More details on the 2006 Audi S4 cabriolet
Yesterday, we reported that Audi would show the 2006 S4 cabriolet at the Essen motor show. Audi has since made its official announcement regarding the new drop-top. Powered by the same V8 as its saloon couterpart, the S4 convertible offers 344 bhp and the latest quattro permanent four-wheel drive. Like the S4 sedan, the Cabriolet features the S-specific grille pattern and the redesigned standard xenon headlights. The bumpers with large air inlets, the aluminium-look casings for the exterior mirrors, the redesigned rear lights and the four oval tailpipes are the distinguishing visual features of the S4 Cabriolet. The Audi S4 Cabriolet is fitted with 18-inch cast aluminium wheels of S design with 235/40 R1 8 tires.
"¨"¨Inside, too, the S4 Cabriolet differs in appearance from its siblings. The instrument cluster has the grey dials that are characteristic of S models and special needles."¨
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"¨The electrically adjustable sports seats with a combined leather/Alcantara upholstery are said to be outstandingly comfortable even over long distances. The seats come with an adjustable thigh support and electrically adjustable lumbar support as standard. The new generation of steering wheels now also features in the Audi S4 Cabriolet, with the impact absorber echoing the design of the single-frame radiator grille."¨"¨High body rigidity; vibration isolation"¨"¨Even in the planning phase, Audi's body developers worked systematically on the structure of the body and simulated its reaction to movements of the suspension and the mechanical assemblies. The result of this development process is that no disagreeable levels of either high or low-frequency vibration reach the passenger area on roads of any kind."¨
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"¨Both the highly rigid body and the quattro drive contribute towards its notably enjoyable drivability, because the S4 Cabriolet in conjunction with the direct steering response can be navigated round bends with millimetre precision. This is made possible by the special steering column connection that takes account of the vibrational behaviour that is specific to convertibles. The steering column mounting has an additional support, with the module cross-member linked to the cross-beam below the windscreen - measures that are decisive in keeping vibration at the steering wheel down to the lowest possible level."¨"¨Convertible-specific safety"¨"¨The Audi S4 Cabriolet's A-posts are reinforced by means of high-strength tubes and their optimised structure - an indispensable source of extra safety if the car should roll over."¨"¨Sills with an optimised thickness and cross-section boost the occupant cell's strength and optimise occupant protection. High-strength tubes are also used in the seat structure, as a means of protecting the occupants in the event of a lateral collision. "¨"¨The doors in particular have to be designed with safety in mind. In conjunction with structural reinforcements in the sills and a strengthening cross-member below the rear seat, special impact absorbing beams in the doors ensure a high standard of safety. Crash resistance, even in the side impact test against a post, is on the same excellent level as the S4 saloon. At the car's rear end, the double rear panel improves the rigidity of the body. "¨"¨The comprehensive safety package contains seat belts with belt-force limiter and belt tensioner for all passengers, together with full-size front and side airbags. The side airbags integrated into the front seats are designed to protect the head and thorax."¨"¨If the car should roll over, a roll-over protection system in the double rear bulkhead adds to the occupants' safety. In this case, two protective bars, controlled by sensors, are triggered behind the rear passengers within milliseconds. Together with the extremely rigid windscreen frame, they help to preserve survival space for all occupants if the car turns over."¨"¨More than mere weather protection: the roof"¨"¨The Audi S4 Cabriolet comes with the electro-hydraulic acoustic roof as standard. It opens entirely automatically in just 21 seconds - even faster than previously. By using new fabrics with a higher material density, the noise level inside is reduced to a level that scarcely differs from that in the Audi A4 saloon. This increases driving pleasure and comfort considerably when driving with the roof up."¨"¨Audi offers the roof in three exterior colours. The button only needs to be pressed once to either open or close the soft top. It is likewise possible to do this while the car is moving at speeds of up to 30 km/h."¨"¨The soft-top compartment can be height-adjusted by means of a lever in the luggage compartment. This increases the size of the luggage compartment considerably when the hood is closed. A heated, scratchproof glass window is just one of the reasons why the Cabriolet's lined hood is entirely suitable for winter driving. Its structure, comprising three layers of precision-fitted textiles, assures effective protection against whatever the weather may have in store. "¨"¨The roof is completely smooth on the inside. Together with the high-quality appearance of the surface, this look underlines the sporty, exclusive overall impression conveyed by the interior ambience.