Audi reveals full details and specs for 2013 RS4 Avant

From AB




Ingolstadt, 2012-06-12
A modern classic: the Audi RS 4 Avant

First introduced 12 years ago, the RS 4 Avant is a modern classic.
Audi now presents the third generation of the car, with a high-revving
V8 FSI developing 331 kW (450 hp), a high-performance drivetrain and a
diverse range of assistance and infotainment technologies. Like all RS
models, the new RS 4 Avant is a sports car for everyday use. It
combines strong performance with unrestricted utility.

The new Audi RS 4 Avant is immensely powerful. Its 4.2 FSI produces
331 kW (450 hp) at 8,250 rpm, with 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft) of torque
available between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. The normally aspirated,
high-revving V8 accelerates the top-of-the-line Avant from zero to 100
km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.7 seconds on its way to a governed top speed of
250 km/h (155.34 mph). This can be increased to 280 km/h (173.98 mph)
upon request. However, average fuel consumption is a mere 10.7 liters
of fuel per 100 km (21.98 US mpg).

With its long top gear, the standard seven-speed S tronic contributes
to the good fuel economy. Launch Control manages starts with optimal
traction at the push of a button. As with every Audi RS model, the
engine's power flows to all four wheels via the quattro permanent
all-wheel drive, here in the latest stage of development with the
self-locking crown gear center differential and torque vectoring. Audi
also offers the optional sport differential, which actively
distributes the power between the rear wheels.

The suspension of the RS 4 Avant is made largely of aluminum. The body
is lowered by 20 millimeters (0.79 in) compared with the A4 Avant. The
new electromechanical power steering is highly efficient and provides
excellent road feedback.

The 19-inch, forged alloy wheels are fitted with 265/35-series tires.
20-inch wheels are available as an option. The brake system features
large, internally vented discs with an innovative wave design; the
front calipers each have eight pistons.

Carbon fiber-ceramic discs are available up front upon request. The
electronic stabilization control (ESC) has a Sport mode and can be
deactivated entirely, if necessary.

Dynamic: sport suspension plus with DRC
The Audi drive select dynamic system is standard. Dynamic steering,
the sport differential and the sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride
Control (DRC) are available as options. The latter is a purely
hydraulic system without any lag, whose damping can be switched
between the three characteristics comfort, auto and dynamic via Audi
drive select.

The design of the new Audi RS 4 Avant also expresses its dynamic
nature. The wedge-shaped headlights use xenon plus technology, and the
LED daytime running lights constitute a narrow brace. The upper
corners of the large single-frame grille are tapered. Sharp creases
divide the engine hood, and large air inlets structure the distinctive
front skirt. The rear lights feature LED technology.

The elegant interior is entirely in black. Carbon inlays are standard,
with aluminum, piano finish or stainless steel mesh available as
options. The leather multifunction sport steering wheel is flattened
at the bottom, and the head restraints are integrated into the backs
of the S sport seats. Luggage capacity ranges between 490 and 1,430
liters (17.30 and 50.50 cubic feet), depending on the position of the
rear seatbacks.

All display and control elements in the new RS 4 Avant, up to and
including the optional MMI navigation plus, impress with their fine
finish and clear ergonomics. Audi also offers a wide selection of
modern driver assistance systems and infotainment modules as options.
These include the Bang & Olufsen sound system and the Bluetooth
online car phone, which delivers the tailored services of Audi connect
to the car.

The RS 4 will arrive at dealerships this fall, with prices in Germany
starting at €76,600.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model
range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and
omissions excepted.

