A real beast under the hood
This ticking bomb on wheels explodes to 100 kph in 4.8 short seconds. All the ingredients are there to ensure extreme performance: 19-inch wheels, a 420-hp FSI V8 engine and a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission. The latter is well calibrated, not to mention extremely precise and especially quick when shifting -- a pure marvel.
Not to be outdone, the steering is what I'd call a surgical tool. Handling is simply incredible, with supreme balance and stability in corners. I also found it reassuring since it provides great feedback and information about the car's limits.
Of course, such a powerful machine needs equally powerful brakes to at least restore a bit of order. I'm happy to report that the dual-circuit brake system is highly effective, fade-free and clearly made for the track. Confident stops are always delivered, regardless of weather conditions (God bless the clever brake disc wiping system). Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, providing magnificent traction in the snow, under the rain or on gravel roads.
Conclusion
This Audi is like a pumped-up athlete on his way to the top of the Olympus; it will gladly flex its muscles whenever the opportunity arises and, once on the track, it delivers all-out performance. I really had a blast with the RS4. It's a shame that weekdays are so long; believe me, you'll be racing to the nearest track as soon as Friday is over.
photo:Michel Deslauriers
This ticking bomb on wheels explodes to 100 kph in 4.8 short seconds. All the ingredients are there to ensure extreme performance: 19-inch wheels, a 420-hp FSI V8 engine and a close-ratio, 6-speed manual transmission. The latter is well calibrated, not to mention extremely precise and especially quick when shifting -- a pure marvel.
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| This ticking bomb on wheels explodes to 100 kph in 4.8 short seconds. |
Not to be outdone, the steering is what I'd call a surgical tool. Handling is simply incredible, with supreme balance and stability in corners. I also found it reassuring since it provides great feedback and information about the car's limits.
Of course, such a powerful machine needs equally powerful brakes to at least restore a bit of order. I'm happy to report that the dual-circuit brake system is highly effective, fade-free and clearly made for the track. Confident stops are always delivered, regardless of weather conditions (God bless the clever brake disc wiping system). Quattro all-wheel drive is standard, providing magnificent traction in the snow, under the rain or on gravel roads.
Conclusion
This Audi is like a pumped-up athlete on his way to the top of the Olympus; it will gladly flex its muscles whenever the opportunity arises and, once on the track, it delivers all-out performance. I really had a blast with the RS4. It's a shame that weekdays are so long; believe me, you'll be racing to the nearest track as soon as Friday is over.
photo:Michel Deslauriers
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