Cabrio-licious

If the auto industry gave an award for the “most-refined convertible ever,” Audi of America Inc. would be in the running with its S4 Cabriolet, which went on sale in May.

The S4 features a remarkably stiff body compared with other drop tops, along with an interior that lives up to Audi expectations. The 4.2L V-8 produces 340 hp at 7,000 rpm and 302 lb.-ft. (410 Nm) of torque at 3,500 rpm.

Test drives near Lake Mead and through the Nevada desert were limited to the manual transmission, but the route proved worthy, providing an ideal opportunity to experience the true breadth of the V-8.

The engine and vehicle combination is nothing short of breathtaking. And the ride and handling while traveling through the Valley of Fire State Park proved spectacular.

Unlike many of its competitors, the S4 has no cowl shake at high speeds and is among the stiffest bodies to be found. The cabriolet provided sporty handling, yet it didn't send teeth rattling over imperfections in the road's surface.

A 15-mile (24-km) straightaway through the desert presented the opportunity to see just what the S4 Cabriolet was capable of at top speed. Audi says the car is limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), and we'll take the company's word for it.

We limited our top speed to 125 mph (201 km/h), although the car wanted more. Even at that, occupants were able to hold a conversation within normal voice range.

Audi managed to fit the same engine found in the larger A8 into this smaller package by moving the chain drive for the camshafts and auxiliaries to the output end of the engine, which reduced the overall length of the engine by 2 ins. (5 cm). The same configuration is used in the Allroad and the new A6.

Measuring just over 18 ins. (46 cm) in length, Audi contends the engine is among the most compact in its segment.

Such attention to detail allows the convertible to maintain the same low-slung proportions and mild wedge shape of the A4.

However, there are a few minor changes to the S4 Cabriolet that set it apart from its A4 parent. Chief among them: The front bumper has larger air inlets, and Xenon high-intensity headlamps feature titanium-chrome surrounds behind the glass. Additionally, the exterior mirror housings sport an aluminum finish, and the rear exhaust pipes are chrome-tipped.

The S4 Cabriolet's interior also includes special touches, such as the signature gray “S” dials on the gauge cluster. And gray birch or carbon-fiber trim is used throughout the cabin.

The car's exterior has been kept as clean as possible, including a trunk lid made of composite material to house the antennas for the audio and navigation systems.

Additionally, Audi designers configured the softtop to maintain the styling theme set by the A4. The smooth-flowing roof is power-operated and retracts with the press of a button.

Power from the S4's V-8 is distributed through either a standard 6-speed manual or optional 6-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic auto-shift functionality.

The Audi S4 Cabriolet, base priced at $53,850, ranks among the best softtops on the market, offering more than enough summer fun for those seeking the open road.