On its way out of production, Audi graced the ageing B7 with one last parting piece of performance. The RS4 Cabriolet was announced in late 2007 as a 2008-only model and ripped the top of of Ingolstadt’s signature small super sedan. Like the rest of the A4 Cabriolet production, it was soft-top only, 2-door only configuration, and like the RS4, it was 6-speed manual only. Under the hood lay the same BNS 4.2 32 valve V8; Audi dropped the 5 valve technology for the RS4 application, but gained quite a bit of horsepower in the process. Though the engine shared basic construction with the normal S4 V8, it had a unique crankshaft, connecting rods and pistons, cylinder heads and valvetrain, oil and cooling system, intake and exhaust system, and engine management system. Audi also introduced their Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) system. The result was 420 high-revving horsepower and enough noise to make Pavarotti jealous.
Although the RS4 Cabriolet shared the revised T3 Torsen setup, Dynamic Ride Control and huge 14″ front brakes as the sedan, Audi’s focus for the model was exclusivity rather than sport. The model was fully loaded with only one option – color – and came to market at a substantial $15,000 premium over the 4-door. Only 300 were sold with a sticker price of about $84,500:
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 2008 Audi RS4 Cabriolet on eBay
Year: 2008
Model: RS4 Cabriolet
Engine: 4.2 liter V8
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Mileage: 17,882 mi
Price: $45,500 Buy It Now
NON-SMOKER | NO ACCIDENTS | NO ISSUES | NEW MICHELINS
ALL ORIGINAL KEYS, BOOKS, WINDOW STICKER, SERVICE RECORDS & UPGRADE DOCS INCLUDED
iPOD INTERFACE | NAVIGATION | HEATED SEATS (F&R) | BLUETOOTH
PHENOMENAL AUDISON SOUND PACKAGE!
3M CLEAR BRA PACKAGE
MICHELIN PILOT A/S+ TIRES. LESS THAN 2K MILES ON THEM!
ALCON CALIPERS & NEW HAWK CERAMIC BRAKES @14k miles
PASSPORT 9500ci RADAR SYSTEM
$10,000 MTM EXHAUST / DOWNPIPES / 100 CELL CATS
Rare find! This is not some dealership deal or auction-bought car! We just took this one in from a long-time client of ours.
Well cared for, maintained and serviced with no issues. All records and documentation in hand.
Also, the $20k in upgrades were literally just done by the 2nd owner at 14k miles.
Don’t hesitate to call me directly to discuss or if you have any questions whatsoever.
Jeremy, 972-754-1414 Owner, eCARHOUSE. COM in Southlake, Texas (Dallas-Ft.Worth metroplex)REAR HEATED SEATS
PICK UP & DELIVERYThis Audi RS4 is located in my showroom in Southlake, Texas. We are 5 minutes on the NW side of DFW Airport.
I will assist the winning bidder with pickup and/or shipping arrangements. We’ve shipped cars all over the world.
If you have any questions or concerns about your pick-up or delivery…just give me a call.
PAYMENT DETAILS
A $1000 security deposit will be due within 24 hours after the auction has closed. The remainder is due within 7 days.
QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, CONCERNS, ETC.
Serious buyers may contact me directly at 972-754-1414. Dallas, Texas.
Jeremy, Owner of eCARHOUSE COM LLC
One of the claimed 17 Imola Yellow examples sold, the majority of RS4 Cabriolets were sold in the more subdued Avus Silver Pearl Effect, Daytona Gray Pearl Effect, Phantom Black Pearl Effect or
Mugello Blue Pearl Effect. Misano Red Pearl Effect is probably equally shouty in a different way and even more rare than Yellow, and Sprint Blue Pearl Effect was available for an extra charge. As with the wagons from the other day, each color has its own character and group of characters who love them. Regardless of the color you like, exclusivity of this package is guaranteed.
This particular car has low mileage as many do; it would seem that the bulk of these cars were not being purchased originally as primary cars. However, unlike some other very limited performance models, the value of the RS4 Cabriolet started to fall almost immediately. Granted, that the asking price here is over 50% of the original sticker price is pretty impressive for an Audi, but compare that performance to a 1M you could have bought around the same time and you see the difference in market performance. In my view, the value here is further hampered by the modifications. The swap to expensive Alcon calipers is a bit of a head scratcher – are you really going to hit the track in this car, or speeds that require multiple full application efforts? The MTM exhaust probably sounds outrageous and is more welcome, but in this case I think I’d have preferred a stock example that had undergone an expensive documented dealer carbon cleaning rather than an (admittedly gorgeous) aftermarket exhaust. The car also looks lower than stock, though modification to the suspension isn’t disclosed.
However, the big thorn in the side of the RS4’s value remains, as when new, the BMW M3. Lighter than the RS4, the S65 4.0 V8 in the E93 is equally as sonorous and potent. As a plus, the newer chassis of the BMW is more refined and the folding hardtop offers a true dual-nature to the convertible. But the kicker is the pricing; though not as exclusive as the RS4, the M3 can be had for $10,000 less – like this lovely 2011 example in Le Mans Blue. Outside of exclusivity, the only advantage the Audi has is all-wheel drive; but let’s be honest, you’re not going to plunk down $45,000 for a ten year old Audi convertible to schlep through snow, and the BMW probably makes for a better GT car overall.
Don’t get me wrong; I think the RS4 is pretty awesome and it was great that Audi finally offered its top flight small sedan here and even in two of the three configurations the rest of the world saw. But the important one – and indeed the reason traditionally it was cool to buy Audis – was missing from this equation.
-Carter
…….but this car looks $10k better than the M3 (at least that 2011 example linked above)
Ack! This car should have never come here. Whenever I see one I hear, “No wagon for you!”. It’s a fine car I suppose, but in the absense of the Avant it’s a slap in the face. I loathe it.
My neighbor has an ibis one, I see it everyday. It’s very upsetting.
It is better looking than the E93 m3 convertible. But so what. It’s a failure compared to what it could have been…a wagon.
It was odd and amazing that Audi actually imported this model….with a manual to boot! But I just can never get excited about any German 4 seat convertibles…probably because they are such hairdresser cars that are always purchased/driven by people who are not enthusiasts. Also because when you remove the roof from a beautiful design like the S5, it just doesn’t look all that interesting any more.
When I was ordering my S5, dealer was suggesting I consider the S5 cabrio as well. Not the least bit interested due to the automatic, and I would just feel like a pansy driving one around like some poser stock broker or doctor’s wife on her way to tennis lessons.
I find it interesting people decry the convertible as a hairdresser’s car yet clamor for a wagon. Have you all no soul?
There are better convertibles to be had for the money. There are no better wagons.
I don’t decry all convertibles, but the German 4 seat convertibles do have a reputation for a specific buyer. But, on the other hand so does a Boxster/Z4/SLK/etc. One car that is immune to this reputation (IMHO) is the S2000. Why? Because no automatic was offered. No heated seats. No nav. Nothing plush, so only hard core car enthusiasts bought them. Therefore, zero hairdresser reputation.