At a glance

The Audi RS 4 Avant

Drivetrain

Naturally aspirated V8 engine with FSI high-revving technology,
displacement 4,163 cc
Power output 331 kW (450 hp), 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft) of torque from
4,000 to 6,000 rpm
Zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.7 seconds, top speed optionally 280
km/h (173.98 mph)
EU cycle fuel consumption 10.7 liters per 100 km (21.98 US mpg)
7-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission with launch control as
standard
quattro permanent all-wheel drive with crown-gear center differential
and torque vectoring
Optional sport differential for the distribution of power between the
rear wheels

Chassis

Highly efficient electromechanical power steering, many suspension
components made of aluminum, taut setup
19-inch wheels standard, 20-inch wheels optional
Wave-design brake discs, optional ceramic front discs, stabilization
control (ESC) with Sport mode can be deactivated
Audi drive select standard; dynamic steering optional
Sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) as an option

Design

Elegant Avant design with sharp, sporty details
Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED rear
lights

Interior and controls

Black interior, carbon inlays, steering wheel with flat-bottomed rim,
S sport seats with integrated head restraints
MMI navigation plus, Bluetooth online car phone and Bang & Olufsen
sound system optionally available
High-performance driver assistance systems as optional equipment
Luggage compartment with capacity of 490 to 1,430 liters (17.30 to
50.50 cubic feet)

Engine

The strong heart of the new RS 4 Avant has eight cylinders. The 4.2
FSI, which displaces 4,163 cc, combines excellent pulling power with
instant response and an exhilarating willingness to rev, all backed by
a widely differentiated, musical sound spectrum. The V8 produces 430
Nm (317.15 lb-ft) of torque from 4,000 to 6,000 rpm and puts out 331
kW (450 hp) at 8,250 rpm. The maximum torque is 8,500 rpm. The
naturally aspirated FSI has a specific power output of 79.5 kW (108.1
hp) per liter of displacement; each hp only needs to move 4.0
kilograms (8.82 lb) of weight.

The 4.2 FSI accelerates the new top model in the A4 family from zero
to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.7 seconds on its way to a governed top
speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). This can be increased to 280 km/h
(173.98 mph) upon request. The eight-cylinder engine averages 10.7
liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (21.98 US mpg) – 26 percent less
than the previous model.

The technologies from the Audi modular efficiency platform are behind
this impressive figure. The cylinder barrels and the chain drive are
characterized by minimal friction, and the oil pump is
demand-controlled.

The normally aspirated V8 is also a visual experience. Its cylinder
head covers are painted red, and an optional carbon inlay adorns the
intake plenum. The hand-built 4.2 FSI has a classic cylinder angle of
90 degrees. The two opposing banks are offset by 18.5 millimeters.

The V8 weighs just 216 kilograms (476.2 lb). The forged crankshaft,
the forged steel connecting rods and the pistons forged from a
high-strength aluminum alloy are all lightweight, yet strong. The
crankcase is manufactured using the low-pressure die-casting method,
which ensures particular homogeneity. The aluminum-silicon alloy
combines low weight with high strength. Its high silicon content makes
the cylinder barrels extremely durable.

The crankcase is configured as a bedplate construction. The lower
bearing bridges for the crankshaft are integrated into a common frame
for maximum rigidity and optimal vibration behavior. The cast iron
bearing bridges reduce the thermal expansion of the crankcase and thus
keep the play at the main bearings of the crankshaft within tight
limits.

As in all Audi gasoline engines, fuel is distributed to the 4.2 FSI
via common rail direct injection using FSI technology. The fuel is
swirled intensively in the combustion chambers, which cools the walls.
This process minimizes the risk of knock – the detonation of the
mixture on hot spots. It allows a very high compression ratio of
11.0:1, which increases both output and efficiency.

Breathing freely: gas exchange
The long-stroke engine (bore x lift 84.5 x 92.8 mm [3.33 x 3.65 in])
can breathe freely in and out thanks to intensive refinements to the
dual-flow intake and exhaust system with the two throttle valves.
Vacuum-actuated tumble flaps controlled by the engine management
system are integrated into the intake ports. Under partial load, they
cause the air to move with a roller-like rotation, which increases the
burning rate and thus the efficiency of the combustion process.

The four camshafts, which can be adjusted hydraulically through 42
degrees of crankshaft angle, are driven by chains running on the back
side of the engine. The 32 valves, which are actuated via roller cam
followers, have large diameters – 33.9 millimeters (1.33 in) on the
intake side and 28.0 millimeters (1.10 in) in the case of the
sodium-coiled exhaust values.

