2008 Audi RS 4 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a reviewThe Audi RS 4, introduced to U.S. shores in 2006 and based on the A4 sedan, represents the high-performance level of the German automakerâ??s compact sports sedan line. For the 2008 model year the RS 4 will be offered in a limited-production Cabriolet model, while the sedan will add two new trim packages.
One might mistake the RS 4 for an A4, as the latter is the basis of the former, but it's unlikely. The bulging fender flares necessary to cover the RS 4's 1.5-inch-wider front track, 1.9-inch-wider rear, and 19-inch wheels are a giveaway, as is the RS 4's all-around 1.1-inch-lower stance. Integrated front and rear spoilers are telltale signs of the performance orientation of this Audi sedan.
A glance through those 19-inch wheels reveals pizza-pie-size ventilated, cross-drilled 14.4-inch front brake rotors with 8-piston calipers and 12.8-inch rear rotors, all of which can haul you down from 60 mph to a dead stop in only 107 feet. If you ventured underneath the car, youâ??d spy the NACA brake ducts that direct air to those rotors to reduce their temperatures by 170 degrees at speed - you won't find those on a normal A4.
A quick peek under the hood will no doubt result in shock and awe â?? neither a turbo 4-cylinder nor a V6 sits over the front axle. Rather, by means of some sort of secret arts, Audi engineers have shoehorned a 4.2-liter V8 into the A4's engine compartment. This all-aluminum, direct-injection, DOHC, 32-valve, high-compression V8 produces 420 hp, with 90% of its 317 pound-feet of torque available from 2,250 to 7,600 rpm, redlining at an awe-inspiring 8,250 rpm. All of this power flows through the only available transmission, a buttery-smooth six-speed manual. Audi claims 0-60 mph in 4.8 seconds, but Edmunds and Motor Trend reviewers did it in 4.5 seconds. The RS 4 is electronically limited to 155 mph.
Once the clutch hooks up, a specially tuned version of the famed Audi quattro all-wheel-drive system powers the wheels. For the RS 4, the center differential was changed from a viscous unit to the faster Torsen differential, with a 40/60 rear-biased torque split, as opposed to the typical Audi 50/50 split, yet the full 100% is available to either front or rear axles.
In addition to the handling dynamics of a rear-wheel driver, the RS 4 also incorporates Audi's Dynamic Ride Control, in which the diagonally opposite (front right to rear left/front left to rear right) dampers are linked with a gas-charged reservoir. This fully mechanical system adjusts shock valving according to the carâ??s dynamic forces â?? Audi says this drastically reduces lean, squat, and dive.
Steering is exceptional, with some reviewers claiming the RS 4 displaces all-time-champ BMW in its road feel and precision. Audi uses its Servotronic system, which increases pressure based on vehicle and steering speed to offer great feedback and response during fast driving.
Reviewers inevitably compare the RS 4's handling to its lighter rival, the BMW M3. Being a heavier car, the RS 4 handles in a much more composed fashion. A Motor Trend editor claimed it was such a competent handler as to be "one dimensional" in a video review, in that the car's mechanicals and not so much the driver directly engage the road - "more a sport sedan than a sport racer." Yet it certainly handles. At Edmunds it came in second to their fastest-ever slalom speed, posted by the very light and nimble Mitsubishi Evo â?? and that was only 0.1 mph faster than the Audi.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2008 Audi RS 4
Write a reviewUser rating:
by James A
Mar 09, 2022
Awesome car great stability balance handling i love this carMar 09, 2022
by Jordan M
Dec 31, 2021
Greatest car I have ever owned. NA V8 with a manual transmission, handles well and been very reliable. Will never sell it. Dec 31, 2021
by Jazz C
Aug 03, 2021
Simply put this car is a blast and awesome to drive handling balance off the chartsAug 03, 2021
User rating:
by James A
Mar 09, 2022
Awesome car great stability balance handling i love this carMar 09, 2022
by Jordan M
Dec 31, 2021
Greatest car I have ever owned. NA V8 with a manual transmission, handles well and been very reliable. Will never sell it. Dec 31, 2021
by Jazz C
Aug 03, 2021
Simply put this car is a blast and awesome to drive handling balance off the chartsAug 03, 2021
by Anonymous
Oct 19, 2020
2007 & 2008 Audi RS4s were sleepers. Most people had no idea of what they were or what size engine lived under the hood. AWD, 6 speed tranny, and over 400 HP made them giant killers undercover. One of the finest cars ever made. Nuff said!Oct 19, 2020
by Taylor T
Oct 14, 2020
Stinky. Oct 14, 2020
by josh B
Aug 04, 2014
Best car I've owned to date, and I've been through quite a few german counterparts. It does everything very, very well, and has very few drawbacks. A blast to drive, great engine and drive-train, great AWD, and handsome as can be. Aug 04, 2014
by Yoga W
Aug 06, 2010
This my best tuner car I've ever. .
