The first RS 4 models will be in dealers’ showrooms by the end of this month. The car that will perform the 0 - 200 km/h sprint in 16.6 seconds is now available for ordering, at a price starting at EURO 69,900.

Numerous technical innovations - many of which originally hail from motorsport - give the new Audi RS 4 its character. These include the high-revving concept, now being introduced for the first time in a production Audi, innovative FSI technology in conjunction with a V8 and the latest generation of quattro drive. The 420 bhp eight-cylinder engine revs up to a speed of 8,250 rpm. With a displacement of 4,163 cc, the saloon breaks through the magic barrier for production cars of 100 bhp per litre. 90 percent of the total torque is available between 2,250 and 7,600 rpm. The result is excellent pulling power at all times, enabling the driver to drive in a relaxed style without frequent gear changes.

The performance of the RS 4 clearly demonstrates these enhancements: it reaches the 100 km/h mark in 4.8 seconds, and 200 km/h in 16.6 seconds. Top speed is limited electronically to 250 km/h. The challenge is to transfer all this power to the road in the best way possible. For the last 25 years, Audi’s answer to all the particular requirements in this respect has been “quattro”.

The car features 40 (front) to 60 (rear) asymmetric/dynamic torque split and self-locking Torsen centre differential, the latest generation of Audi’s permanent four-wheel drive (which is featured for the first time on the RS 4), and the quattro drive is further enhanced by DRC (Dynamic Ride Control) which significantly reduces both the rolling and pitching motions of the vehicle.

Driving the Audi RS 4 means driving a sports car without missing out on any of the comforts. The RS 4 therefore comes with virtually all the features already boasted by the Audi A4. As well as extensive technology, these include deluxe automatic air conditioning, central locking with radio remote control, the Audi parking system at front and rear, the concert radio system and sports suspension with variable damping (DRC).

Furthermore, RS 4 drivers can also opt for even higher levels of comfort in features such as the navigation system plus or dynamic adaptive light technology.

Text - Classic Driver
Photos - Audi