The Audi developers also adhered to the principles of
ultra-lightweight construction for the peripherals of the 4.2 FSI. The
intake manifold is made of polymers; a pressure sensor is used to
measure the loads very precisely. The V8 gets by with only a single,
newly developed controller.

The pipes of the manifold and of the exhaust system, which have been
optimized for low backpressure, are hydroformed from stainless steel.
A flap is integrated into each of the two large tailpipes of the dual
exhaust system. At higher loads and engine speeds – or at the push of
a button in the Audi drive select system – they open to provide a
richer sound. Audi offers an optional sport exhaust system with black
tailpipe tips that also includes this switching function.

Drivetrain

The seven-speed S tronic transmission in the new Audi RS 4 Avant
harmonizes perfectly with the high-revving character of the 4.2 FSI
and is designed for 9,000 rpm. Compared with the volume model,
targeted modifications have been made to certain aspects of the
dual-clutch transmission. The seventh gear is relatively long to
reduce fuel consumption.

The seven-speed S tronic consists of two sub-units, whose multi-plate
clutches actuate different gears. The large K1 clutch located on the
outside directs the power via a solid shaft to the gear wheels for the
odd-numbered gears 1, 3, 5 and 7. A hollow shaft rotates around the
solid shaft. It is connected to the smaller K2 clutch, which is
integrated into the inside of the K1 clutch, and which controls the
gear wheels for the even-numbered gears 2, 4 and 6, as well as the
reverse gear.

Both transmission sub-units are continuously active, but only one is
powered at a time by the engine. For example, when the driver
accelerates in third gear, the fourth gear is already engaged in the
second transmission section. The shifting process takes place as the
clutch changes – K1 opens and K2 closes. Shifting gears takes only a
few hundredths of a second and is completed with practically no
interruption of traction. It is so dynamic, fluid and smooth that it
is hardly noticeable.

The driver of the new Audi RS 4 Avant can use the seven-speed S tronic
in a number of different ways. The fully automatic mode offers the D
(Drive) and S (Sport) programs. The management system also considers
the mode selected in the Audi drive select dynamics system.

If the driver changes gears manually, either via the gear selection
lever or the paddles behind the steering wheel, the seven-speed S
tronic switches into a particularly sporty mode. It no longer upshifts
when accelerating, for example. If the dynamic Audi drive select mode
is active, the transmission management system double-clutches when
downshifting.

Another specialty of the seven-speed S tronic in the RS 4 Avant is the
launch control function, which enables extremely dynamic starts. The
driver needs only to press the accelerator to the floor. The system
manages the engagement of the clutch so that all of the power of the
4.2 FSI is delivered to the road via the quattro permanent all-wheel
drive system with perfectly controlled tire slip.

Latest evolutionary stage: the quattro powertrain
In its latest evolutionary stage, the quattro powertrain features the
self-locking crown gear center differential and torque vectoring. The
two crown gears rotating inside the center differential get their name
from their tooth geometry.

The front crown gear acts on the output shaft to the front axle
differential, the rear gear on the prop shaft to the rear axle
differential. A lightweight plug construction provides the connection.
The crown gears mesh with four rotatable pinion gears. They are
arranged at right angles to each other and are driven by the
differential's housing, i.e. by the transmission output shaft.

Under normal driving conditions, the two crown gears rotate at the
same speed as the housing. Because of their special geometry, they
have specifically unequal lever effects. Normally 60 percent of the
engine torque goes to the rear differential and 40 percent to the
front differential.

If the torques change because one axle loses grip, different speeds
and axial forces occur inside the differential, and the integrated
plate packages are pressed together. The resulting self-locking effect
now diverts the majority of the torque to the axle with the better
traction; up to 85 percent can flow to the back. If the rear axle has
less traction, up to 70 percent of the torque flows to the front
axle.

With this extremely broad torque distribution range, the crown-gear
center differential surpasses its predecessors. Forces are
redistributed without any time lag and absolutely consistently. The
mechanical operating principle guarantees maximum efficiency and
immediate response. Other strong points of the crown-gear differential
are its compactness and low weight – at 4.8 kilograms (10.58 lb) it
weighs roughly two kilograms (4.41 lb) less than the previous unit.

