Without exception, every bloke I know who heard I was driving Audi's fire-breathing RS4, called me something unprintable. And to be fair, with good reason.
As with most fast Audis, the RS4 is understated. Subtle, flaring and badging coupled with 19-inch alloys wheels and twin oval tail-pipes hint at the potential of this car but in general the look is restrained and not that different to a basic A4 with an `S-Line' bodykit.
However, turn the key, press the Sport button on the steering wheel and it might as well tout every rude-boy modification known to Max Power man. For even at tick-over it craves attention.
The 4.2 V8 has the sort of Barry White burble that makes the BMW M3 sound like a sewing machine.
Incredible
This is an incredible engine. To start with, it has 420 bhp. Based on the 344 bhp version found in the beefy S4 quattro, it's been tweaked and strengthened to gain the extra power and it now reaches a dizzying 8,250 rpm.
In fact it's deceptively fast. Unlike smaller turbo-powered engines, where great chunks of power produce a eye-popping hyperspace effect, the Audi's delivery is so smooth and consistent that the only time your eyes are in danger of popping out is when you glance at the speedo.
At one time fast four-wheel drive Audis faced criticism for their harsh ride and nose-heavy handling but it looks like the engineers at Ingolstadt have had their heads down. The RS4 is perfectly balanced. And the ride, while firm enough to inspire confidence, is poised and fluid around the roughest of corners in a way that makes point-to-point machines like the Subaru Impreza seem crude.
I drove it on the most testing roads in the UK - the A708 Moffat to Selkirk past St Mary's Loch. Parts are so undulating that in the past I've found it difficult to top 40mph in anything from a new-shape BMW 330i to a VW Golf GTi.
In contrast, the Audi was poised, swallowing the sharpest bumps and staying rooted to the tarmac. The ride is so intelligent that it felt like the suspension travel was bottomless and the damping custom designed for every bump.
Audi has also made a fundamental change to its quattro system. Instead of power being distributed between front and back equally, they've gone for 60 per cent to the rear which gives it a more entertaining and controllable feel.
Lightweight
The use of lightweight aluminium in the bodywork, suspension and engine, plus VW Group's FSI direct petrol injection, means fuel consumption isn't as heavy as you might expect. Although spirited driving brought the consumption down to around 17mpg, more than 23mpg was possible on a run.
The interior exudes trademark Audi quality and function with a sporting theme. Leather, aluminium and even trick carbon-fibre inlays combine with discreet RS4 branding to produce an exclusive feel. The manual gearbox and clutch might be slightly slower than an auto set-up but you buy a car like this to be involved.
Despite large sports seats in the front, rear legroom is good even behind a long-legged driver and the boot's a decent size at 460 litres with the seats up. Audi has promised Cabrio and Avant versions later in the year.
One of the most striking things was the reaction it provoked. Drive a Porsche 911, Lamborghini Gallardo or a BMW past people at a bus stop and, bar a few young boys, those who react look like they hate you. However, strange as it seems, the understated Audi's rumble drew nothing but knowing smiles.
Unless those people knew me of course and then it was just the abuse. High-grade abuse mind you.
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