After trying a naturally aspirated V8 for a couple of years, the Audi RS4 is back to using a V6. This all-new 2018 model, however, has more in common with supercars than it does its ancestors.
From a distance, this looks like a slightly sporty version of the normal A4 Avant. However, once you get up close, you begin to see all the carbon fiber trim pieces. This show car they brought to the IAA might cost 90,000 euros if not more.
The Nagora blue paint is a nod to the classic RS4 of 1999 as well as the 90 Quattro IMSA GTO, but it's only going to be available through the Audi Exclusive program.
Engine-wise, it's all as expected. Under the hood is the same 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 pushing out 450 HP and 443 pound-feet (600 Newton-meters) of torque. While the power is the same, torque is up by 170 Nm (125 lb-ft) over the previous generation.
With a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 4.1 seconds, the RS4 is a little bit slower than the RS5 Coupe and even the RS6. However, that's to be expected. Crucially, the super-Avant is just as fast as the F80 M3 sedan.
Compared to the V8 model it replaces, this 2018 RS4 is 80 kilograms lighter and also stiffer. However, at 1,790 kg (3,946 lbs), it's about as heavy as some crossovers. Despite this, the model is relatively economical, averaging 8.8 l/100 km (32.1 mpg UK / 26.73 mpg US) while emitting 199 grams of CO2. That's a 17% improvement over the previous generation.
We haven't talked that much about styling because it's self-explanatory. The RS5 sits just 7mm lower on some large 20-inch wheels. It's got flared wheel arches and a front end that's similar to the RS3 Sportback. At the back, the usual twin oval exhaust pipes and black air skirt dominate the picture. Not even the interior is that far removed from an average S4 Avant.
Order books in Europe open this fall with prices poised to start from €79,800 in Germany, and £61,625 in the United Kingdom.
The Nagora blue paint is a nod to the classic RS4 of 1999 as well as the 90 Quattro IMSA GTO, but it's only going to be available through the Audi Exclusive program.
Engine-wise, it's all as expected. Under the hood is the same 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 pushing out 450 HP and 443 pound-feet (600 Newton-meters) of torque. While the power is the same, torque is up by 170 Nm (125 lb-ft) over the previous generation.
With a 0 to 100 km/h sprint time of 4.1 seconds, the RS4 is a little bit slower than the RS5 Coupe and even the RS6. However, that's to be expected. Crucially, the super-Avant is just as fast as the F80 M3 sedan.
Compared to the V8 model it replaces, this 2018 RS4 is 80 kilograms lighter and also stiffer. However, at 1,790 kg (3,946 lbs), it's about as heavy as some crossovers. Despite this, the model is relatively economical, averaging 8.8 l/100 km (32.1 mpg UK / 26.73 mpg US) while emitting 199 grams of CO2. That's a 17% improvement over the previous generation.
We haven't talked that much about styling because it's self-explanatory. The RS5 sits just 7mm lower on some large 20-inch wheels. It's got flared wheel arches and a front end that's similar to the RS3 Sportback. At the back, the usual twin oval exhaust pipes and black air skirt dominate the picture. Not even the interior is that far removed from an average S4 Avant.
Order books in Europe open this fall with prices poised to start from €79,800 in Germany, and £61,625 in the United Kingdom.