What Is It?
2006 Audi RS4

What's Special About It?
To show just how far its quattro drivetrain has progressed, Audi introduced the all-new 2006 RS4 in a video that showed it ripping around a snow-covered oval before peeling off and heading straight up a snow-frosted ramp that might as well have been paved with concrete.

It bore almost no relevance to anything that buyers of the RS4 are even likely to attempt — but it sure looked cooler than just pulling a sheet off it.

With a 4.2-liter V8 under its newly reshaped nose, the RS4 is the new undisputed king of compact sport sedans. Consider that its normally aspirated direct-injection eight-cylinder cranks out 414 horsepower, 311 pound-feet of torque and doesn't hit the redline until 8,250 rpm. Then factor in its standard six-speed manual, self-locking Torsen center differential and driver-adjustable throttle control and you've got a Euro sedan that will wipe the asphalt with an M3.

Additional upgrades include a recalibrated suspension that lowers the car just over an inch, wider front and rear tracks, a heavy dose of bodywork and unique double-spoke wheels. All RS4s also get Audi's Dynamic Ride Control system and a pair of 14.3-inch brake rotors up front for stopping power that can put you through the windshield if you sneeze the wrong way.

Interior changes are minimal, but effective. The sport steering wheel looks like it came straight out of Audi's Le Mans prototype thanks to its unique shape and metallic trim. The flat-bottomed wheel also puts the driver-adjustable throttle control right at the tips of your fingers. A starter button, metallic pedals and lightweight sport seats with inflatable side bolsters round out the cabin upgrades.

What's Edmunds' Take?
Audi has pretty much dropped the hammer on its competition with the RS4. Nothing else in the class can touch its spec sheet and we doubt that it will disappoint behind the wheel. BMW had better start working up its new M3 soon 'cause this Audi is going to be working over everything else in the meantime. — Ed Hellwig