Audi RS4 Cabriolet

Audi seems to be making more of its motorsport heritage to sell its cars. It has dominated Le Mans and other endurance racing categories in recent years and its quattro four-wheel drive system changed the face of rallying in the 1980s. The Audi A4 quattro was the class of the field in various European touring car championships in the mid-1990s and the company can trace its heritage back to the Auto Union Grand Prix cars of the 1930s. Audi's ultimate A4, the RS4, comes with a new 4.2-litre V8 FSI engine - technology that has been honed in the harsh arena of endurance racing. The RS models have long had a cult following, and this one should be no different. It will seat four and comes with a thumping V8 soundtrack, but the RS4 is enjoyable for many more reasons than merely being a fast car.

FSI, QUATTRO, TDI

All RS4s have as standard front and rear parking sensors, 19-inch alloy wheels, aluminium pedals, ABS with electronic brake force distribution, traction control with an electronic differential lock, alarm, Bose audio system, CD/radio with 10 speakers, cross-drilled brake discs, cruise control, information display, electric windows, dual-zone electronic climate control, heated front seats with electric lumbar support and inflatable side bolsters, carbon-fibre trim, leather interior trim, 'dynamic ride control', split-folding rear seats, front underseat storage trays, tyre pressure monitor and xenon headlights (including xenon on main beam). Options include 18-inch alloys (in place of standard 19-inch wheels at no extra charge), CD-autochanger and satellite navigation. 'Sports suspension plus' lowers the ride height by a further 10mm and comes with firmer spring and damper settings. Heated rear seats, adaptive headlights, auto-dimming rear-view mirrors and double-glazed side windows are also available as options. Choosing electrically adjustable seats means the inflatable side bolster feature must be deleted.

4.2 FSI QUATTRO