The automotive world is often about trade-offs. Fuel efficiency versus power, comfort versus performance, and sometimes, sensibility versus pure, unadulterated driving pleasure. If you were contemplating a sensible, fuel-sipping choice like a Toyota Prius in 2007, you’d be rewarded with impressive mileage and practical features. But step into the realm of the 2007 Audi Rs 4, and you enter a different dimension – one where the roar of a naturally aspirated V8 drowns out any whisper of practicality, and every drive becomes an event. Forget self-dimming mirrors; this car is about feeling the road, hearing the engine, and experiencing performance in its rawest form. While the Prius sips fuel, the RS 4 guzzles it like a thirsty beast, yet it offers an experience that’s worth every drop.
Let’s cut to the chase. The 2007 Audi RS 4 isn’t about subtle elegance; it’s about muscular presence. Imagine a Shawne Merriman in automotive form – powerful, tightly wound, and impossible to ignore. While some might nitpick about the slightly undersized mirrors or the debatable aesthetics of the carbon fiber trim, these are minor distractions in the face of what the RS 4 truly offers. The interior, typically Audi, is well-crafted and driver-focused, putting you in the perfect command position. Forget about cavernous rear seats or a concert-hall stereo; the RS 4’s symphony is under the hood, and the back seats are merely suggestions.
The Explosive Performance of the RS 4 Engine
Performance figures often tell part of the story, but with the 2007 Audi RS 4, they barely scratch the surface. Yes, it hits 60 mph in around 4.6 seconds, putting it neck-and-neck with its rivals like the BMW M3 of the time. But the real story is the relentless surge of power that continues well beyond. It feels as though the RS 4 could catapult you to 110 mph almost as quickly as it reaches 60, a testament to its phenomenal engine.
Imagine being launched from a trebuchet – that’s the sensation of the RS 4’s acceleration. Nestled ahead of the front axle is a masterpiece of engineering: a lightweight, all-aluminum 4.2-liter V8 engine. It churns out a potent 420 horsepower, a figure that might seem matched by larger displacement engines like the Dodge SRT-8’s 6.1-liter Hemi. However, the RS 4’s V8 is in a different league. It’s not just about raw power; it’s about responsiveness, sound, and the sheer joy of revving an engine that feels alive.
Picture this: cruising at 80 mph in sixth gear, the engine humming at a relaxed 3,000 rpm. Downshift to fifth, and the revs climb swiftly and smoothly to 4,000 rpm. In most cars, this might result in engine braking, a slight deceleration. Not in the RS 4. Instead, the V8 unleashes a more ferocious roar, devours more fuel, and simply maintains your velocity with an added layer of auditory exhilaration.
Still need convincing? Try this: in first gear, release the clutch without touching the accelerator pedal. The RS 4 won’t stall; it will simply pull away, a testament to its low-end torque and engine flexibility. And let’s not forget the pièce de résistance: an 8,250 rpm redline. This isn’t just an engine; it’s an addiction, a mechanical symphony that begs to be explored.
Handling Prowess: Defying Expectations
One might assume that with a front-biased weight distribution, the 2007 Audi RS 4 would be plagued by understeer and a lack of feedback. Such assumptions are spectacularly wrong. The RS 4’s handling is nothing short of revelatory. Push it hard on a demanding road, and it redefines what’s possible for an all-wheel-drive performance sedan.
To truly evaluate a car’s handling, you need a challenging road. And in such environments, the RS 4 shines. Where a Porsche Boxster might conquer corners at 70 mph and a nimble Mazda Miata at 60 mph, the RS 4 demolishes the same stretch at a staggering 100 mph – and feels like it could go even faster.
Audi’s engineers pulled out all the stops to make the RS 4 handle with such precision, despite having 58% of its weight over the front wheels. The secret weapon is DRC, or Dynamic Ride Control. This ingenious hydraulic system interconnects the diagonally opposed dampers, allowing the suspension to react proactively. As the front wheels encounter a change in road surface or cornering force, the rear dampers instantly adjust, maintaining optimal body control and grip. This system is so effective it was even deemed too advantageous for WRC competition and subsequently banned.
Beyond DRC, weight-saving measures further enhance agility. Aluminum body panels up front contribute to reducing inertia, while the superb 19-inch Pirelli tires provide exceptional grip. While turn-in might not be quite as razor-sharp as a lightweight sports car like an EVO, the RS 4, despite its weight and all-wheel-drive system, carries astonishing speed through corners. And when you unleash the power after the apex, the RS 4 transforms into a corner-carving missile, delivering acceleration that feels almost violent.
Unleashing the “S” Mode: From Bonkers to War
As if the standard RS 4 experience wasn’t intense enough, there’s a small, unassuming “S” button that unlocks another level of performance. In its normal mode, the RS 4 is already blisteringly fast, sounds incredible, and delivers a firm ride. Engage “S” mode, and three distinct transformations occur.
First, the throttle mapping is sharpened, making the already responsive engine react even more instantaneously to your right foot. Second, valves in the exhaust system open, morphing the exhaust note from a powerful roar to an all-out, visceral scream. Finally, the dampers firm up further, taking the ride from firm to uncompromisingly stiff. Some might find it harsh, but for driving enthusiasts, it’s pure exhilaration. “S” mode elevates the RS 4 from merely “bonkers” to a state of automotive “war,” a truly visceral and engaging driving experience.
The 2007 Audi RS 4 is more than just a car; it’s an event, a sensory overload of performance and sound. Details like Lamborghini Gallardo-derived brakes and the almost unnecessary stability control system (only the brave or foolish would fully disable it on public roads) further underscore its performance pedigree. If you have the opportunity to experience an RS 4, seize it. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most thrilling drives are the ones that prioritize passion and performance above all else. Now, if you’ll excuse me, there’s a V8 symphony calling my name.
