Some people, I suspect, will find the new Audi S4 Cabriolet completely irresistible. No need to scratch around in the dust for reasons, the first is staring us in the face: it’s beautiful. Best-looking A4, best-looking cabrio in its class. End of argument. The M3 Cabriolet drivers clicking their knuckles in the corner might at least consider conceding the beauty contest with good grace.
Second, the hood’s terrific – taut, low on wind noise at speed and wonderfully engineered. Maybe not the fastest one-button folder in town, but oh-so precise, elegant and quiet. Another excuse, in fact, for Audi to indulge its greatest skill – the intense expression of material and build quality.
Three, the engine spec’s a jaw-dropper: 4.2 litres, eight cylinders, 40 valves, 339bhp at 7000rpm, 302lb ft of torque at 3500rpm, all contained within a lump that’s remarkably compact and light (150kg) and looks rather magnificent when you lift the bonnet.
And four, the quattro four-wheel drive and lightweight aluminium underpinnings deploy all that naturally aspirated big-cube ambition with unflappable confidence wet or dry. No heroes required.Pretty much the S4 saloon’s portfolio, then, and Audi has left no area unexamined to ensure all that car’s Teflon-coated virtues are in place for the drop-top. Plus, you can enjoy the V8’s creamy burble bathing the open cabin with a stiff breeze coursing through your hair.
They’ve focused particularly on refinement. Minimising vibration across a broad frequency band was a major priority, so Audi ran programmes simulating the Cabrio body’s reaction to movements of the suspension and the mechanical assemblies. They even developed a special, low-vibration steering column with extra location provided by a support linked to the substantial cross-member below the windscreen.
Exceptional rigidity is a given for a modern performance cabrio but, even so, more than half the weight of the S4 Cabrio’s body-in-white is said to be accounted for by high-strength or extra-high-strength sheet metal. Stiffness is further bolstered by a rigid, bolted-on frame at the front with supporting diagonal struts front and rear.
Audi being Audi, you’d expect the cosmetic differentiation to be subtle, and it is. The front bumper has larger air inlets, the xenon headlights wear a titanium-coloured surround behind the glass and the aluminium-finish door mirrors are, of course, signatures of the S/RS models. Likewise, the broadly-spaced exhaust tailpipes and 18-inch cast aluminium Avus III alloy wheels wearing 235/40 R18 Continental Sport Contact 2 tyres.
Signifiers inside include a sexy, three-spoke leather-clad steering wheel, grey S-badged dials and, on our test car, brushed aluminium trim inlays (you can also choose carbonfibre, piano black, and birch finishes). It’s all so reassuring – from the secure swathe of wrap-around facia to the natural texture of the plastic binnacle enveloping the big, clear instruments. The substantial centre console is punctuated, in its upper quarter, with subtle, feel-good switchgear. Just as impressive are the sturdy armrests, the profusion of stowage trays and cubbies and supremely comfortable and supportive, electrically adjustable Alcantara/leather seats. Hardly a fresh approach, yet familiarity has not dulled the new S4’s enormous aesthetic appeal.
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