If you’ve read any of my other articles on Audi vehicles you know I’m a big fan. The A4 is one of my favorite small sedans on the market and the A8 is, well, simply superb. I was first introduced to Audi by my sister who sold me an old burgundy colored 5000 with a 5 cylinder motor that was almost as loud as an airplane taking off! Bad exhaust system and engine fan were the culprits although the motor itself was none to quiet either. Even though it was loud and about as reliable as a Yugo I still loved it. Thankfully Audi has curbed the loud engine fans and reliability is no more an issue than just about any other car on the road today. So now in place of reliability concerns, your attention can be directed to how fast you’re willing to take the next corner as new Audi’s can rocket you from 0-60 in 5.3 seconds and is only limited to 155 M.P.H. due to an electronic limiter when top speed is reached.

Looking at the background of Audi you will find they have been in business since 1910 with the first S4 hitting the streets in 1991. The idea behind it was a sportier version of the Audi 100 with increased horsepower and sportier suspension. The S and RS are sportier versions of the A4 with a 340 H.P. V-8 in the S, while the RS has a gut wrenching 420 H.P. V-8. I was excited to drive the 2007 S4 as it was my first “S” I had driven for more than anything but a short trip from a friends house to the store and this was not only an S4 but an S4 cabriolet! With that in mind I was as excited about driving it as a teenage boy getting invited to his girlfriends house for the first time when her parents are out of town. On the outside the S4 cabriolet doesn’t look much different from the A4 cabriolet, it has the same smooth lines, aggressive curves and the ever recognizable trapezoidal shaped grill with one dead giveaway, the V8 badge on the front quarter panels. The S4 sits just a smidgen lower than the A4, 30 mm to be exact, due to its aggressive suspension system. Once inside you’ll find nicely appointed leather seats, good leg and headroom and a nicely equipped sound system. There is an optional navigation system that is integrated into a center screen that is the control center for all of your HVAC and listening controls. At first Audi’s layout is a little intimidating but you get the hang of it quick. I still would like to see them use some of the ideas the BMW and Mercedes have incorporated into their controls as they seem to be easier and safer. The drop top is completely automatic and can be dropped at speeds up to 19 M.P.H. The top is made of a high density fabric with sound dampening technology and is advertised as being as quiet as the sedan. Although I didn’t believe it going I agree it is close and this is definitely the quietest drop top I have ever been in. The S4 comes standard with a 6 speed manual and has an available 6 speed Tiptronic automatic with manual gear shifting. All models are equipped with the famed Audi Quattro all wheel drive and uses a 50/50 ratio for the Tiptronic transmission and 40/60 for the manual. The ratio is the percentage of power that is being split between the front and back axels in optimum driving conditions. The aggressive sport suspension does cause it to ride a little rougher than your typical Audi but the increase in handling is well worth it. The S4 comes equipped with 4-wheel antilock disc brakes with electronic brake-force distribution and an enhanced version of Audi’s electronic stability and traction control. Front side and side-curtain airbags that cover all but the middle passenger are also standard. It is also equipped with rollover pillars that pop up in milliseconds when the car senses it is going to roll over to help protect the passengers. The S4 is fast, beautiful and meant to be driven. Turn the radio up, drop the top and hit the gas and don’t forget about the speed limit because you wont notice how fast your going if your not careful until you see the bubble gum machine in the rear-view mirror.