In the new RS 4 Avant, the crown-gear differential works together with
an intelligent software solution in the brake management system so
that torque vectoring acts on all four wheels. When cornering at
speed, its control unit uses the driver's steering input and the
position of the gas pedal to calculate the optimal distribution of
power. If it detects that the wheels on the inside of the curve, which
are under a reduced load, are about to slip, it marginally brakes
these wheels – just slight application of the pads on the disks at
minimal pressure is all that it takes.

Torque vectoring works smoothly and continuously. The Audi RS 4 Avant
remains neutral for an extremely long time at the handling limits; the
slight understeer when turning into curves and when accelerating is
essentially offset. The ESC stabilization control intervenes later and
more gently – if it is even necessary at all.

High-tech rear differential: the sport differential
As an additional option, Audi supplements the quattro powertrain with
the sport differential, which actively distributes the power between
the rear wheels. When turning into or accelerating in a curve, it
directs the majority of the torque to the outside wheel and pushes the
RS 4 Avant into the curve, nipping the tendency to oversteer or
understeer in the bud.

With the sport differential, a superposition gear comprising two sun
gears and an internal gear is mounted on both sides of a conventional
differential. It turns 10 percent faster than the drive shaft. A
multi-plate clutch in an oil bath and operated by an electrohydraulic
actuator provides the power connection between the shaft and the
superposition gear.

When the clutch closes, it steplessly imposes the higher speed of the
superposition stage on the outside wheel. The additional torque
required is drawn away from the inside wheel via the differential. In
this way nearly all of the torque can be directed to one wheel. The
maximum difference between the wheels is 1,800 Nm (1,327.61 lb-ft).

The sport differential is just as effective when coasting and rolling
as it is under load, reacting electronically in just a few hundredths
of a second. Audi has developed special software for use in the RS 4
Avant. The controller constantly recalculates the ideal distribution
of the forces for each driving situation as a function of the steering
angle, yaw angle, lateral acceleration, speed and other information.

Chassis

The sports car for everyday use offers exhilarating dynamics. Its
handling is uncompromisingly precise; its reactions are virtually
instantaneous, and its stability guarantees maximum driving safety.
The newly developed electromechanical power steering connects the
driver with the road to provide sensitive, well-differentiated
feedback.

Steering boost changes as a function of speed. The electric motor
integrated into the steering gear consumes no energy when driving
straight ahead, thus lowering fuel consumption by as much as 0.3
liters per 100 km. The steering gear is very compact thanks to the
concentric arrangement of the steering rack and servo drive.

The electromechanical power steering system's ratio of 16.3:1 is
sporty and direct. The low-mounted steering gear communicates the
steering input to the wheels over the shortest possible distance via
the track rods.

The Audi RS 4 Avant has a turning circle of approximately 11.9 meters
(39.04 ft). The steering works closely together with the optional
assistance system Audi active lane assist. When braking on a surface
that is slippery on one side, the system helps the driver by
facilitating the proper corrections and inhibiting improper steering
movements.

All major suspension components are made of aluminum, which greatly
reduces the unsprung masses. The five-link front suspension processes
the longitudinal and lateral forces separately. The aluminum frame to
which it is linked makes the front end extremely rigid. The springs
and dampers of the track-controlled trapezoidal link rear suspension
are separated to improve response behavior. The links are mounted on a
steel subframe on elastic bearings.

Decidedly taut: the setup
The Audi engineers have given the new RS 4 Avant a strictly dynamic
setup. Stiff bearings provide for sporty elastokinematics, and the
stabilizer bars are thicker than in the volume A4. The shock absorbers
are stiffer, and the body has been lowered 20 millimeters (0.79 in).
Audi also offers the sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control
(DRC) as an option. It reduces all body movements purely mechanically
and thus without any lag, and is compact and lightweight.

