Although my examination and real world test of Audi's roof provided only anecdotal findings, not empirical data that could be verified and challenged scientifically, I'm fairly convinced that their claims are true- for the most part that is. The power-operated soft-top, which is capable of retracting in only 21 seconds, seals tightly to the side glass and body structure of the S4. I could find no potential air or water leaks anywhere. The inside of the roof, which feels thickly padded, is beautifully finished with a pleasing soft-touch material.
Strangely, pelting rain wasn't audible on the S4's roof the way it rata-taps conventional fabric tops. Pulling out of Audi's Regional Office placed me on a freeway, among car and truck traffic battling the heavy rain and resulting spray. I zoomed up to the legal limit and noted an absence of wind rush from around the joints and seals of the roof; whether equivalent to a hardtop S4 or not, I can't say. Traffic noise was also effectively muted- certainly more so than one would expect under a roof of cloth. The only sound potentially more prevalent under the Acoustic lid than a fixed hardtop was the hiss of the S4's low profile tires as they fought for contact with water-covered asphalt.
The hiss, while not overtly annoying, seemed to creep in around the rear side glass but I couldn't confirm that- my neck's not long enough. The existence of the "hiss" leaves me fairly convinced, not entirely convinced, that the Acoustic roof lives up to Audi's claims. Nevertheless, the Acoustic soft top is lightyears ahead of what I endured when I lived with the wedge. It's also well ahead of conventional fabric roofs when it comes to comfort and insulation, making Audi's Acoustic soft-top a very viable alternative to a retractable hardtop. Oh, and the TR7 - I wisely sold it before its warranty expired.
photo:Rob Rothwell
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Strangely, pelting rain wasn't audible on the S4's roof the way it rata-taps conventional fabric tops. Pulling out of Audi's Regional Office placed me on a freeway, among car and truck traffic battling the heavy rain and resulting spray. I zoomed up to the legal limit and noted an absence of wind rush from around the joints and seals of the roof; whether equivalent to a hardtop S4 or not, I can't say. Traffic noise was also effectively muted- certainly more so than one would expect under a roof of cloth. The only sound potentially more prevalent under the Acoustic lid than a fixed hardtop was the hiss of the S4's low profile tires as they fought for contact with water-covered asphalt.
The hiss, while not overtly annoying, seemed to creep in around the rear side glass but I couldn't confirm that- my neck's not long enough. The existence of the "hiss" leaves me fairly convinced, not entirely convinced, that the Acoustic roof lives up to Audi's claims. Nevertheless, the Acoustic soft top is lightyears ahead of what I endured when I lived with the wedge. It's also well ahead of conventional fabric roofs when it comes to comfort and insulation, making Audi's Acoustic soft-top a very viable alternative to a retractable hardtop. Oh, and the TR7 - I wisely sold it before its warranty expired.
photo:Rob Rothwell
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