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May the fours be with you

The outrageous, Quattro-equipped Audi RS4 offers blinding performance. Is it capable of kicking the BMW M3 in the pants?

HIGH STRUNG The last word in compact sedan performance today, the RS4's middle name is intimidation. Notice the high-tech, bespoke interiors and the Lamborghini Gallardo-borrowed steering wheel

The importance of a relatively unnoticed object in making a powerful statement can never be overstated. The object in question here is the steering wheel on the Audi RS4 - it isn't an original Audi piece but has been borrowed from sister company, Lamborghini's Gallardo sports car. Point made, no further questions.

By giving the RS4 400-odd bhp, Audi has raised its game in such a way that makes sure that its Munich-based rival, the BMW M3 is running for cover. Audi can even think of outflanking BMW by offering the RS4 as an estate as well as in saloon and convertible forms.

Still not convinced about an Audi saloon offering shattering sports car like performance? Okay, we'll for once let the stats do the talking. The RS4 has an V8 motor that's capable of belting out 414 bhp. It produces 43.8 kgm of torque. Zero to 100 kph can be achieved in 4.5 seconds.

Traction attack!

The car's greatest strength apart from that monster of an engine however, is the legendary Quattro system. Launched way back in 1981, the Quattro was the system that turned rallying logic and beliefs upside on its head. Before its launch, common sense had it that the best way to go racing was to power the rear wheels, while the front ones were left to steer the car. Multiple driveshafts, it was believed, would only add to the unwanted weight of the car. At its launch no one gave the Quattro much of a chance of winning a race, leave alone the world championship, but it did just that. Its success also meant that other manufacturers soon ditched their erstwhile belief in rear wheel drive and shifted to all-wheel drive. The Quattro also became a great marketing success for Audi and since then, most of its road cars come equipped with the Quattro.

Picture perfect

To say that the RS4 looks good would be a gross understatement. The huge 255/19 tyres lend a hand in giving it that intimidating look. These huge, 19-inch alloys stretch into tight fitting, flared wheel-arches. However, from the rear there is little to differentiate this car from a regular A4. The overall exterior design is that of a muscular athlete and the Audi RS4 manages to look devastatingly quick even when stationary. The interiors are nice, classy and uncluttered and the seats are a great place to be in. Fit and finish is absolutely top class - no shiny plastics or out-of-place buttons here. The cabin is a brilliant combination of silver, gray and black and there is no need for improvement in its design or components quality. The instrumentation is bespoke. Its clear and the dials are sporty in design. Important controls like the ESP and Sport buttons are ergonomically placed side by side each other and close to the driver.

There's a creamy richness to the V8 engine that gets the blend of raucous performance and civilized refinement just about right. The RS4 gets a six speed manual gearbox that is a better choice than having an auto that robs the fun of driving such a powerful car. In the RS4, the all-wheel drive has its power biased towards the rear wheels in a 40:60 ratio unlike the 50:50 of most other Audis.

The RS4 is a seriously good car in many areas, not just those of outright grip and traction - it's fast, civilized, well finished and appointed. It doesn't lack raw-edged excitement and this is evident right from when the muscular engine growls into life. At Rs 62 lakh it's not cheap by any sports car standards, but it is more comfortable than other conventional coupes, and if the heavens open up, there's always the reassurance of the Quattro all-wheel-drive to deal with slippery tarmac. You can also fit in your entire family, which would be nearly impossible in a Porsche or another coupe. So, all things considered, the Audi RS4 is probably the fastest production Audi ever and the best all-round, all-weather, high performance compact sedan you can buy today.

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