The first generation of Audi RS4 was the epitome of forbidden fruit for US car enthusiasts- offered as both a sedan and a wagon, the rest of the world got to enjoy the...
The first generation of Audi RS4 was the epitome of forbidden fruit for US car enthusiasts- offered as both a sedan and a wagon, the rest of the world got to enjoy the twin-turbo V6, all-wheel drive performance while we made do with the more run-of-the-mill S4. But, with the B7 generation in 2006, Audi announced they would begin importing the RS4 sedan to the US, putting it squarely in competition with two of the best sports sedans to come out of Germany- the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63. In many ways, this car was a departure for Audi- although it retained the Quattro all-wheel-drive system they built their reputation on- instead of being powered by a smaller displacement engine with forced induction, the RS4 featured a 4.2 liter naturally aspirated V8. Period review loved the RS4 for its all-weather performance, and surefooted feel even at high speeds while offering nimble enough handling to be tossable in the corners.
This 2008 RS4 is finished in what many consider the ultimate Audi color of the time- Nogaro Blue. The iconic bright blue was first seen on the RS2 fast wagon of the early 1990s and became synonymous with Audi's fastest and most exclusive vehicles. Although to the enthusiast, the RS4 is immediately identifiable as a performance variant, one of the things that makes it so unique is the understated design elements that separate it from a more normal A4 or S4. Current sport sedans are frequently fitted with massive splitters and enormous wings. In contrast, with the RS4, some subtly flared fenders, a larger front grille, two wide oval exhaust pipes, and some silver-painted mirrors were the only significant tipoffs to what was hiding under the hood.
The interior is presented with stunning Daytona Gray leather seats designed by Recaro up front. This color is such a light gray that it is almost white and provides exceptional contrast to the blue exterior and the black piping that rings the edges of the seats. A black dashboard and center console are covered in stunning gloss carbon fiber that emphasizes the car's sporting nature over more standard dark wood trim. A pleasant, chunky 3-spoke leather-wrapped steering wheel frames a set of bold gauges with bright white type and Audi's famous glowing red needles that are a joy to watch sweep across the dials as you drive.
Beneath the surface of the RS4 lies a true engineering marvel - an all-aluminum, 4.2-liter, DOHC V8 engine. This powerhouse shares significant DNA with the engine found in Audi's legendary R8 supercar. The RS4 flexes its muscles with a stout 414 horsepower and the ability to effortlessly soar to an 8,000 rpm redline while delivering ample power across the entire rev range. The gratifyingly tactile 6-speed manual transmission allows you to extract every ounce of performance from the vehicle and brings sheer delight, even during daily commutes. However, the inclusion of Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system truly sets the RS4 apart from its rivals. Tailored for sportiness, this system elevates the RS4's driving dynamics to an unmatched confidence level in any weather or road condition.
The RS4 stands as an enduring icon among sports sedans, maintaining its remarkable appeal even 15 years after its production. Finished in one of the most iconic colors, this RS4 is an exceptional driver-quality example ready to be enjoyed as one of the final examples of a truly analog sports sedan.