The automotive world often presents stark contrasts. Consider the Toyota Prius, a paragon of fuel efficiency, boasting a backup camera, keyless ignition, iPod integration, and an impressive 50+ miles per gallon. Then there’s the 2007 Audi Rs4. It forgoes even self-dimming mirrors and guzzles fuel at a rate of 11 miles per gallon, turning dinosaurs into noise and speed. A Prius will set you back around $25,000, but an RS4 commands the price of three Prii. On the highway, the Prius is a whisper-quiet cruiser, while the Audi RS4 assaults your senses with a symphony of mechanical fury, sounding and feeling like “a volcano making love to an avalanche.”
This dichotomy was immediately apparent upon encountering the RS4. A sensible voice, the ‘Toyota angel’, advocated for practicality and efficiency. But the moment my eyes landed on the RS4’s aggressive stance, an ‘Audi demon’ took hold, whispering promises of exhilarating performance. One drive later, and the demon had decisively won, leaving the angel whimpering in the rearview mirror.
Let’s dispense with the trivialities. The 2007 Audi RS4 exudes presence, like a muscular athlete in tailored sportswear. While the side mirrors might seem undersized and the carbon fiber trim across the dash feels somewhat superfluous, the interior is otherwise a testament to Audi’s renowned build quality and ergonomic design. Some might find the stereo system underwhelming and the rear seats compact, but these are minor concessions in a car built for driving thrills.
Performance figures often cite the RS4’s 0-60 mph time at around 4.6 seconds – undeniably rapid, placing it in direct competition with the BMW M3 of its era. However, these numbers fail to capture the true essence of the RS4’s acceleration. It’s the car’s ability to surge from 0-110 mph in what feels like mere moments that truly sets it apart.
Driving the RS4 at full throttle is akin to being launched from a high-powered catapult. Nestled ahead of the front axle is the heart of this beast: a lightweight, all-aluminum 4.2-liter V8 engine, a marvel of engineering weighing just 317 lbs. While its 420 horsepower output might seem comparable to something like a Dodge SRT-8, the comparison ends there. The RS4’s V8 is not just powerful; it’s a revelation in responsiveness and character, a world apart from the more utilitarian 6.1-liter Hemi.
Imagine cruising at 80 mph in sixth gear, the engine humming at a relaxed 3,000 rpm – a picture of serene motoring. Downshift to fifth, and the revs climb swiftly and smoothly to 4,000 rpm. In most cars, this downshift would initiate noticeable deceleration. Not in the RS4. Instead, the engine erupts into a more ferocious roar, fuel consumption increases, but your speed remains stubbornly constant, such is the engine’s relentless power delivery.
Further evidence of this engine’s flexibility? Try releasing the clutch in first gear without touching the accelerator pedal. The RS4 won’t stall; it will simply pull away with surprising eagerness. And let’s not forget the V8’s breathtaking 8,250 rpm redline – a mechanical symphony that’s genuinely addictive.
One might assume that such a potent engine in an Audi chassis would result in a nose-heavy, understeering machine, devoid of feel and finesse. This assumption would be profoundly wrong. I subjected the RS4 to a demanding test on a secluded, twisting back road, a proving ground I use to evaluate handling capabilities.
Previously, the Porsche Boxster held the crown on this stretch, effortlessly carving through corners at 70 mph. The nimble Mazda Miata, a benchmark for handling, managed around 60 mph. The 2007 Audi RS4 obliterated both, conquering the same two-mile section at a staggering 100 mph. With more daring, even greater speeds would have been attainable.
Audi’s engineers employed a range of sophisticated technologies to enable the RS4 – despite having 58% of its weight over the front wheels – to achieve near-perfect handling. Key among these is DRC, or Dynamic Ride Control, a system that hydraulically interconnects diagonally opposed shock absorbers. This innovative setup allows the rear shocks to anticipate and react to road conditions detected by the front wheels. The effectiveness of DRC is so significant that it was even banned from World Rally Championship competition.
Weight reduction was also a priority. All body panels forward of the doors are crafted from lightweight aluminum, contributing to improved agility. And the 19-inch Pirelli tires offer exceptional grip. While the initial turn-in might not be as razor-sharp as a Mitsubishi EVO, this all-wheel-drive performance sedan carries astonishing speed through corners, exceeding what most drivers can confidently manage. Exiting a corner, the RS4 unleashes its power with such force that it feels like piloting controlled aggression.
Then there’s the unassuming “S” button. In its standard mode, the RS4 is already exceptionally quick, audibly thrilling, and delivers a firm ride. Press the “S” button, however, and the car transforms into an even more intense experience.
Firstly, the throttle mapping is sharpened, making the engine respond even more instantaneously to inputs. Secondly, valves within the exhaust system open, deepening the exhaust note from a potent growl to an outright roar. Finally, the dampers stiffen further, transitioning the ride quality from firm to uncompromisingly rigid. The result is exhilarating. “Violence” in the standard mode becomes outright “war” with the “S” button engaged.
Words are insufficient to fully convey the visceral joy of driving a 2007 Audi RS4. Details such as the brakes being sourced from the Lamborghini Gallardo further underscore its performance pedigree. Even with a healthy dose of driving confidence, disabling the traction control system felt like a step too far, hinting at the raw potential lurking beneath. In conclusion, if you seek a thrilling, engaging, and timeless performance sedan, and have the means, the 2007 Audi RS4 is the ultimate destination. Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s some spirited driving to be done before the responsibilities of daily life intrude.
