Audi RS 4 now also in Avant and Cabriolet versions
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.
The 30 millimetre lower ride height compared with an Audi A4, the wider track at the front and rear axle and the sporty spring and damper settings help the RS 4 to meet the developers' ambitious handling objectives and place it in the realm of a genuine sports car. The brakes, too, represent new dimensions in their innovation. The 18-inch format provides optimum deceleration.
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. With its precision navigating through the shift gate and its short travel, it enhances driving pleasure and prompts the driver to change gear more often than the universally free-revving engine actually needs.
Light and comprehensive
Although weight was one of the main considerations in the development of the Audi RS 4, the car boasts an extensive range of equipment. Standard features include a deluxe automatic air conditioning system, as well as the concert radio system.
Central locking and electric windows are also featured as a matter of course in a car of this class. The Audi parking system at the front and rear helps avoid irritating dents and scratches when parking.
The high-intensity xenon plus headlights provide optimum visibility. The RS logo is worked into the flat-bottomed RS sports steering wheel as well as into the seat upholstery and door sills.
Two of the functions controlled directly from the ergonomically designed RS sports steering wheel are the lap timer and the Sport button. Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) provides sporty, dynamic handling by significantly reducing body roll and pitch, while nevertheless providing an exceptionally high standard of ride comfort for a sports car. All RS 4 models come with 18-inch cast aluminium wheels of 5-spoke design. As an optional extra, there are 19-inch wheels of a double 7-spoke design. Here, too, weight saving is combined with sporty design.
There are countless echoes of motor racing around the interior of the RS 4 models. These include the extensive use of carbon fibre and aluminium. The engine is started at the push of a button.
In the saloon and Avant, the front passengers are accommodated on sports bucket seats. These provide maximum support even when the car is driven energetically, for instance round a racetrack. On these seats, the width of the seat base and seat back can be adjusted electrically as preferred. Even greater lateral support can be obtained by pressing the Sport button. As well as calling up a modified, more spontaneous throttle response and an even more sporty sound from the exhaust system, this function inflates the seat side sections, supporting the driver even more securely.
The Cabriolet is equipped with leather-upholstered sports seats, which likewise provide very good support but also take the higher comfort requirements of Cabriolet drivers into account. Here too, RS bucket seats are available as an option.
Audi offers an extensive range of optional extras for the RS 4. They include the navigation system plus and the symphony radio system. On the RS 4 saloon and RS 4 Avant, various exterior mirror versions (optionally also with fold-in function), the sports suspension plus and the comfort package are also available. This comfort package comprises features such as cruise control and heated front seats.
For customer preferences above and beyond this range, quattro GmbH offers an extensive customisation service by the name of Audi exclusive.