Tag: RS4

Word is the free-revving 4.2 litre V8 in the current Audi RS4 will be replaced by a V6 turbo when the next-gen comes to life. If you’re feeling a sense of deja vu that’s okay; the first RS4 (B5 2000–01) was powered by a 2.7 litre twin turbo V6.

Cosworth did the fine tuning for Audi back then, but Quattro GmbH will take charge next time around. It’s not known if they’ll start with a 3.0 litre V6 from Audi’s shelves or create something more bespoke for the RS4. Our guess is they’ll use a 3.0 litre and perhaps once again bolt on a pair of turbochargers.

The main reason for the move away from normally aspirated power is the benefits turbocharging offer to increasing demands for more fuel efficient engines in order to meet EU emissions regulations.

[Source: Car & Driver]

The new Audi RS4 Avant has just been launched in the UK, which means we can share with you a few initial thoughts from those who have been lucky enough to drive it. The previous B7 RS4 is one of the most highly acclaimed RS models quattro GmbH has produced. So, how does this all-new version stack up?

Autocar (Giles Newton): “If you were lucky enough to know the old RS4 at all, you’re going to wonder where all the vorsprung’s gone, at least at first. Drive it merely moderately fast and the RS4 is quite a remote car, especially if you make the mistake of paying extra for variable ratio dynamic steering… Actually the entertainment offered by the old RS4 is there, and with an added dimension, but you’ll need to look – and drive – harder to find it.”

Pistonheads (Chris Harris): “For many people the RS4’s blend of badge, all-weather performance and brilliant styling will already have sealed the deal. I agree that it’s a compelling recipe. But it isn’t perfect and in lacking that one-stop omnipotence and not having enough torque for low-pulse devastation, for me it doesn’t have the magic of the B7 version.”

Whatcar? (Tom Webster): “RS4 buyers probably won’t be looking for the sensible option, though; instead, they’ll choose it because it can be both a relatively comfortable cruiser and a high-revving sports car. The only disappointment is that it doesn’t thrill that much at normal speeds. The Mercedes C63 AMG Estate feels more special more of the time.”

Hmm. If you read the reviews in full the underlying tone is one suggesting that not much progress has been made from the old model, which ceased production almost five years ago. At first glance, then, it appears Audi may have kicked an own goal. Which is a real shame.

Official info on the new 331kW 4.2 litre V8-powered Audi RS4 Avant was released back in February, but with its European launch now underway new material and photos have been released.

To ensure you know all there is to know about the RS4 we bring a gallery of 50 new images, including some great cutaway graphics showing what lies beneath the RS4’s skin. We can also give you access to the 20 page detailed press release (188kb PDF).

We’ve taken the key technical points from the RS4 Avant and listed them after the break, along with 14 minutes stock video from Audi.

A reminder, also, the RS4 Avant will go on sale in Australia early next year.

Early this morning images of the new Audi RS4 were leaked, now, a few hours later Audi has released their official word. It’s one of the shortest gaps from leaked to official info we’ve seen and we say “Bravo!” to Audi.

As expected, then, the RS4 Avant has nicked all the juicy bits from the RS5 including the sweet high-revving 4.2 litre V8 engine, which produces 331kW/430Nm. A 7-speed S tronic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive system transfers that grunt to the road.

With its crown-gear centre diff the RS4 sends power to the wheels with a 40:60 rear bias. A maximum of 70% can be sent to the front wheels, with up to 85% possible at the rear. Aiding handling is Dynamic Ride Control suspension, which uses connected oil-lines to held reduce body roll.

New “internally vented wave disc brakes” help bring things to a halt. Measuring 365mm up front they save around 3kg of unsprung weight, Audi says. In standard configuration the brake calipers feature eight-pistons, but 380mm six-pot ceramic brakes may tempt you.

New style 10-spoke 19″ alloys debut on the RS4 Avant and the familiar 5-spoke rotor alloys are available as an option. You can also select from up to eight colours. Metallic paint is so passé, too, it would seem with two special crystal-effect colours (Prism Silver and Panther Black) sitting atop the colour tree.

And the best news? Audi Australia has confirmed the RS4 Avant will be on sale down under in the first quarter of next year. Time to start saving!

UPDATE: Over 30 new pics have been added below.

At the end of last year we said Audi had no plans for a B8-based RS4. Well, thankfully, this pic, showing what appears to be an RS4 testing at the Nürburgring, indicates that info was incorrect.

If those wheels look familiar that’s because you’ve seen them on the RS5 coupé. Essentially, the test mule you see here will be the estate version of the RS5. It’s expected the same 4.2 litre V8 will be used, and of course, you can expect the same quattro running gear. There are reports around hinting at a blown 3.0 litre V6, adapted from the current S4, or even a new twin-turbo V8. However, we reckon the 331kW 4.2 is your best bet.

It will be interesting to see if the RS4 is offered with a traditional manual transmission, or if Audi will limit it to a 7-speed S tronic.

Dates are unclear for the possible launch of a new RS4, but we could see the car as soon as mid next year. All we know is, since there hasn’t been an RS4 built since 2008, the wait has been far too long.

[Source: Autoblog | Pic: CarPix]