The principle behind the DRC is impressively simple. The diagonally
opposed pairs of shock absorbers are linked by hydraulic lines and a
central valve. When cornering at speed, the valves regulate the oil
flow in the shock absorber of the deflected outside front wheel almost
immediately. They increase the support provided and reduce lateral
tilt. The system is combined with variable damper control, which can
be switched between three stages using the standard Audi drive select
dynamics system.

In addition to the sport suspension plus and the sport differential,
both of which are optional, Audi drive select also incorporates the
electromechanical power steering, the seven-speed S tronic, the
engine's throttle valves and the sound flap in the exhaust system.

The driver can vary the function of these systems between the modes
comfort, auto and dynamic. And if the car is equipped with an MMI
navigation system, there is also a fourth mode which can be configured
within certain limits by the driver.

Another optional component of Audi drive select is dynamic steering,
whose characteristics have been specially tuned in the RS 4 Avant. The
key component is a high-tech superposition gear in the steering
column. It steplessly varies the steering ratio as a function of
speed, from very direct when maneuvering to indirect on the highway.
At the cornering limit, the dynamic steering countersteers with
minimal pulses, making the handling even more dynamic, fluid and safe.
It prevents the car from pulling when braking on a surface that is
slippery on one side.

The Audi RS 4 Avant comes standard with ten-spoke wheels made of
machine-polished forged aluminum. The 9J x 19 wheels are fitted with
265/35-series tires. Audi offers optional 20-inch wheels in three
variants with 265/30-series tires, with two featuring a
machine-polished, titanium-look finish. Winter wheels featuring the
same dimensions are available. All tires have been optimized for
rolling resistance without compromising handling or braking.

Powerful and lightweight: the brakes
Large wave-design discs are mounted behind the large wheels. Discs
measuring 365 millimeters (14.37 in) in diameter and 34 millimeters
(1.34 in) thick are mounted on the front axle; the rear axle features
discs measuring 324 x 22 millimeters (12.76 x 0.87 in). The friction
rings are internally vented and perforated. Their new wave-like outer
contour reduces the overall weight of the brake system by roughly 2.5
kilograms (5.51 lb). Stainless steel pins connect the steel friction
rings to the aluminum brake caps. This concept borrowed from racing
reduces tensions, quickly dissipates the heat and prevents the
transmission of temperature peaks.

The monoblock calipers painted high-gloss black and bearing RS logos
are also made of aluminum. The front calipers each have eight pistons;
single-piston floating calipers are mounted on the rear axle.

For the front axle, Audi offers the option of 380 millimeter (14.96
in) perforated carbon fiber ceramic discs and six-piston calipers in
Anthracite Gray. The base material is silicon carbide, a material with
a diamond-like crystal structure in which high-strength carbon fibers
are embedded.

The geometry of the cooling channels quickly dissipates the heat.
Titanium bolts connect the friction rings to the forged aluminum caps.
The ceramic discs are practically fade-free, extremely robust,
powerful and durable. Altogether they weigh 4.5 kilograms (9.92 lb)
less than the steel discs despite their larger size.

The ESC stabilization control has been specially configured for the
dynamic profile of the new Audi RS 4 Avant. With the touch of a
button, the driver can select the Sport mode that deactivates the
engine interventions and thus permits spectacular but safe drifts when
accelerating. The ESC can also be deactivated entirely for
particularly dynamic driving. A subfunction of the system is the
optional Audi hold assist. It makes it easier to start off on grades
by maintaining the pressure in the system after the brake pedal is
released.

Exterior design

The high-performance character of the RS 4 Avant is clearly evident at
first glance. The elegant exterior design is distinctively accentuated
by sharp details that change the exterior dimensions compared with the
volume model. The new top model in the model series is 4,719
millimeters (15.48 ft) long, 20 millimeters (0.79 in) longer than the
A4 Avant. It has a width of 1,850 millimeters (6.07 ft), which is 24
millimeters (0.94 in) wider than the model on which it is based, yet
its height of 1,416 millimeters (4.65 ft) is 20 millimeters (0.79 in)
lower.

