With its roots grounded firmly in motorsport, the Audi RS4 is a true performance saloon due to set pulses racing and wallets heaving at its Geneva showcasing.
With its roots grounded firmly in motorsport, the Audi RS4 is a true performance saloon due to set pulses racing and wallets heaving at its Geneva showcasing.
The naturally aspirated 4,2-litre V8 powerplant has a maximum output of just over 310 kW and, using a high engine speed concept for the first time in a production Audi, revs up to a heart-stopping 8 250 r/min. The peak torque of 430 N.m is achieved at 5 500 r/min, with 90 per cent of that figure available between 2 250 and 7 600 r/min.
FSI direct fuel technology derived from the V8-powered R8 Le Mans racer has made its way into four- and six-cylinder models but thois is the first time it is being used in a production V8. The technology optimises performance by ensuring more effective fuel combustion. As proof, the RS4 accelerates to 100 km/h in 4,8 seconds, reaches 200 km/h in 16,6 seconds and has a top end electronically limited to 250 km/h.
Special care has been taken to avoid excess weight from hampering the car’s performance. Most chassis and suspension components as well as the bonnet are constructed of aluminium, and there arew lightweight RS bucket seats with electrically inflated side supports.
Thirty millimetres lower than the standard A4, the RS4 also rides on a wider front and rear track. The latest version of Audi’s permanent four-wheel drive is used for the first time on the RS4, and is able to transfer a larger proportion of the torque between the front and rear axles for more controlled cornering. The system works in tandem with Dynamic Ride Control, an electronically controlled damping system developed from the RS6.
The Electronic Stability Programme has been tweaked to intervene later and for a shorter period for maximum driver enjoyment. The car also has a Sports button mounted on the steering wheel for adjustment of the throttle control mapping, delivering sharper and more responsive acceleration.
RS4 rides on 19-inch alloys and uses an 18-inch brake system with cross-drilled, inter-vented discs.
The interior is dominated by leather, carbon fibre and aluminium accents, and, though a race-inspired model, it comes with a full range of comfort equipment, including automatic air conditioning and a “Concert” audio system.