The exceptional V8-fuelled pace of the Audi S4 can now also be enjoyed with a breath of fresh air in the new S4 Cabriolet, which opens for UK ordering this month with an OTR price of £40,275. The only convertible of its kind to combine a powerful eight-cylinder engine with the reassurance of permanent four-wheel-drive, the S4 Cabriolet will reach its first British customers in early April.

The compact 4.2-litre V8 engine, which boasts 344PS at 7,000 rpm and peak torque of 410Nm at 3500 rpm, gives the new Audi S4 Cabriolet truly exhilarating performance. 0-62mph in the six-speed manual transmission version is covered in just 5.9 seconds, and the six-speed tiptronic (automatic transmission optional at £1,400) runs close at 6.2 seconds. Both versions can, where permissible, reach an electronically governed maximum speed of 155mph.

Subtle differences mark out the S4 Cabriolet from its A4 Cabriolet counterparts.

18-inch Avus alloy wheels, xenon headlights and polished aluminium exterior mirrors are the low-key indicators signifying the calibre of this extra special Audi externally. Inside, the S quattro series trademarks include grey instrument dials, carbon fibre fascia and door inlays, electrically adjustable sports seats upholstered in a combination of alcantara and pearl nappa leather and a leather-rimmed sports steering wheel incorporating the S emblem.

New Cabriolet models adopt quattro

The reassurance of quattro permanent four-wheel-drive is also available for A4 Cabriolet models. The A4 Cabriolet 1.8 T quattro (163PS) costs £26,015 OTR, with the V6-powered A4 Cabriolet 3.0 (220PS) at £29,495 OTR.

The number of Audi models offering the drive configuration that is the most secure and appropriate for the changeable British climate – which according to the Met Office delivers more wet days than dry each year - now stands at 38.