2008 Audi RS4 Sedan and Cabriolet

The Audi RS 4, as you may know, is Audi's Toyota Corolla-sized sedan with a 420-horsepower V-8 shoved under the hood. Obviously, it's a recipe for a big grin - especially as its chassis is easily up to the task of handling all that power.

That monster motor will now make it into the A4 Cabriolet for the 2008 model year. All other RS 4-specific touches remain - including the nineteen-inch tires, enormous brakes (14.4 inches front, 12.8 inches rear), six-speed manual transmission, and Quatrro four-wheel drive.

Pricing and equipment haven't been announced yet, but with the top down, drivers listening to the spectacular sounds coming from the 8000-rpm V-8 in the open air won't care about either. The only problem with the RS 4 Cabriolet? Audi is only bringing 350 of them to our shores.

The hottest RS 4 variant of them all - the RS 4 Avant station-wagon - isn't coming to the U.S. Perhaps as a consolation prize, 2008 sedans receive Sirius satellite radio and Bluetooth as standard equipment. Additionally, two new option packages have been announced for the 2008 RS 4 sedan: The $750 Titanium package turns the front grille, side window moldings, interior headliner and interior trim black - and the wheels titanium. For $3800, the Executive package inserts crimson red leather seat centers and door panels alongside black leather side bolsters and headrests. The seats and floor mats get red piping, and the shift boot and steering wheel get red stitching. Piano black interior trim rounds out the package.

First the sedan and now the convertible. As they say, two out of three ain't bad. But we're still hoping Audi brings us the wagon.