2008 Audi S4 Cabriolet

2008 Audi S4 Cabriolet

An enjoyable and sporty driving experience, superior and complex technology, classic and exciting styling, and luxury that those demands make on the luxury class: Audi presents a modern-day classic - the Audi S4 Cabriolet.The classic soft-top convertible traits are evident at first glance: the open-top fourseater has Audi's single-frame grille that typifies the brand. The car's taut styling, clear surfaces and tension-packed shoulder line extending along the entire body are characteristic features of the Audi S4 Cabriolet.Innovative and highly sophisticated technologies are an integral part of practically all vehicle areas and components: the Bi-Xenon headlights with adaptive lighting are proof of this, as is quattro® permanent four-wheel drive. The quality of materials and workmanship in the interior are of a standard that needs not fear comparison with the luxury class. The architecture of the driver's area, especially the cockpit - a perfect synthesis of ergonomics, function and design - is pioneering.

The design

Self-assured in appearance, the striking single-frame grille and clear-glass headlights with their curving, emotional line give the Audi S4 Cabriolet an aggressive face. The trapezoidal shape of the single-frame grille is continued in the more prominent contours of the engine hood.Like the Audi S4 Sedan, the Audi S4 Cabriolet features the S-specific grid pattern in the singleframe grille. The bumpers with large air inlets, the aluminium-look casings for the exterior mirrors, the redesigned rear lights, the V8 badges on the front fenders, and the four oval tailpipes are the distinguishing visual features of the Audi S4 Cabriolet.Taut lines and clear surfaces that hold no secrets, coupled with a tension-packed shoulder line extending along the entire length of the body, produce a look that is simultaneously powerful and elegant. The rear end is distinguished by lights with a clear-glass appearance that also emphasize the Audi S4 Cabriolet's premium quality from behind. The rear diffuser underscores the car's sports character.The modern and innovatively designed interior fits with the progressive look of the car's exterior styling. The steering wheels provide their characteristic element in the airbag cover with its single-frame design. Door sill trims with aluminum inserts and numerous aluminum inlays are a standard feature of the Audi S4 Cabriolet.Inside, the Audi S4 Cabriolet differs in appearance from the Audi A4 Cabriolet. The instrument cluster has special needles and grey dials that are characteristic of S models. Power adjustable sports seats with leather upholstery further differentiate the Audi S4 Cabriolet. Inlays in Walnut or Fine Grain Birch wood grey can be ordered.Almost all convertibles look good with the top down, but only a few are equally as attractive with the top up. The Audi S4 Cabriolet cuts an extremely fine figure, both open and closed. Thanks to its good thermal insulation and glass rear window, the Audi S4 Cabriolet can also be used without restriction in the winter.Audi also offers an acoustic roof that that is even more insulating. By using new fabrics with a greater material density, the noise level inside the cabin is reduced further, virtually matching that of the Audi A4 sedan, even at highway speeds. This new acoustic top is standard fare on the Audi S4 Cabriolet.

Engine and transmission

The Audi S4 Cabriolet is propelled by a 340 hp eight-cylinder engine. Its maximum power output is reached at 7,000 rpm. The 4.2-litre engine delivers a hefty 302 ft. lbs. of torque at 3,500 rpm. Thanks to such a superior power flow from the substantial displacement, this naturally aspirated engine exhibits an air of supreme confidence.

The chassis

The set-up of the dynamic suspension system, with four-link front and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension, has been designed for sporty handling and good ride comfort.The steering has been developed to give the driver greater precision, as well as better feedback from the road when cruising. In connection with this, the engineers adopted several mountings and the dimensions of the front and rear shock absorbers from the Audi A6. The rear trapezoidal links and the front track rods originate from the Audi S4 sedan.These systems add up to a high level of agility and precise handling, combined with first-class ride comfort - all qualities that benefit drivers of the Audi S4 Cabriolet. This also applies to the brakes, whose dimensions and performance have been adapted to suit the Cabriolet.

Equipment and trim

The Audi S4 Cabriolet offer a standard equipment list that sets a benchmark in the midsize class. Every new Audi S4 Cabriolet, for example, comes with a power retractable roof and dual-zone automatic climate control, ten-speaker audio system with in-dash six-CD changer and MP3 compatibility, power one-touch windows, driver information display, cruise control, Bi-Xenon headlights with adaptive front technology, large ski sack, high-pressure headlight washer system, acoustic convertible top, and numerous other features that are typical of a luxury convertible.Both the Auid S4 Cabriolet can be equipped with an Audio package with a Bose premium sound system and SIRIUS satellite radio, and a Convenience package including HomeLink, auto-dimming exterior and interior mirrors, light/rain sensor for automatic wipers and headlights, driver side memory for seat and mirrors, and heated front seats. Other stand alone options on the Audi S4 Cabriolet consist of luxury items like heated front seats, Audi Navigation Plus, and Bluetooth phone preparation.

Safety is standard, not optional

The Audi S4 Cabriolet's A-pillars are reinforced very effectively by means of high-strength tubes whose structure is an indispensable source of extra safety if the car rolls over. Sills with an optimized thickness and cross-section boost the occupant cell's strength and occupant protection. High-strength tubes also are used in the seat structure, as a means of protecting the occupants in the event of a lateral collision.The doors, in particular, have to be designed with safety in mind. In conjunction with structural reinforcements in the sills and a strengthening cross-member below the rear seat, special impact absorbing beams in the doors help ensure a high standard of safety. At the back of the car, a double rear panel improves body rigidity.The comprehensive safety package contains seat belts with belt-force limiter and belt tensioner for all passengers, together with full-size front and side airbags. The side airbags integrated into the front seats are designed to protect the head and thorax.If the car rolls over, a roll-over protection system in the double rear bulkhead adds to the occupants' safety. In this case, two protective bars, controlled by sensors, are triggered behind the rear passengers within milliseconds. Together with the extremely rigid windshield frame, they help to preserve survival space for all occupants if the car turns over.The standard electronic stabilization program ESP 8.0 with hydraulic brake assist provides for maximum active safety.All seats are equipped with three-point inertia-reel belts (the front belts have beltforce limiters and belt tensioners, plus a seat belt reminder for the driver) and head restraints. The safety equipment specification also includes a driver's airbag activated in two stages and side airbags.

2008 Audi S4 Cabriolet