Audi seems to be playing the long game. Each successive model brings a bit more attitude and driver appeal to add to its traditional strengths of fantastic build quality and beautifully crafted interiors. It’s just a pity it can’t up the pace and really give BMW something to think about.

Though Audi is currently readying an all-new S4 sedan and wagon based on the latest, redesigned A4, the current Audi S4 is based on an older platform and is currently available as a convertible only. Under its hood is a 4.2-liter V8 that generates 340 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. Power is sent to the Quattro all-wheel-drive system through either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic.

More of a rocket ship executive express than a racetrack emigre, a used Audi S4 is nevertheless a very desirable piece of automotive real estate.

Audi’s S4 might be just what this economic climate needs: A reasonably-priced, high-performance German sports sedan that offers that impossible-to-describe “something special” feel of a limited-run model. Only time will tell, but odds are that Mercedes and BMW will follow Audi on this one.