Engine : Moser Enginering, V12 engine, Turbo exhaust
Power : 415 HP, +Turbo +25 HP
Acceleration : 0 - 100 Km/h 4,35s
Braking : Ceramic Brakes System
Tires : VolkTires-Bfgoodrich
Handling : 1-5* ~> 4*
Mileage : 6,5k
It has 4 doors
Aug 06, 2010
by Sakis K
Dec 18, 2009
super car,anepanalipto
agonistiko,oikogeneiako,spor,emfanisimo,ta spaei kai me ta
420 ps kato apo to dexi sou podi ginesai theos mesa sto
gamato bucket faisesai pali mikros.apsogos sxediasmos kai me
tis apisteuta uperoxes zantes sigoura tha sas sinarpasei to
RS4Dec 18, 2009
by Roy S
Dec 01, 2009
SA FKN NIK ac son moteur ki baise des anus et son
look de jaggal qui te fait bander, elle coute au
minimum 57000$ jparle vrm au minimum et sa a
dlaire fun a conduire en osti pi audi nik Dec 01, 2009
by Jeremy S
Oct 19, 2009
The car is awsome. I raced it once and just smoked the two beamers i was racing. Its a joy ride. the features are great its even the titaniun package which it has all the chrome blacked out. Pure Awsomeness.Oct 19, 2009
by James R
Sep 08, 2009
This car is really powerful. Its kinda like a muscle car disguised as an autobahn racer, i mean the power that this naturally aspirated engine delivers is just unreal. I find myself cruising at 90mph like its nothing. Before getting into the handling because that is one of this cars most noticeable aspects, id like to say that this machine is just plain fun to drive, and that exhaust note i mean, it sounds like a gorilla making love to a dinosaur. The quattro AWD (all wheel drive) really demonstrates beautifully how easy this car is to drive when being pushed to its far limits. If i had to use one word to describe this car; it would have to be amazing.Sep 08, 2009
by Elias U
Aug 23, 2009
d a s i s t m e i n l i e b l i n g s a u t o
d a s h a t a l l e s w a s m a n s i ch w ü n s c h t :-)Aug 23, 2009
by Yasin P
Aug 25, 2008
4200cc V8 engine gives you enough adrenaline when you step on the gas it awakes your senses in less then 5 seconds and you already have a speed 100km/h although with quattro's high level of traction is accomplished audi's porschekiller ; ) you also have cabriolaet option for more fresh air : )Aug 25, 2008
by Matt L
Jul 11, 2008
I researched buying my next car based on performance, exterior design, interior ergonomics, and overall quality. My choices were narrowed down to the Lexus IS-F, Mercedes C63 AMG, BMW M3 (new look) and Audi RS4. After driving all of them I ended up liking the Mercedes and Audi the best of the four. The BMW's transmission and shifter didn't feel as good as it should for the brand and price point, and the M-DCT wasn't out at the time I needed to buy a car. The IS-F was too polarizing, both inside and out. I didn't like the fake exhaust, either. The Audi was the most balanced of the four - and the all-wheel-drive quattro system was really apparent on wet pavement and mountain roads. The styling worked for me, the powertrain worked for me, and the interior was top-notch in qualities, if not a bit old-fashioned-looking, which I preferred anyway. Great machine. No problems in 6,000 miles of driving. Jul 11, 2008
by Jeffrey B
Jun 23, 2008
a beastJun 23, 2008
by Niall O
Jun 20, 2008
fastJun 20, 2008
by Dam Dam D
Jun 16, 2008
PowerfulJun 16, 2008
by Nikki C
May 31, 2008
Everyone should have one - in real life!May 31, 2008
by Constantin K
May 26, 2008
A very beautiful and fast saloon car which can be both used as a family car and a sportscar.
