Audi RS4

What is it?
Audi RS4

What's special about it?
Is 380 horsepower special enough for you? Yep, 380 horsepower (factory- approved and warranty- backed, mind you) from a vehicle derived from your garden-variety A4 Avant. You like? The RS4 is produced by quattro GmbH, a subsidiary of Audi. The horsepower comes from a modified version of the twin-turbo V6 engine found in the recently -introduced S4. Peak torque of 324 foot-pounds is maintained from 2,500 rpm all the way up to 6,000 rpm. The RS4 has cast off the visual understatement that typifies the S4. The flared fenders contain 18-inch wheels and 255/35ZR18 tires, and the RS4's deep front bumper, large air inlets and stubby rear wing are race-inspired.

Why should you care?
You only need to care if you are interested in performance cars. A 380-horsepower wagon with 18-inch wheels? That is so cool! Audi has dropped hints that more high- performance vehicles will be coming to America besides the S4, but it's highly unrealistic to think that the RS4 will be one of them. But you can always dream...