Full Steam Ahead; RS 4: justified performance.(Auto File)

Just the idea of an Audi RS 4 had American sport sedan fans salivating, anxious for the opportunity to snatch up their own copies the moment the little car went on sale. And since Audi began deliveries to these shores in June, almost 1000 units have made their way into those fans' garages. With its 420-hp 4.2-liter V8-that's 87 more than the BMW M3's 3.2-liter I6, mind you-conventional six-speed manual transmission and rear-biased all-wheel-drive system, the RS 4 certainly looks attractive on paper.

At the track, the car proved drop-dead gorgeous. Once we found a spot on the ...

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