The hexagonal single-frame grille is set in a frame with a matt
aluminum-look finish; its honeycomb insert is finished in high-gloss
anthracite and adorned with an RS 4 badge. LED daytime running lights
encircle the xenon plus units like a clasp in the wedge-shaped
headlights with a wavy bottom edge. The air flows through large air
inlets broken up by angled struts and covered with honeycomb grilles.
They are integrated into a boldly contoured bumper that tapers into a
splitter edge. The low center air inlet is divided into three small
openings.

The side view is dominated by the chiseled side sill caps and flared
wheel wells. The flared side elements with the sharp horizontal upper
edges are a small tribute to that all-wheel drive pioneer from 1980,
the Audi quattro. The side mirror housings and trim strips have a matt
aluminum-look finish, and an extended roof spoiler with a recessed
center segment increases the downforce on the rear axle.

Catching the eye at the intensively sculpted rear end of the car are
the RS 4 badge and the prominent bumper. The two large, elliptical
tailpipe tips of the dual exhaust system are integrated into the
diffuser, which extends far upward. In the upper section of the
diffuser is a honeycomb insert. If the optional matt aluminum styling
package is selected, an aluminum-look contour above the insert
separates the diffuser from the body. The standard LED rear lights
radiate elegant light patterns.

A choice of eight colors is offered: solid Ibis White, the metallic
paint finish Suzuka Gray, the pearl effect colors Daytona Gray, Misano
Red, Phantom Black and Sepang Blue, and the specially pigmented
crystal effect colors Panther Black and Prism Silver. Audi exclusive
customized paint finishes are also available. Other elegant
alternatives are the styling packages in black or matt aluminum as
well as the carbon engine compartment cover.

The body of the high-performance Avant boasts high rigidity and crash
safety combined with low weight. A strut brace is integrated into the
front section of the car. The extensively clad underbody includes air
vents for the seven-speed S tronic and the front brakes. Thanks to its
advanced aerodynamics, the Audi RS 4 Avant generates downforce at high
speed to further enhance stability. The cD value is 0.34; the front
surface area measures 2.18 m² (23.47 sq ft).

Interior

The spacious interior is sporty and elegant; the fit and finish of
uncompromising quality. The controls, another classic Audi strength,
are intuitive to the last detail. The terminal for the optional MMI
navigation plus, for example, has five hard keys for the menu
functions, and the volume control now includes a skip function for
moving to the next song.

The interior is entirely in black. The one exception is the
headlining, which is optionally available in lunar silver. Carbon
inlays are standard, with matt brushed aluminum, 3D-look Aluminum
Race, black piano finish or a light stainless steel mesh available as
options. quattro GmbH also offers a selection of elegant wood veneers
as part of the Audi exclusive range for further customization.

The S sport seats are standard in the dynamic top model. They feature
large side bolsters on the backrest and the extendable seat cushion,
integrated head restraints, seat heating and power adjustment,
including a four-way power lumbar support. The S sport seats are
covered with a combination of black leather and Alcantara.

Audi offers Fine Nappa leather in black or lunar silver accentuated
with rock gray piping as an option. Other options include bucket seats
or luxurious, climate-controlled comfort seats with a ventilation
function. The Audi exclusive range includes high-grade leather
packages, including bucket seats covered in diamond-quilted Valcona
leather.

A world of wonders: behind the steering wheel
The leather multifunction sport steering wheel has a deeply sculpted
rim covered in perforated leather. It is flattened at the bottom, and
the shift paddles are in aluminum look. The control buttons and
rollers provide fast access to the driver information system with its
color display. It includes a special RS menu with a lap timer and an
oil temperature gauge. When the car is started, both it and the MMI
screen display an RS welcome logo, and the needles of the speedometer
and tachometer briefly run up before returning to zero.

The bezels of the instrument cluster and the center console shine with
a piano finish, and the design of the selector knob of the seven-speed
S tronic is unique to the RS. The door openers taper down to separate,
narrow bars – a classic RS detail.

