Although any vehicle wearing the coveted RS badge is immediately recognisable as a performance specialist, Audi Sport is continuing to further refine the breed, taking specific models from its stellar line-up and taking them to even higher levels of performance and handling than ever before.

Last year Audi Australia introduced the extraordinary RS 6 Avant performance, an even more extreme version of the much lauded RS 6 Avant. Now both the RS 4 Avant and the RS 5 Sportback receive similar treatment with the addition of competition plus packages. The name really says it all, with an even greater emphasis on the competition elements of these already outstanding models, with significant enhancements both inside and out.

Available to order in Australia now, the competition plus packages include both technical and styling enhancements, with a focus on those wanting an even more track-oriented vehicle that still delivers the highest standards of luxury and daily usability that has made these two Audi Sport models so popular with performance aficionados.

The strictly limited competition plus packages are available for Audi RS 4 Avant and RS 5 Sportback models (RS 5 Coupe not included) and further sharpen handling, performance and top speed as well as additional wheels and styling elements that further set these models apart.

The competition plus package is available in two variants (competition plus $13,990* and competition plus with RS bucket seats $15,290*), placing a major emphasis on razor-sharp handling with the adjustable RS sport suspension pro offered for the very first time on these models. This works with upgraded, more direct fixed-ratio dynamic steering, even faster-shifting transmission and reprogrammed software for the quattro sport differential which all adds markedly to the cars’ agility. The quattro sport differential, using a new data set in the control unit with changed parameters, switches the emphasis to the rear which is perfect for spirited driving or track work in particular.

The powerful biturbo V6 powerplant with its 331kW pf power and 600Nm of torque (between 1500 and 5000rpm) has been further refined over the ‘standard’ RS models, and with that recalibrated transmission control unit, it shaves even more time off the already impressive 0 to 100km/h times. That means a 3.9 second sprint for the RS 4 Avant competition plus and 3.8 seconds for the RS 5 Sportback competition plus – 0.2 and 0.1 seconds quicker respectively than the RS 4 Avant and RS 5 Sportback as well as a revised top speed of 290km/h.

Developed specially for the competition packages, the RS sports exhaust with its distinctive matt black pipes enhances the sharp sound of the 3.0-litre biturbo V6, which is further amplified within the cabin thanks to the reduction in insulating material between the engine compartment and the vehicle’s interior. This reduction in insulating material also has a weight saving benefit, shaving around eight kilograms off the vehicle’s weight. 

In order to counterbalance this increase in performance, newly tuned ABS software has been introduced, which, along with the RS ceramic brake system, are not only more than up to the task, but combined with the the optional Pirelli P Zero Corsa performance tyres, take up to two metres off the braking distance from 100 km/h.

Visually, these RS models ride on fully milled 20-inch lightweight alloy wheel in 5-Y-spoke design finished in black gloss metallic or a no-cost option in non gloss, while the Audi rings logo and lettering is finished in black with a splash of colour added by the famous Audi Sport rhombus in red. Even the LED entrance lights feature a unique design specific to the competition plus models.

While all of the elements of the package add up to an impressive whole, one of the standouts is undoubtedly the adjustable RS sport pro suspension. This sophisticated track-focused technology delivers a sharper handling and ride experience which can be manually ‘dialled in’ to suit particular tracks and driving situations.

Each corner of the car can be manually adjusted three ways using the supplied tools, allowing the owner to adjust rebound, ride height and damping. This fine-tuning straight from motorsport allows the perfect set-up for the car for tackling track days or even tarmac rallies.

Indeed for those who are keen to pursue track-oriented driving, in addition to the competition plus package is the variation that adds RS bucket seats to the equation at $15,290*. Finished in Dinamica and offered in this model for the first time, these seats, when optioned, are paired with the pre-existing RS design package in red. 

Priced at $3,400*, this adds an Alcantara steering wheel, shifter knob, and centre console knee pads with contrasting stitching in crescendo red, seat belts in black with red edging and front RS logo floor mats in black with contrasting red stitching. The Dinamica material is made of 45 percent recycled PET fibres; about 215 grams of PET fibres are processed per seat. The four rings on the hood and the trunk lid as well as the model lettering underscore the sporty character with their glossy black finish. 

The exterior finish too can be further enhanced with the additional of a matt carbon styling package ($6,300) that adds subtle features to the already aggressively-style RS 4 Avant and RS Sportback. Comprising front blade and air inlet side flaps, rear diffuser and the wing mirror caps all finished in matt carbon, these subtle touches further set these very special models aside.

The overall result is a boon for performance enthusiasts wanting not only the versatility of a high-performance vehicle with the practicality to cope with the every day, but for those also wanting to step up their track activities. The limited nature of the competition plus packages also add to the exclusivity of these very special models and will particularly appeal to those who like to push the envelope as far as possible.

The RS 4 Avant and RS 5 Sportback competition plus models are now available to order from Audi dealers nationwide.

*(Manufacturer List Pricing [MLP] – excludes dealer delivery and government statutory charges) 

ºThe vehicles shown are overseas models and may not exactly correspond to the Australian specification.