Lighter and faster 2018 Audi RS 4 Avant unveiled

The new Audi RS 4 Avant has been officially unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show, combining high performance with everyday usability.

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

Roof edge spoiler creates distinctive rear end

When creating the fourth generation of the Audi RS 4 Avant, the 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 mm wider and are given added emphasis by the quattro blisters. At the rear, 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 rolls on 19-inch forged aluminum wheels as standard; 20-inch wheels are available as an option.

From 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, RS sport suspension and Audi drive select as standard

The RS 4 Avant shares its V6 biturbo engine with the RS 5. It develops 331 kW, accompanied by peak torque of 600 Nm – 170 Nm more than the previous model – which is available from 1,900 to 5,000 rpm. It is key to how the Audi RS 4 is able to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds. The top speed is 250 km/h. With the optional RS dynamic package, the top speed increases to 280 km/h.

The power of the 2.9 TFSI biturbo is supplied to the permanent all-wheel drive via a sports-tuned eight-speed tiptronic with optimised gear changing. Audi also offers an optional rear sport differential. Average fuel consumption is rated at 8.8L/100km, an improvement of 17 percent over the previous model. Thanks to lightweight construction, the new Audi RS 4 Avant tips the scale at 1,790 kg, 80 kg less than before.

The standard-fit RS sport suspension sets the RS 4 Avant another 7 mm lower than the standard A4 Avant. By way 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.

Interior with sophisticated materials and digital racing-style cockpit

The black interior underscores the sporty character of the Audi RS 4 Avant. The RS sport seats with optional honeycomb pattern, the flat-bottomed RS leather multifunction sport steering wheel, 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 aluminum attachments and carbon with black attachments provide further scope for customisation.

The all-new Audi RS 4 Avant will arrive in Australia in April 2018. Full pricing and specification will be announced closer to local launch.