AUDI has expanded its RS4 range with the addition of convertible models to add to the existing saloon and estate ranges.
The RS4 quattro Avant is up for grabs at £51,780 and the RS4 quattro Cabriolet is £59,580.
It is the first RS range in any segment in Audi history to offer a choice of three body styles and is the world's fastest and most powerful compact executive saloon, four-seater cabriolet and estate car.
The specification of the estate and convertible models is broadly similar to the RS4 quattro saloon, with the addition of matt aluminium roof rails for the Avant and for the Cabriolet a six-CD changer, DVD satellite navigation and a change from Valcona leather upholstery to Silk Nappa leather with contrasting piping.
The non-turbo 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine seen first in the RS4 quattro saloon provides the Avant and Cabriolet versions with a maximum of 420bhp at a screaming 7,800rpm.
Power is transmitted through a six-speed manual gearbox, giving the Avant and Cabriolet a 0-62mph time just one tenth of a second down on the saloon model at 4.9 seconds. All three versions are electronically limited to a 155mph maximum road speed.
Throttle response can be maximised at the touch of a button on the steering wheel that adjusts the throttle control mapping when exceptionally quick driving is required. At the same time, the sports button also automatically inflates the driver's seat bolsters in saloon and Avant models for firmer support.
The RS4s look the part too, being 30mm lower than the standard model with a wider track front and rear, an enlarged front bumper with extra air intakes and bloated exhaust pipes.
Riding on distinctive 19-inch alloy wheels framing 18-inch disc brakes and fronted by the striking Audi single frame grille, the attention-grabbing body of the newcomers cloaks an equally dramatic interior. The tapered sports steering wheel, bucket seats and engine starter button combine with extensive carbon fibre trim to add more than a touch of racing car looks.
Perhaps the greatest thing about the RS4 in whatever shape or form is that it goes just as well as it looks, which is certainly not true of all high-powered cars.
It is positively sensational in every respect. The performance is quite awesome, the handling is outstanding, the brakes are indecently powerful and the whole package is meticulously balanced.
For those in search of a genuine supercar for relatively modest money in supercar terms the RS4 is a snip.
Yes of course 50 grand-plus is a lot of dosh and yes the RS4 does cost about £13,000 more than the S4 despite being just one second quicker to 62mph but it takes an awful lot of engineering to get the time down from 5.8 seconds to just 4.8 seconds.
For those in pursuit of ultimate performance it is a price worth paying.
FAST FACTS
Audi RS4 quattro 4dr
Price: £50,675
Mechanical: 420bhp, 4,163cc, 8cyl diesel engine driving all four wheels via 6spd manual gearbox.
Max speed: 155mph
0-62mph: 4.8 secs
Combined mpg: 20.9
Insurance group: 20
CO2 emissions: 324g/km
BiK rating: 35%
Warranty: 3yrs/ 60,000 miles, 3yrs paint, 12yrs anti-rust