May 26, 2008
by Jason G
May 07, 2008
This late bloomer from Audi, has been worth every second spent waiting for an answer to the unhinged BMW M3, and Merc's C55AMG. Finally, Audi has struck it right. Althogh in a straight line, the other german counterparts may pull ever so slightly ahead, its on the track where one can come to appreciate the complete domination of the new and improved Quattro System. Streering feedback has been improved, and the amazing Recaro Sports racing seats hold your body firmly, while the amazing chassis sucks up every single curve and bump. Beneath the bonnet, beats a heart of savage and power.4.2 litres of V8 german Braun, just waiting to be unleashed. in a run done on Discovery's Top Gear, the Stig, compared the RS4's predecessor, the S4, against BMW's M3. in a straight line, the Beemer was quicker, however, when it came to the completion of a laptime, the Audi took 1st place. Gracefully.. Needless to say, the New RS4 would easily out perform its German stable mates on the track. With Mercs latest answer to Audi's array of performence cars that have been launched, the C63 AMG might be what could make the Audi, start to quiver a little. As for now, climb in, start the engine, hit the 'S' button, and enjoy the rideMay 07, 2008
by Ruggero A
Apr 26, 2008
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xdcfgvhjikolpò-à§
cvgbhjnkml,.ò-àApr 26, 2008
by Anonymous
Feb 23, 2008
If the roar of the engine at start up isnt enough, along with the whistling dual fuel pumps (one per bank) then press the "S" button and open the butterfly on the exhaust and (if applicable) have the seats blow up around you.Feb 23, 2008
by Pit G
Jan 03, 2008
2008 audi rs4 best of the best !!Jan 03, 2008
by Kyle M
Jan 02, 2008
Power is great, looks are great, everything is greatJan 02, 2008
by Henrik F
Jan 02, 2008
WELL it is a very nice car. Very fast. does not coast very much.Jan 02, 2008
by Darren W
Nov 20, 2007
A U D INov 20, 2007
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2008 Audi RS 4 Pricing
Original MSRP
$66,910 to $81,900Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Active charcoal air filtration · Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: element · Memory card slot auxiliary audio input · 6 disc in-dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · 1 subwoofer · Total Number of Speakers: 10
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: carbon · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 4 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: rear · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Sunshade: rear window · Universal garage door opener: Homelink · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11 · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Grille color: black · License plate bracket: front · Paint: premium · Window trim: black
Header
Option Delete: Generic
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 3
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: remote operation
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Rear center seatbelt: 3-point · Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Rear seat folding: split · Upholstery: premium leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Tires and Rims
Wheels: alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags
Audio System
IPod auxiliary audio input · CD changer: 6 · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Premium Brand: Bose · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 9
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Front brake diameter: 14.4 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 12.8 · Rear brakes: ventilated disc
Comfort Features
Center console trim: leather · Dash trim: leather · Door trim: carbon · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Shift knob trim: alloy · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cargo area power outlet: 12V · Center console: front console with storage · Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: 4 driver · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · One-touch windows: 2 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Reading lights: front · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Drivetrain
4WD Type: full time · Axle ratio: 4.11 · Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
License plate bracket: front · Paint: premium
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: low fuel level
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: auto delay off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 8
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Convertible roof: power
Safety
Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Seatbelt force limiters: front · Seatbelt pretensioners: front
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: sport bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: premium leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lateral links · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: strut · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Navigation system: DVD navigation system · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: performance
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: remote operation