We’ve already seen pics of an S4-badged new-generation RS4 Avant but looking at the flared fenders, aggressive front bumper, and signature-RS oval exhaust tips of this prototype, it appears to be the real deal.
Whereas the previous gen. RS4 Avant featured a 331 kW/430 N.m naturally aspirated V8, powering the new model will be a version of the 260 kW turbocharged V6 featured in the S4. With electric turbocharging tech, the new RS4 Avant will be tweaked to around 373 kW, which will put it on par with the 375 kW Mercedes-AMG C63 S and up on the 317 kW BMW M3 (see our our Mercedes-AMG C63 S vs BMW M3 road test here)
According to Dr Ulrich Hackenberg, Audi’s head of technical development, this electric turbo tech will only be used on Audi’s top end performance models. Because it isn’t spooled up by exhaust gasses, a small electrically powered turbocharger will provide instant boost lower down in the rev range and fill in until the bigger traditional turbo kicks in with the boost needed for high performance.
Although not yet confirmed by Audi, there have been strong rumours that this new RS4 will also include a saloon variant. The return of the saloon – absent in the previous gen. – is driven by demand from the US and Chinese markets.