The pedals, the footrest, the air vents, the MMI buttons and many
other controls feature a gleaming aluminum-look finish. Chrome clasps
encircle the power window buttons and the seat adjustment switches.
Aluminum inlays adorn the door sill trims, which like the head
restraints, the steering wheel, the instrument cluster and the gear
selector lever are accentuated with RS 4 logos.

The Audi RS 4 Avant is a sports car with very practical talents for
everyday use. Depending on the position of the rear seatbacks, its
luggage compartment has a capacity of 490 to 1,430 liters (17.30 to
50.50 cubic feet), and the roof rails are standard. Optional equipment
includes a rail system with load-securing set and a power rear hatch.

A modern classic: the Audi RS 4 Avant

First introduced 12 years ago, the RS 4 Avant is a modern classic.
Audi now presents the third generation of the car, with a high-revving
V8 FSI developing 331 kW (450 hp), a high-performance drivetrain and a
diverse range of assistance and infotainment technologies. Like all RS
models, the new RS 4 Avant is a sports car for everyday use. It
combines strong performance with unrestricted utility.

The new Audi RS 4 Avant is immensely powerful. Its 4.2 FSI produces
331 kW (450 hp) at 8,250 rpm, with 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft) of torque
available between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. The normally aspirated,
high-revving V8 accelerates the top-of-the-line Avant from zero to 100
km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.7 seconds on its way to a governed top speed of
250 km/h (155.34 mph). This can be increased to 280 km/h (173.98 mph)
upon request. However, average fuel consumption is a mere 10.7 liters
of fuel per 100 km (21.98 US mpg).

With its long top gear, the standard seven-speed S tronic contributes
to the good fuel economy. Launch Control manages starts with optimal
traction at the push of a button. As with every Audi RS model, the
engine's power flows to all four wheels via the quattro permanent
all-wheel drive, here in the latest stage of development with the
self-locking crown gear center differential and torque vectoring. Audi
also offers the optional sport differential, which actively
distributes the power between the rear wheels.

The suspension of the RS 4 Avant is made largely of aluminum. The body
is lowered by 20 millimeters (0.79 in) compared with the A4 Avant. The
new electromechanical power steering is highly efficient and provides
excellent road feedback.

The 19-inch, forged alloy wheels are fitted with 265/35-series tires.
20-inch wheels are available as an option. The brake system features
large, internally vented discs with an innovative wave design; the
front calipers each have eight pistons.

Carbon fiber-ceramic discs are available up front upon request. The
electronic stabilization control (ESC) has a Sport mode and can be
deactivated entirely, if necessary.

Dynamic: sport suspension plus with DRC
The Audi drive select dynamic system is standard. Dynamic steering,
the sport differential and the sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride
Control (DRC) are available as options. The latter is a purely
hydraulic system without any lag, whose damping can be switched
between the three characteristics comfort, auto and dynamic via Audi
drive select.

The design of the new Audi RS 4 Avant also expresses its dynamic
nature. The wedge-shaped headlights use xenon plus technology, and the
LED daytime running lights constitute a narrow brace. The upper
corners of the large single-frame grille are tapered. Sharp creases
divide the engine hood, and large air inlets structure the distinctive
front skirt. The rear lights feature LED technology.

The elegant interior is entirely in black. Carbon inlays are standard,
with aluminum, piano finish or stainless steel mesh available as
options. The leather multifunction sport steering wheel is flattened
at the bottom, and the head restraints are integrated into the backs
of the S sport seats. Luggage capacity ranges between 490 and 1,430
liters (17.30 and 50.50 cubic feet), depending on the position of the
rear seatbacks.

All display and control elements in the new RS 4 Avant, up to and
including the optional MMI navigation plus, impress with their fine
finish and clear ergonomics. Audi also offers a wide selection of
modern driver assistance systems and infotainment modules as options.
These include the Bang & Olufsen sound system and the Bluetooth
online car phone, which delivers the tailored services of Audi connect
to the car.

The RS 4 will arrive at dealerships this fall, with prices in Germany
starting at €76,600.
 
View the attachments for this post at:
http://www.jlaforums.com/viewtopic.php?p=163782998#163782998