The RS 4 Avant, which will make its global debut at the Geneva motor show in March, is to be the new flagship for the Audi A4 range. It will be powered by the 331kW (450hp) naturally-aspirated V8 which already comes as standard for the RS 5.
One of the interesting points about the new model is that Audi will offer the RS 4 as a wagon only. The RS 5, meanwhile, comes only as a coupe, though a cabrio and/or a Sportback might follow later.
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Like the RS 5, the RS 4 Avant sends its power to all wheels via a seven-speed S tronic dual clutch automatic gearbox. The 4,163cc engine develops its maximum power at 8,250rpm. Drivers can enjoy explosive starts by activating Launch Control, which manages the engagement of the clutch at an optimum starting speed with minimal wheel slip.
The car’s all-wheel drive system includes a crown-gear centre differential. This can vary the distribution of power between the front and rear axles immediately, smoothly and over a wide range, with up to 70 percent flowing to the front or as much as 85 percent to the rear. The default ratio is 40:60 rear-biased.
Audi notes that the RS 4 Avant features internally vented ‘wave’ disc brakes. These feature steel friction rings with their wave-like outer contour perforated and connected to the aluminum brake caps via pins. This system is claimed to reduce tension, quickly dissipate heat and prevent transmission of temperature peaks. The new shape of the friction rings shaves a total of roughly three kilograms (6.61 lb) off the unsprung weight, the firm states.
The new model will have a complicated build process: the engine, badged as a 4.2 FSI, is to be hand-built at Audi’s plant in Györ, Hungary, while the car itself will come off the same line as other A4s at the Ingolstadt plant in Germany, before being sent to quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm for final assembly. Sales in Germany are set to commence in October.
