- Audi has released the first photos and information on the latest RS4 Avant.
- The RS4 will only be offered as a wagon.
- Its 4.2-liter V8 generates 450 horsepower and runs through a seven-speed S-tronic dual clutch gearbox.
INGOLSTADT, Germany — Less than a week after revealing the TT RS Plus, Audi has pulled the wraps off an aggressively styled, third-generation RS4.
Following the example of the first generation introduced in 2000, the new go-fast load lugger will be produced in Avant (wagon) body style only. The previously popular sedan body style is being discontinued; a strategy Audi sources hint will likely mean the car won't make it to the U.S. market.
The decision not to offer the new RS4 in sedan body style comes after Audi boss Rupert Stadler gave the greenlight for an expansion of the RS5 lineup. That's expected to include a face-lifted version of today's coupe together with new convertible and Sportback models — all of which are likely to be introduced by the end of 2012. The upcoming RS5 Sportback flaunts four frameless doors and large liftback style tailgate — a layout Ingolstadt sources have told Inside Line is being looked upon to attract typical performance sedan buyers.
The RS4 Avant will make its world debut at the 2012 Geneva Auto Show in early March. It uses the same mechanical package as the existing RS5 coupe, including its 4.2-liter V8 engine. With 450 horsepower at a high 8,250 rpm, the naturally aspirated unit delivers 30 hp more than the second-generation RS4, which used the same engine in a lesser state of tune. Torque remains the same as before at 317 pound-feet, developed on a band of revs stretching from 4,000 to 6,000 rpm.
The engine's reserves are sent through a standard seven-speed dual clutch S-Tronic gearbox to all four wheels via Audi's Torsen-based Quattro all-wheel-drive system. It's set up to bias the power delivery with a 40:60 front-to-rear split while the German carmaker's latest torque vectoring feature is also used to add increased cornering ability.
Audi claims zero to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds, making the new RS4 Avant some 0.2 second faster up the strip than the second-generation model despite increases in dimensions and weight. It's also just 0.1 second outside the time quoted for the soon-to-be-face-lifted RS5 coupe. Top speed is put at a maximum 174 mph.
The RS4 Avant is set apart from the lesser 333-hp supercharged 3.0-liter S4 Avant by a unique body kit. Included is a new look grille, a larger front bumper with sizeable air ducts and an aluminum look splitter. There are also LED headlamps, flared wheel arches resembling those on the original Quattro models, wider sills, aluminum look mirror housings, tailgate spoiler and re-profiled rear bumper with aluminum look decoration, a full width diffuser and slots for the a pair of large chromed oval tailpipes.
Inside Line says: Looks like the U.S. is getting shortchanged this time around when it comes to getting its hands on the latest RS4.
Add A Comment »
urbanxj says:
11:41 PM, 02/28/2012
nefariousnigel says:
07:54 AM, 02/15/2012
A $70,000 high performance, miniscule capacity wagon is about as desirable as a 550 HP high-performance SUV. I hate to tell all you avant-garde, Euro wagonphiles, but the only 'enthusiasts' driving these are the trophy wives of the global rich.
------------------------------------------------------------
FAIL
These types of wagons are a great option for people who desire something sporty, but are bound by the utility requirements of family life.
truecarfan says:
08:19 PM, 02/15/2012
nefariousnigel - you are very wrong.... men drive wagons everywhere except the US. Luxury makers of wagons make high performance versions. broaden your horizons.
lions208487 says:
08:48 AM, 02/15/2012
The CTS V wagon is still the better buy, if there is such a thing for a performance wagon.
M3, CTS V sedan all day over this.
mx5gtprht says:
08:08 AM, 02/15/2012
I'll just take the 3.0T and be as happy as a puppy - but wait...I can't afford one, so I'm pissed!
nefariousnigel says:
07:54 AM, 02/15/2012
A $70,000 high performance, miniscule capacity wagon is about as desirable as a 550 HP high-performance SUV. I hate to tell all you avant-garde, Euro wagonphiles, but the only 'enthusiasts' driving these are the trophy wives of the global rich.
You don't combine high-performance engineering with the FAT ASS of a wagon. An A4 or even an S4 wagon makes sense. But an RS4 wagon? Really?
The only point of this would be if it looked better than the sedan - which it doesn't.
Give me the sedan and let me save 100-200lbs....Audis are already too heavy as is. This is a HIGH-PERFORMANCE variant that is sold in limited quantities.. Save your skis, surf boards, Great Danes, and golf bags for less worthy cars.
perrito says:
07:14 AM, 02/15/2012
"Looks like the U.S. is getting shortchanged this time around "... WHEN exactly are we not short-changed when it comes to European hatches and wagons? Bluh.
f10v8tt says:
05:27 AM, 02/15/2012
The 4 year old M3 already beat the RS5 out of the gate, and this car is just a heavier wagon version. The M3 was able to lap most tracks 1 to 2 seconds faster than the RS5 despite having less power. RS cars are not meant for track use. Considering the next gen M3 is just around the corner, the M3 game is going to be that much better, Which is hard to imagine b/c the comp couldn't match the old one.
Also the front bumper on the RS4 is ugly as sin, all the holes and look like after thoughts and serve not functional purpose. Plus the head lights make the car look feminine, and it has a truck grill. This car makes no sense. But it does have AWD so I guess that makes up for all its short comings right? lol.
wackford says:
05:20 AM, 02/15/2012
calspecial68 says:
"Why is it left-hand drive if it won't be coming stateside?"
Really? Because it's built by a German car company that sells a lot of vehicles in Germany and throughout the rest of Europe, perhaps!
surfwagon56 says:
10:13 PM, 02/14/2012
sportyaccordy,
You probably haven't driven a modern S. I test drove a 2011 S4 extensively, and it handled and accelerated extremely well. The Quattro is now rear-biased and the sport differential really makes an impact on handling.
A member of the E90post forum has a 335 and an S4 and posted videos on the same day with both cars at Willow Springs. He favored the S4 over the RWD 335 completely in his review, and was putting up times approximately 2 seconds faster per lap in the S4.
I ended up leasing an E93 335is (splurge), but for about the same money an RS4 Avant would be an incredible car. A fast, all weather capable vehicle with good cargo space and better MPG than an SUV, and you wouldn't embarrass yourself at the track. Jack-of-all-trades.
marcos9 says:
09:10 PM, 02/14/2012
I actually don't like it. The metallic splitter is bugging me - it screams Allroad to me. Bleh. The V8 is "meh". Would have been much more substantial with the twin turbo V8.
I still would take the RS2 or B5 RS4 over this. Oh wait - none of this would come to the USA anyways...