2008 Audi RS4 Sedan

The RS4 is the most powerful A4-derived model ever sold by Audi. The second-generation model was introduced in 2006, with production of the limited edition model slated to end after all 2008 model year units are assembled. The previous-generation RS4 also had a short two-year run -- it was built between 1999 and 2001.

The small executive car is powered by a high-revving 4.2 V8 FSI engine sedan. It produces 420 hp at 7,800 rpm and 317 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 rpm. About 90 percent of this maximum torque is maintained consistently throughout a wide range of engine speeds from 2,250 to 7,600 rpm.

If the V8's regular growl isn't enough, drivers can press a "sport" button on the dashboard to produce a more aggressive exhaust note. Additionally, the electronic throttle control heightens its response to throttle inputs for a more sporty experience.

The car comes with a six-speed manual or Tiptronic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive featuring asymmetrical dynamic torque split. A Torsen center differential distributes the power to the front and rear wheels as -- in some cases entirely to the front or entirely to the rear.

Compared with the standard A4, the RS 4 is lowered by 1.2 inches. Another important change is the wider track -- courtesy of generously flared fenders -- increased by 1.5 inches at the front and 1.9 inches at the rear.

The car has 19-inch alloy wheels with 255/35/19 performance tires, a four-link front and trapezoidal-link rear sport-tuned suspension system, and 14.4-inch front and 12.8-inch rear brake rotors.

The RS 4 comes with Audi's Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), which serves to reduce body roll and pitch. This is accomplished by interconnecting the dampers diagonally. DRC employs no electronics.

Two new option packages -- the Titanium package and Audi exclusive package, will be available.

The $750 Titanium package consists of titanium colored 19-inch wheels, black front grille, black side window moldings, black interior headliner, and piano black interior trim.

The $3,800 Audi exclusive package has Crimson red leather seat centers (black leather side bolsters and head rests) and door trim, contrasting red seat piping, red stitching on the shift boot and steering wheel, piano black interior trim, carpeted floor mats with RS 4 logo and contrasting piping, and Audi exclusive badging. Sirius satellite radio and Bluetooth will become standard equipment on the RS 4.