After several laps at Willow Springs raceway, it was clear that the 2007 Audi RS 4’s unrelenting acceleration, infallible brakes, responsive and precise steering, and exceptional overall stability make it an ideal daily driver/track car.

On the way to and from Willow Springs, we had a chance to evaluate the Audi RS 4 in more traditional circumstances, on highways and back roads where the majority of buyers would spend their time. Impressions were much the same as on the track, though we came to fully appreciate the easy clutch in heavy traffic and enjoyed decent visibility thanks to the small rear quarter windows. At these slower speeds, the S-mode button made the exhaust noticeably louder at higher revs, though the quickened throttle response was a bust unless engineers actually intended to give the car a too-sensitive pedal. S mode works great while flogging the RS 4 on the track, but around town it has little benefit. Body roll on and off the track was almost nonexistent, and while hard to notice barreling along on the big track at Willow Springs, a jaunt on the highway unveiled a decidedly stiff ride and some unruly wind noise from the top of the windshield.