From this summer, Audi will for the first time be offering additional versions of the Audi RS 4. Following the successful market launch of the saloon at the end of last year, the Avant and Cabriolet versions will be appearing at dealers from the summer. This will round off the RS 4 family. This highly emotionally charged, high-performance product from quattro GmbH unites the characteristics of a sports car with supreme everyday qualities. This is as true of the saloon version as it is of the Avant and the four-seater Cabriolet.

The RS 4 has numerous new features to distinguish it. Most notably, there is the V8 engine with an output of 420 bhp. This is the first time that a manufacturer has combined petrol direct injection with a high-revving concept. Engine speeds of up to 8,250 rpm are possible. Another highlight is the suspension with the latest generation of quattro permanent four-wheel drive and Dynamic Ride Control. The Cabriolet and Avant have likewise been subjected to a rigorous regime of weight reduction measures to make sure that they are equally sporty. Even though the engineers have systematically applied lightweight construction principles, all RS 4 versions feature luxurious equipment that singles out the Audi RS 4 as a high-performance vehicle suitable for everyday driving.

The Audi RS 4 Avant
Although in production for only slightly more than one and a half years, sales of the first-generation RS 4 Avant topped 6,000 units. Incentive enough to include this attractive body version in the range again.

There are numerous new features that give the RS 4 Avant a distinctive flavour while still identifying it as a member of the A4 family. The single-frame radiator grille with a rhombus-pattern grid, the additional air inlets at the front end and the alloy wheels developed specially for the RS 4, together with the flared wheel arches, clearly set the Audi RS 4 Avant apart from a standard A4. Flared sills and lower door trims coordinated with the sills are other differentiating features. Then there are the RS 4 badges at the front and rear, as well as on the side rubbing strips.

Over and above providing visual accents, the rear apron with the two large, oval tailpipes and the subtle but effective roof spoiler are actually highly functional. Another example: the ride height of both the Audi RS 4 Avant and its saloon counterpart is 30 millimetres lower than that of the standard A4. To accommodate this change, the track of both axles has been widened. The car not only sits more unwaveringly on the road as a result, but also handles better.

The Audi RS 4 Cabriolet
Never before has an open-top production Audi had so much power on tap: the RS 4 Cabriolet puts the brand at the forefront of the four-seater convertible segment. The 420 bhp V8 engine transforms the open-top RS 4 into a veritable sports car that is also ideal for relaxed cruising. As well as sporty performance, the RS 4 Cabriolet treats its passengers to an acoustic experience of the finest calibre, because the unmistakable sound of the V8 engine is enough to set the pulse of any car enthusiast racing. Particularly with its roof open, the hearty sound of the eight-cylinder engine reaches the occupants'' ears unfiltered.

Visually, the Cabriolet is recognisable at first glance as a member of the RS 4 family.

Inside, the seats are the main feature distinguishing the RS 4 Cabriolet from the Avant and saloon. Whereas the other two body versions are equipped with RS bucket seats, the Cabriolet comes with sports seats as standard, though RS bucket seats can be ordered as an option. The most important information units in the Cabriolet are combined beneath a domed cover.

The electro-hydraulic hood can be opened entirely automatically in 21 seconds. The roof can be operated at up to speeds of 30 km/h. This makes it possible to open or close the roof when out and about in town, for instance, or before parking the car. The glass rear window is heated. The acoustic hood, a standard feature of the RS 4 Cabriolet, sets new standards for soft tops. As with the saloon and Avant, the ride height of the Cabriolet has been lowered by 30 millimetres compared with the A4 Cabriolet. This emphasises the car''s sporty appearance.

The further improved crash strength of the latest A4 Cabriolet generation has likewise benefited the open-top RS 4. The front and side airbags are standard features, as are the rollover bars that extend behind the rear seats in the event of the car overturning.

Engine
The 420 bhp V8 revs up to a speed of 8,250 rpm. With its displacement of 4,163 cm3, this outstanding engine breaks through the magic barrier for a production saloon of 100 bhp per litre. The highly compact power unit reaches its peak torque of 430 Nm at 5,500 rpm. At least 90 percent of the maximum 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.

Audi''s RS 4 saloon employs groundbreaking FSI technology. The petrol direct-injection unit delivers enhanced power output based on more efficient combustion of the fuel/air mixture. The engine is also more responsive. The performance of the RS 4 clearly demonstrates this progress: it reaches the 100 km/h mark in 4.8 seconds (Avant 4.9 seconds, Cabriolet 4.9 seconds), and 200 km/h in 16.6 seconds (16.9 seconds; 17.5 seconds). On all three versions, the speed is governed electronically when the needle reaches 250 km/h.

A dual-branch exhaust system with enlarged pipes provides even higher power output. These extensive measures have enabled the 4,163 cm3 engine to break through the magical 100 bhp per litre barrier.

The car''s power-to-weight ratio is also impressive: 3.93 kg per bhp is a figure that only the most thoroughbred sports cars were able to offer just a few years ago. The figure for the Avant is only slightly higher.

Drivetrain
Audi translates the engine''s power into locomotion in typical style: the latest generation of quattro permanent four-wheel drive, which featured first in the RS 4 saloon and offers a asymmetric/dynamic torque split of 40 (front axle) to 60 (rear axle) in conjunction with the self-locking centre differential, is one of the main reasons why the RS 4 is still able to provide traction when other drive concepts have long since reached their limits. quattro drive is further enhanced by the DRC suspension system (Dynamic Ride Control), which significantly reduces the rolling and pitching movements of the vehicle about its transverse axis and rear axle.

Floating, perforated, ventilated brake discs measuring 365 millimetres in diameter are fitted at the front, and there are likewise perforated, ventilated brake discs at the rear with a diameter of 324 millimetres. The specifically flow-enhanced brake ventilation incorporating NACA jets on the underbody of the car ensures optimum cooling of the brakes, however high a load they are subjected to.

The latest generation of ESP has been modified specifically to suit the particular properties of this high-performance vehicle. It now intervenes later and for shorter periods. It is also possible to disable the ESP in two stages. In the first stage only the traction control (ASR) function is disabled; the other ESP functions remain fully active. In the second stage the ESP is completely deactivated, including the traction control. All electronic control then ceases.

The servotronic steering has been specially tuned to the requirements of a sports car. With its direct response and short travel, it is outstandingly well suited to the overall character of all RS 4 versions.

Audi has likewise adapted the six-speed gearbox to the handling requirements of a sports car.