Audi RS4 Avant gets 444bhp 07 | 03 | 2012
FOUR YEARS AFTER something of a lull, Audi's third-generation RS4 made its debut at the Geneva Motor Show — and it will be available only as an estate (see more official photos of the RS4 Avant).
The RS4 Avant — first models should arrive in Scottish dealerships in the autumn — will be powered by the same naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 found in the RS5: that means 444bhp, up 30bhp on the previous RS4.
Why estate only? Audi says its S5 Sportback has sufficient power for those wanting a performance Audi four-door in the segment.
It backs its decision further by stating the market is moving away from hot four-doors, and its hot estates have always traditionally outsold their saloon equivalents. Can't argue with that. Personally I've always felt the estate looks better too.
And it's quick. It covers the 0-62mph sprint in 4.7secs — that's 0.2sec faster than the old second-generation model — and it's only 0.1sec slower than the extremely fast RS5.
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In standard trim it's restricted to a max of 155mph, but opt for the 'performance pack' and you can unleash an extra 19mph, lifting the max to an eyewatering 174mph.
As you would expect, Audi's four-wheel-drive quattro system is standard, as is launch control on the specially-calibrated version of Audi’s seven-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox. There will be no manual gearbox option.
The car sits 20mm lower than that standard A4 Avant, and 19in alloys are standard: you can get 20in alloys, fitted with 265/30 rubber, as an option. The 'smaller' alloys come with 265/35 tyres.
Externally the RS4 differentiates itself from its lesser-powered stablemate by boasting square blisters for the wheelarches, sharp side sills and low bumpers.
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Perhaps the biggest change is at the front, where a silver-accented splitter, huge air intakes, LED headlamps, and a hexagonal mesh to the main grille dominate the RS4's profile.
Inside the RS4's all-black cabin, there's a special thick-rimmed steering wheel, RS badging and a lap timer incorporated into the infotainment system.
And though we wouldn't exactly recommend it — especially if you're planning to 'enjoy' your RS4 — there's space in the back for your two labradors: fold the rear seats down and you get 1430-litres of stowage.
Audi has yet to confirm what the pricing and spec will be for the new car, but in order to take on the £56,765 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG estate, expect the RS4 Avant to come in around £55k.
We roadtest the all-new Audi A4
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Jim McGill