AUDI S4 Cabriolet Models/Series Timeline, Specifications & Photos

The 2006 Audi S4 Cabrio brought more performance for the open-top compact vehicle of the German car-maker.

An open-top car is used mostly for relaxed cruising and long journeys. That could have been achieved even with a small engine. But if a big engine was installed, the cabriolet became even more attractive. If not for the features, then for the performances.

Unlike the regular Audi A4 Cabriolet, which was introduced in 2002, the S4 featured specific S4 elements on the outside. The chromed rim of the singleframe grille, the silver A-pillars, and wing-mirrors was typical for the performance version. A set of 18” light-alloy wheels with low-profile tires was fitted.

Inside, the S4 Cabrio was fitted with all the new comfort features available for its category. The power-roof was included and it could open or close the top in 24 seconds. The S4 badge on the three-spoke steering wheel and the silver rings on the gauges were part of the package. On top of that, the sport-bucket seats offered more comfort than the regular ones from the lesser versions of the A4 Cabrio. The longer wheelbase than the regular sedan was used to offer more legroom for the rear passengers, and the retracted and stored roof.

There was only one engine option for the S4 Cabrio: a huge 4.2-liter V8 engine. It was naturally aspirated and it was mated to a standard 6-speed manual. An option for a 6-speed automatic was available. The all-wheel-drive was standard as well.

The third generation of the Audi S4 was based on the Audi A4 B6 model and even if it lived only for less than two years, it remained the A4 with the biggest engine installed on it by the factory.

In March 2003, Audi showed their latest innovation: the S4. It was available as a four-door sedan, station-wagon, and cabriolet. It was the answer given by Audi to the BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz C. While its main rivals offered 6-cylinders engines, the S4 entered the battle with a V8 and an all-wheel-drive system.

The S4 Cabriolet looked very similar to the regular A4 Cabriolet, but a sharp eye would have noticed the differences. The front grille was different, with wider squared mesh-design. The A-pillars and the door-mirrors were silver, regardless of the color of the car. Due to the lowered suspension, it looked more aggressive, more road-hugging.

Inside, the S4 installed bucket-seats with leather. The instrument cluster was awarded an S4 badge on the background and the standard equipment was a long list. Due to the roof-compartment, which was behind the bench, the rear seats had to be moved forward and that led to smaller legroom.

The most important option on an S4 was the transmission. It was fitted as standard with a 6-speed manual and there was an option for a 6-speed automatic with sequential shifting if the driver needed. It was named Tiptronic and it was great for downshifting without destroying the clutch or the blowing up the engine. The 4.2-liter V8 monster under the hood was big enough to be installed in the luxurious A8 limousine, but it offered more horses. And that's how the Audi has beaten the 3.2-liter BMW M3 and the Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG. And yes, the S4 was all-wheel-drive.