- Abundant power

- High crash-test scores

- Excellent handling

- Handsome cabin

- Availability of convertible and wagon body styles

Somehow, Audi has managed to shoehorn its 4.2-liter V8 from the A6 and A8 into an engine bay best served by a 4-cylinder -- and cramped even with a 6. And "shoehorned" is not the least bit exaggerated. Audi literally had to redesign the engine to shorten it some 2 inches; chains mounted in the rear now drive camshafts once run by a forward-facing rubber belt. Both the oil and water pumps have been relocated lower and to the side. Total output for this normally aspirated V8 is an impressive 340 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque, and Audi fills out the car's abilities with a sport-tuned suspension, big wheels, sticky tires and more powerful brakes.

In addition, the S4 also offers a few things the competition doesn't: all-wheel drive (AWD) and a variety of body styles to choose from. The benefits of the increased grip that Quattro provides on slippery roads won't be lost on enthusiasts who live in rainy or snowy climates. In addition to the expected sedan body style, Audi offers convertible and wagon variants of the S4. Buyers also have a choice of transmissions, manual or automatic, whereas some rivals offer an automatic only.

Apart from the performance potential, the Audi S4 maintains the qualities we've admired for a long time in Audi's jewel of a small car -- a stylish and functional cabin, very supportive seats (in this case, Recaro sport seats) and excellent build quality. On the periphery are competitors such as the Cadillac CTS-V (which is fast but lacks the nimble feel of the smaller Audi) and the Volvo S60 R (which offers sedan and wagon body styles with AWD, but not the same level of synergy between car and driver). Compared to its closest peer, the M3, the Audi is not quite as visceral, but in the real world of rush-hour traffic, potholes and precipitation, the S4 looms as the more practical choice for a compact super sport sedan.

The 2007 Audi S4 is available as a sedan, wagon ("Avant") or convertible ("Cabriolet") in one well-equipped trim level. Standard features include 18-inch wheels and tires, sunroof, xenon HID headlights, 12-way power-adjustable Recaro seats, Silk napa leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated mirrors and a 10-speaker audio system with an in-dash CD changer. The updated-for-'07 Cabriolet is equipped with more conventional leather-upholstered sport seats in place of the Recaros, along with a power-operated "Acoustic" soft top that promises a quieter cabin, especially at freeway speeds. Options for the S4 include an upgraded 215-watt Bose stereo, a navigation system and, for the sedan only, a "DTM" exterior package, which adds unique front and rear fascias, multispoke wheels and carbon-fiber spoilers.

All Audi S4s are fitted with a 4.2-liter 340-horsepower V8 that sends the power through either a 6-speed manual gearbox or a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic. The latter transmission allows manual-style shifting via steering wheel-mounted paddles. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system, which is standard on the S4, is unlike most other Audi Quattro offerings. It has a 40/60 front-to-rear power split in normal situations to give the car a more dynamic attitude when cornering. Audi claims that an S4 sedan equipped with the manual tranny can sprint from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.

Audi interiors are some of the finest in the luxury car arena; one look at the S4's cabin and the high quality of the materials used is quickly apparent. Tasteful accents abound, such as brushed aluminum trim and gray instrument facings. The S4's serious performance intentions are reinforced by standard Recaro front seats in the sedan and wagon, which feature aggressive bolstering to hold one in place during spirited runs through the twisties. The new S4 Cabriolet features an optional "Acoustic Top" that has more sound insulation than the prior soft top and thus promises a quieter ride, especially at freeway speeds. Although the rear seat is fine for small children, adults seated back there will likely complain about a shortage of legroom. The Avant wagon provides up to 61 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded.

As one would expect with a 340-horse V8, performance is thrilling, and on winding back roads, the S4's top-notch underpinnings result in excellent handling while still providing a supple ride. While the Audi S4 isn't quite as razor-sharp as BMW's M3, the extra grip afforded by its all-wheel drive could justify the tradeoff for many enthusiasts, particularly those who live in parts of the country where rain- or snow-slicked roads are a part of life.

Audi of America, Inc. today announced pricing for their new 2007 Audi A4 and 2007 Audi S4 Cabriolet models. The turbocharged four-cylinder Audi A4 2.0 T Cabriolet starts at $39,100 for FrontTrak models and $41,200 for quattro models. The V6 equipped Audi A4 3.2 Cabriolet starts at $46,950, and the Audi S4 Cabriolet is priced at $55,700 for manual transmission cars and $56,900 for Tiptronic equipped cars. Destination is $720 and is not included in the base price.

For 2007, the A4 and S4 Cabriolet models receive bold new styling that brings them in line with the current Audi design cues. Most noticeable is the signature Audi single-frame grille. 2007 A4 Cabriolet models also receive new engine and drivetrain combinations. The 200 hp 2.0 T models have a turbocharged four-cylinder FSI direct injection engine. The A4 2.0 T Cabriolet can be equipped with either a Multitronic continuously variable transmission and FrontTrak, or with a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive.

A4 3.2 Cabriolets are equipped with a 255 hp V6 FSI direct injection engine. A six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive are standard. S4 models have Audi's lauded 4.2-liter V8 engine making 340 hp, and can be mated to a six-speed manual or Tiptronic automatic transmission. Both versions come with quattro all-wheel drive. All three engines are recent winners of the Ward's Ten Best Engines award.

A4 Cabriolet models have a completely revised suspension system that uses components from the sporty S4 and luxurious A6 model lines. Steering components are now shared with the S4 models, and the brake systems have been revised. Everything that makes the A4 stop, go, and turn has been redesigned, and helps the 2007 A4 Cabriolet to have a smoother ride, yet provide for crisper handling.