So it looks like the RS4 is aging gracefully, having driven all those, I still think I would not change a thing, RS4 is still "the King of the road" !<ul><li><a href="http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=31&amp;article_id=6696">http://www.roadandtrack.com/article.asp?section_id=31&amp;article_id=6696</a</li></ul>

<ul><li><a href="http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/download/0608_comp_chart.pdf">http://www.roadandtrack.com/assets/download/0608_comp_chart.pdf</a</li></ul>

...Lexus must be disappointed, brand new car and all. tsk tsk.

The thing that struck me as odd was the fact that the RS4 has a $2100 GG tax, but the C63 and M3 are only $1300, despite the fact that the RS4 had the best 'our mileage' number overall AND better EPA numbers than the C63.

Also surprised the RS4 had the 2nd lowest curb weight of the bunch...non-PP, sunroof delete, curb weight was 3785 lbs.

Also, the C63 having a base price of 53k sounds low to me. I thought it was going for ~63k base...

it's not even directly related to the EPA estimates. for the first year of production, the manufacturers are just charging an ESTIMATE to the consumer...the manufacturer pays the tax after the first year of production, based on the number of vehicles sold. it's crazy, but this is the IRS we're talking about!
-----------------------
Calculation Technique

The Gas Guzzler Tax for each vehicle is based on its combined city and highway fuel economy value. Manufacturers must follow U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) procedures to calculate the tax. The calculation uses a formula that weights fuel economy test results for city and highway driving cycles (the combined value is based on 55% city driving and 45% highway driving). Fuel economy values are calculated before sales begin for the model year. The total amount of the tax is determined later and is based on the total number of gas guzzler vehicles that were sold that year. It is assessed after production has ended for the model year and is paid by the vehicle manufacturer or importer.<ul><li><a href="http://www.epa.gov/fueleconomy/guzzler/420f06042.htm">More here</a></li></ul>

...is that the RS4 tested previously by R&amp;T ran a 12.8 @109.7, AND it was 135 lbs *heavier* than the RS4 in this current test. Only difference between the 2 cars (in terms of equipment) is that the slower car had black optic pkg....both were sunroof delete with no PP. Weird.

And it weighed 100lbs more than the slower car in the R&amp;T test... kooky. It was also quicker than the coupe they tested, so, is it the driver or do BMWs have widely varied build quality?<ul><li><a href="http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/2008_bmw_m3_vs_2008_lexus_is_f_comparison_test">http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/comparison_test/sedans/2008_bmw_m3_vs_2008_lexus_is_f_comparison_test</a</li></ul>

<img src="http://tpiwwp.com/showoriginal-97/esfom3.jpg">

<img src="http://tpiwwp.com/showoriginal-98/is_fugly.jpg">

...I get $68,720 loaded. And it's $70,020 with GG tax. Still no quattro.

Base MSRP $53,800
Jerez Black Metallic $475
Black Novillo Extended Leather $1,100
Carbon Leather interior trim $0
Cold Weather Package $1,000
Premium Package $1,900
Technology Package $3,250
19" Forged and polished Double Spoke wheels (Style 220M) with mixed tires $1,200
Moonroof $1,050
Rear manual side window shades $575
Enhanced Premium Sound $1,900
HD radio $350
iPod and USB adapter $400
Satellite radio $595
Park Distance Control (rear only) $350
Destination &amp; Handling: $775
Total MSRP as Built $68,720

but your adding every single available option whether or not its available on the other car... Do that with the RS4 and your adding a $3800 Audi Exclusive package, $4000 Premium and Titanium = 76k and a more expensive GG tax....
I think the bottom line is that, yes, the competitors did a great job undercutting the RS4 when they did their pricing strategies. Despite all this, and the expense, if I weren't so satisfied with my car, I'd still buy the RS4.

The big advantage of the RS4 is the level of safety when driven hard. No review has yet to comment on this very important fact. It makes the theoretical performance limits accessible to many more owners than any of the other cars.

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/85168/puddle.jpg"></center><p>you'll hand 'em all their a$$ in a bag.

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/137210/pict0432co9.jpg"></center><p>Had an M3 and it sat in my Garage for at least 4 months out of the year. Just like my Maserati and Porsche did. More than willing to give up a little in performance to drive such a fun car year round