New RS 4 Avant previewed

The unveiling of a new RS model is always a highlight for performance enthusiasts, and the Audi sport offering at this year’s Frankfurt International Motor Show is no exception. The new Audi RS 4 Avant is in fact the fourth generation RS Avant, carrying on the proud heritage that began with the original RS 2 Avant.

“The Audi RS 4 Avant is our RS icon with an incomparable history,” says Stephan Winkelmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “In common with all our RS models, it blends immense power output with superlative everyday utility.” 

Featuring a 2.9 TFSI V6 biturbo which produces  331kW  and peak torque of 600Nm available from 1900 to 5000rpm the new RS 4 Avant comfortably eclipses the power and performance of the previous model. The sprint from 0 to 100km/h is all over in just 4.1 seconds, with a governed top speed is of 250km/h which can be increased to 280km/h with the addition of the optional RS dynamic package.

This powerplant is mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel become seven more exciting. 

Lighter by 80kg than its predecessor, the new RS 4 Avant is more agile and even sharper in the handling department. It sits seven millimetres lower than a standard A4 Avant, and features subtle styling cues for those not versed in RS livery. For this incarnation of the Renn Sport classic, Audi’s designers took inspiration from many motorsport details of the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO. Massive air inlets with typical RS honeycomb structure and the wide, flat Singleframe grille define the front end. The optional Matrix LED headlights display tinted bezels. Compared to the Audi A4 Avant, the wheel arches are 30 millimetres wider and are given added emphasis by the quattro blisters. 

At the rear end, the RS-specific diffuser insert, the oval tailpipes of the RS exhaust system and the RS roof edge spoiler make for a distinctive look. The exterior colour Nogaro blue, pearl effect available optionally from Audi exclusive recalls the first generation of the high-performance Avant from 1999. The new Audi RS 4 Avant travels on 19-inch forged aluminium wheels as standard; 20-inch wheels are available as an option.

 In terms of equipment options, there are RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), ceramic brakes and RS-specific dynamic steering. Drivers can define their own individual personal driving experience using the standard dynamic handling system Audi drive select. 

The interior too is classic RS. Predominantly black it features the RS sport seats with optional honeycomb pattern, a flat-bottomed RS leather multifunction sport steering wheel, while the shift gate and the illuminated door sill trims are all adorned with the RS emblem. In the Audi virtual cockpit and head-up display, RS-specific displays indicate the g-forces, tyre pressures and torque. The styling packages gloss black, carbon with aluminium attachments and carbon with black attachments provide further scope for customisation, while the Audi exclusive program covers just about any other special request.

At time of writing, a launch date and final specification for Australian introduction were not available, but given the overwhelming popularity of the RS models in Australia, the new RS 4 Avant is destined to be another another favourite when it arrives.

Register your interest in the Audi RS 4 Avant to receive updates from Audi Australia in the lead up to its arrival.