There are those who would criticize the Audi RS4 Cabriolet, saying the big V-8 engine in its nose only amplifies the understeering tendencies of its Quattro all-wheel-drive system; that it costs a truckload of cash; and that a cloth top couldn’t be as good as a folding metal roof—like most convertibles du jour. To which the only reply can be: fie, pish, and pshaw!

As V-8s go, this one is at the top of the timing chain. You may know this power-plant from such vehicles as the much-lauded R8 supercar. It’s an all-aluminum 4.2-liter that uses direct fuel injection to cook up 420 horsepower at 7800 rpm and 317 pound-feet of torque at 5500 rpm. That is an impressive output of 100 horsepower per liter—without forced induction. So no turbo lag, just eager throttle response. And 90 percent of maximum torque is on tap from 2250 to 7600 rpm.

CLICK HERE to continue reading this review of the 2008 Audi RS4 Cabriolet.

Magazine Issue: Winding Road Issue 31