Turn the key and it’s instantly obvious that this is not your average Audi.  Instead of a silky V6 purr, the distinctive burble of a V8 engine resonates through the dual exhausts.  It’s impossible to miss, especially if the top is down.  You don’t need to be told what happens when you give the accelerator a shove, do you?

Audi’s high-performance S4 lineup gets a new addition for 2004.  The S4 sedan and Avant wagon are joined by an S4 version of Audi’s slick A4 cabriolet, bringing high power and athletic poise to an already impressive four-place convertible.  Intended to give fits to BMW’s M3 convertible, and Mercedes’ CL-class roadster, it’s the only V8-powered all-wheel drive car in its segment.

From the curb, this beast is far more unassuming than its other German competitors.  All that sets the S4 Cabriolet apart from the A4 Cabriolet are larger air intakes up front, dual exhaust outlets at the rear and a red and silver “S4″ badge.  There are a subtle few aluminum accents that aren’t present on the A4.  Otherwise, the S4 Cabriolet shares the bar-of-aluminum-soap design that graces the rest of the handsome A4 lineup.  The top is fully automatic and has a scratchproof glass window.  It looks best with the top down; the design is what the art gurus would call “clean.”  The S4 Cabriolet is equipped with 18″ wheels.

The interior is monochromatic to a severe degree, especially in our black leather-upholstered test car.  Audi’s S4 models have unique instrument clusters with grey dials and a thick, sporty steering wheel.  Audi likes to offer interiors with a custom-tailored feel, so S4 Cabriolet buyers can select one of four different dash-inlay materials, and a dash of wood would certainly serve to lighten the mood.  The seats are comfortable, and there’s room for four inside the S4 Cabriolet.

Of course, the best thing about this car is the powerplant.  The 4.2 liter V8 offers an unexpected roar when throttled hard, and triple digits are reached with ease.  How did they stuff a V8 under the S4′s stubby hood?  It’s a compact engine; engineers relocated the auxiliary and cam drives to shorten it.  Power output is 344 horsepower; Audi’s five-valve intake system helps to boost the power of this relatively small V8.  “Small” is relative at the gas pumps, too; the S4 Cabriolet is subject to a gas guzzler tax, thanks to its 15-mpg thirst.  But fuel economy isn’t the point here; power and poise are.  A choice of six-speed manual or six-speed Tiptronic transmissions is offered.  Both are serious performance units; the available “manumatic” Tiptronic can be shifted with steering wheel-mounted paddles, if you’re a fan of clutchless shifting.

Audi’s quattro all-wheel drive system is standard equipment on all S4 Cabriolets, so performance in all weather conditions is excellent.  The ride is stable and sure-footed, to the point of being somewhat sterile.  That’s due in part to this chassis’ capability.  Aluminum suspension components are used extensively to improve the car’s reflexes.  Up front, a four-link setup is used, with trapezoidal links at the rear for a fully independent setup.  Combine the grippy suspension with all-wheel drive traction and Audi’s ESP stability control system, and it requires a truly stupid driver to un-stick the S4 Cabriolet.  To keep body flex to a minimum, the S4 Cabriolet’s structure includes lots of high-strength steel and additional bracing.  This has resulted in a somewhat heavy body; this relatively petite car scales in at just over two tons.  Thanks to the 344 horses under the hood, of course, it doesn’t feel at all overweight, and the added structure makes for a secure ride even at triple-digit speeds.

On the road, steering response was slower than we expected, but far from sluggish.  Audi’s Servotronic steering system varies the power boost to keep it responsive at all speeds.

On the safety front, anti-lock brakes with Brake Assist are standard equipment, of course.  Invisible to the occupants are rollover hoops that pop out behind the rear seats in the event of a rollover to protect the passenger cabin.

Is the S4 Cabriolet the ultimate performance convertible?  Possibly.  Is it a value leader?  We doubt anyone would say so.  Pricing for the S4 Cabriolet starts at $53,850.  Our lovely silver test car, with a Bose premium sound system and Sirius satellite radio, hit the streets at $58,595, including a $1,700 gas guzzler tax.  That’s roughly $14,000 per passenger, and considering the S4 Cabriolet’s performance and poise, you just might not have any trouble finding three friends to chip in.

Specifications:

All specs are for the 2004 Audi S4 cabriolet, which we tested.
Length:         180.0 in.
Width:            70.0 in.
Height:            54.8 in.
Wheelbase:        104.5 in.
Curb weight:        4089 lb.
Cargo space:        10.2 cu.ft.
Base price:        $53,850
Price as tested:        $58,595
Engine:         4.2 liter DOHC V8
Drivetrain:         six-speed manual, all-wheel drive
Horsepower:         340 @ 7000
Torque:         302 @ 3500
Fuel capacity:        16.6 gal.
Est. mileage:        15/21 (six-speed manual)

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