedan, the new RS4 puts the driver first. Preparations for the road ahead are made with a sporty, multi-function flat-bottom steering wheel, push-button starter, and leather-trimmed RS bucket seats with adjustable side bolsters.

To ensure comfort on longer

No wonder the RS4 will was one of the hottest attractions at this year's Geneva Auto Salon. (Photo: Audi Canada)

hauls as well as the daily commute, the RS4 offers a variety of features sure to please its drivers. These include variable damper control (DRC) for the sports suspension, the Concert hi-fi sound system, digital climate control and keyless entry. Drivers can also opt for Audi's intuitive Navigation System Plus, as well as adaptive headlamps that swivel to illuminate around corners.

The RS4 was one of the hottest attractions at this year's Geneva Auto Salon, where the car made its world debut last month. While Europeans will start to see it in showrooms by October of this year as a 2006 model, we'll see it become available during the summer of 2006 as a 2007 model. A price of £49,980 has been set for the U.K., the equivalent of about $115,700. If it follows regular pricing patterns, expect the Canadian car to debut for about $90,000 to $100,000 or so, which will be quite a bit more than the current S4.

Preliminary Specifications:

• Price (estimated MSRP): $90,000 - $100,000
• Body Type: 4-door sedan
• Layout: front engine, RWD
• Engine: 420-hp, 317 lb-ft of torque, 4.2L, 40-valve DOHC V8
• Transmission: 6-spd manual
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, BA
• Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 4.8 seconds
• Top Speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
• Curb Weight: 1,650 kg (3,638 lbs)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Volume (trunk): 453 L (16.0 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy: N/A
• Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive
• Direct Competitors: BMW M3, Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG
• Website: www.audi.ca