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Spyshots: 2018 Audi RS4 Avant Sheds Camo, Puts on Sonoma Green

A few hours ago, Audi confirmed that the RS4 Avant is indeed going to debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, together with a RWD R8 in concept form. Our latest spy photos do, however, reveal about half of the super wagon's body.
Sonoma Green 2018 Audi RS4 Avant Sheds Camo Ahead of Frankfurt Debut 13 photos
Photo: CarPix
Sonoma Green 2018 Audi RS4 Avant Sheds Camo Ahead of Frankfurt DebutSonoma Green 2018 Audi RS4 Avant Sheds Camo Ahead of Frankfurt DebutSonoma Green 2018 Audi RS4 Avant Sheds Camo Ahead of Frankfurt DebutSonoma Green 2018 Audi RS4 Avant Sheds Camo Ahead of Frankfurt DebutSonoma Green 2018 Audi RS4 Avant Sheds Camo Ahead of Frankfurt DebutSonoma Green 2018 Audi RS4 Avant Sheds Camo Ahead of Frankfurt DebutSonoma Green 2018 Audi RS4 Avant Sheds Camo Ahead of Frankfurt DebutSonoma Green 2018 Audi RS4 Avant Sheds Camo Ahead of Frankfurt DebutSonoma Green 2018 Audi RS4 Avant Sheds Camo Ahead of Frankfurt DebutSonoma Green 2018 Audi RS4 Avant Sheds Camo Ahead of Frankfurt DebutSonoma Green 2018 Audi RS4 Avant Sheds Camo Ahead of Frankfurt Debut
As you all know, the modern day successor to the RS 2 Avant will get rid of its old 4.2-liter V8 engine. In its place comes a new 2.9-liter V6 with two turbochargers that was co-developed with Porsche.

It makes the same 450 HP as the V8, but noticeably more torque at 600 Nm. The standard gearbox will be an 8-speed automatic because the twin-clutch couldn't take the torque.

So, it's going to have a slightly different character, but still unmistakably an RS4. What does that mean? Well, the 2018 model will be wickedly fast off the line, taking around 4 seconds to reach 100 km/h. Buyers will be given the option of a 280 km/h (174 mph) top speed. Put it up against a C63 T-Model, and you'll likely get a repeat of this drag race involving the coupe versions.

Looking over the design of this camouflaged prototype we couldn't help noticing that it's painted in a familiar color. It's called Sonoma Green and has been hugely popular with the RS5 Coupe.

Of course, the production body is different in several key areas to the A4 and S4 Avant. For example, the front grille has been made wider and deeper, while the front bumper is more angular. The RS4 also sports much wider tires and increased tracks, which are tucked away under flared fenders. Everything from the exhaust to the brakes is bigger, though Audi has gotten into the habit of offering expensive options for both.

In a way, the changes are tame, as Audi game the TT RS brand new taillights and the RS5 has those trim pieces next to the headlights. But in a way, the Avant is the core of the brand that can't be messed with.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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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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