Family dads everywhere rejoice, as the Audi RS4 Avant gets a step closer to its launch. The Ingolstadt carmaker released today all the details, specifications and images of the new Audi RS4 Avant, which will go on sale this fall. This means that next year, you'll be able to take your kids to school, and then drop by the track for a few quick laps. The RS4 Avant has reached its third generation, which comes with a powerful engine, the quattro all-wheel-drive system and updated looks. When Audi launched the new RS5, we all though it was the end for the RS4. However, with Audi launching the RS4 Avant, we can hope that a new RS4 sedan will also make its appearance in the near future.
Audi's estate RS4 is powered by a 4.2-liter (4,163 cc) V8 engine, which develops 331 kW (450 hp) at 8,250 rpm and 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft) of torque between 4,000 rpm and 6,000 rpm. The Audi RS4 Avant 4.2 FSI is able to accelerate from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4.7 seconds and electronically limited to a top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). Audi says that the RS4 Avant's top speed can be increased to 280 km/h (173.98 mph), but we guess that if it's let loose, it can go a lot faster. Audi rates the Avant RS4 with a fuel consumption of 11 liters per 100 km (21.38 U.S. mpg / 25.7 UK mpg) in the combined cycle.
To send its power to all four wheels, the RS4 Avant uses Audi's 7-speed S tronic transmission (standard), equipped with a dual-clutch and steering wheel mounted paddle-shifters. Thanks to its gearbox, the RS4 Avant also features a Launch Control function.
The Audi RS4 Avant is built upon an aluminum chassis and is 20 millimeters (0.79 in) longer, 24 millimeters (0.94 in) wider and 20 millimeters (0.79 in) lower than the regular A4 Avant. This gives it a more planted appearance, as well as better handling. The distinctive features of the RS4 "station wagon" include a distinctive front apron with huge air vents, the wider wheel archers, and a new rear bumper with an integrated diffuser. Of course, we also have to mention its exhaust system, featuring the trademark oval pipes. Other tell-tale signs of the volcano hiding beneath its skin include the huge brake discs and the RS4-badged calipers.
The Audi RS4 Avant also comes with distinctive LED daytime running lights, a roof spoiler, and LED rear lights. Audi offers eight colors to be used for the RS4 Avant's exterior, including two crystal-effect colors (Prism Silver and Panther Black).
At the interior, the most striking feature of the new RS4 Avant are its front sport seats, which are among the best on the market. For the interior of the RS4 Avant, Audi chose a complete black scheme, with various trim elements finished in Chrome, brushed matte aluminum and carbon fiber. The heated front seats are covered in a leather / Alcantara upholstery and complete the high-performance look alongside the RS4 Avant's sport steering wheel.
The Audi RS4 Avant is an estate / station wagon, so it has to be able to hold a considerable load. It has 1,430 liters (50.50 cu ft) of cargo space and features a rail system integrated into its luggage compartment, which makes loading / unloading a lot easier.
The equipment list of the RS4 Avant includes, among others, Audi's MMI system, Bluetooth and Internet connectivity.
We'll get a little bit more technical now. To offer the RS4 Avant top traction, Audi has equipped it with a self-locking crown-gear center differential, which can distribute the power between the front and rear axles. The power can go as much as 70% to the front or 85% to the rear. The default ratio is 40:60. To be able to accomplish this, the diff works together with a torque vectoring system. As an option, Audi is also offering a sport differential for the RS4 Avant.
The RS4 Avant's chassis is built using Audi's latest technology. It features an aluminum five-link front suspension, a self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension and a speed-dependent power steering system. The RS Avant sits 20 millimeters (0.79 in) closer to the ground, in comparison to the A4 estate. This improves its handling and it can potentially increase its cornering speeds.
The equipment list of the Audi RS4 Avant includes newly developed 365 millimeters (14.37 in) internally vented brake discs, and eight piston calipers. As an optional extra, Audi is offering a set of 380 millimeter (14.96 in) carbon fiber ceramic discs and six-piston calipers. As you'd expect, the RS4 Avant comes with Audi's drive select driving dynamics system, which lets you choose between three different settings (comfort, auto and dynamic). This system modifies the characteristics of the steering, the seven-speed S tronic, the throttle valve and the exhaust note. If you equip your Avant RS with the navigation system, you'll also get a fourth custom mode, which you can configure yourself.
Also as an optional extra, Audi is offering the sport suspension plus with dynamic ride control (DRC), which improves the car's stability during cornering.
Audi RS4 Avant's price list starts at €76,600 EUR. Its price for the USA and British markets will be announced at a later date.
