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Early 2018 Audi RS4 Avant Chassis Testing Mule: This Could Be It

Yes, we know this car looks EXACTLY like the Audi S4 Avant shown in Frankfurt last month. But did you check out the flared fenders?
2017 Audi RS4 Avant 19 photos
Photo: CarPix
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Underneath those fender flares is a wider track, the trademark of the RS configuration. It's not totally unexpected that Audi can hide an RS4 underneath the S4 body since both will have a similar type of engine.

Audi shocked the Frankfurt crowd by revealing the supercharger had been dropped off its 3-liter V6. In its place, a single turbocharger was given the task of boosting pressure to the tune of 354 horsepower.

The RS4 and RS5 will also use a V6, although some reports hinted at a 2.9-liter twin-turbo. Regardless, some components may be shared between the two, including the gearbox. Our intel suggests Audi will have a "Tiptronic" gearbox, likely meaning the same 8-speed automatic used by the RS6 and RS7.

As for the exact power output, the Ingolstadt carmaker has the bad habit of powering the horsepower output when it downsizes. That means the RS4 could go from 450 hp to 420-430 hp. That's not much when you consider that the Mercedes-AMG C63 now pushes over 500 ponies. But Audi will still have the only AWD model on the compact side of the performance market.

Insider information we've obtained hints that the RS version of the A4 will be ready two years from now and may debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show 2017. In addition to the Avant, Audi wants to target US consumers with a four-door version. No, it's not an RS4 sedan, but an RS5 Sportback.

Still, you won't be able to buy any RS4 models between now and the late part of 2017. In that period, the performance market may be completely transformed. Despite weighing… a lot, Lexus' RC F coupe is getting a lot of attention. Many consumers are also moving towards cars that combine power and efficiency by adding electric motors.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
Mihnea Radu profile photo

Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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