2018 Audi RS4 Avant

Next Audi RS4 to be even more potent thanks to hybrid boost

The next-generation Audi A4 sedan and Avant are due to hit the scene around 2023 and the latest intel suggests that they will offer a varied powertrain line-up that includes full electric models as well as hybrids with internal combustion engines. In fact, the new midsize premium sedan will be built around two very distinct platforms, Autocar reports.

According to the UK publication, the fully-electric versions of the next Audi A4 will be based around the Volkswagen Group’s new PPE modular architecture that was designed for premium electric vehicles. PPE will also underpin the battery-powered A6 that was previewed in concept form earlier this year.

There will also be a more conventional combustion-engined A4, says Autocar, which will be built on a modified version of today’s MLB platform, and it will offer a choice between mild hybrid and plug-in hybrid powertrains.

But the best news is that Audi is reportedly working on an RS4 variant, which will retain the current vehicle’s 2,9-litre twin-turbo V6 petrol engine, albeit paired with an electric motor. Although its outputs remain a mystery, Autocar suggests it will offer somewhat more than today’s 331 kW output.

www.carmag.co.za

Next Audi A4 due in 2023, more potent RS4 to go hybrid

The next-generation Audi A4 sedan and Avant are due to hit the scene around 2023 and the latest intel suggests that they will offer a varied powertrain line-up that includes full electric models as well as hybrids.
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za
 
DRIVEN: Audi RS4 has lost its V8 thrills but it’s still a technically brilliant sports car

Nevertheless, it’s packed with technologies such as Audi’s latest Virtual Cockpit and it comes with a new MMI system that is arguably one of the best in the business when it comes to ease-of-use.

Audi doesn’t skimp on quality here either, as the test car was beautifully tailored with precise shutlines and exquisite, smooth paint. Yes, on the inside you will find one or two dodgy plastics that look more suited to a VW Up! but these materials are used in out of reach places so it’s not too disappointing on that front considering the car costs a cool R1,3 million before you throw any options at it.

www.iol.co.za

DRIVEN: Audi RS4 has lost its V8 thrills but it’s still a technically brilliant sports car

We spent a few days in Audi’s recently facelifted RS4 Avant and came away impressed considering the bangs you get for your bucks...
www.iol.co.za www.iol.co.za

 
Audi RS4 Avant (2021) Review

Fast Facts:
  • Model tested: Audi RS4 Avant
  • Price: R1 296 000 (R1 569 400 as tested)
  • Engine: 2.9-litre 6-cylinder turbopetrol
  • Power/Torque: 331 kW and 600 Nm
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic
  • Fuel efficiency: 9.2 L/100 km (claimed)
  • 0-100 kph: 4.1 sec (claimed)
  • Top speed: 250 kph (280 kph on request)
  • Load capacity: 495/1 495 litres
Pricing and after-sales support

Audi’s current range of RS cars is particularly enticing at pricing that undercuts BMW M and Mercedes-AMG offerings by some margin. The RS4 Avant retails for R1 296 000, whereas our test unit (with options included) was specced to R1 569 400. The Audi is sold with a 1-year/unlimited km warranty and a 5-year/100 000 km maintenance plan, both of which can be upgraded via Audi Driveplan options.

Verdict

It would appear that the power-obsessed era of motoring, in which well-monied performance enthusiasts crave ever-faster acceleration and preposterously high peak engine outputs, is coming to an end, but it’s not over yet. In light of that, the Audi RS4 Avant offers a comparatively prudent balance of usable performance and desirable looks in body shape (a ‘wagon) that is sure to stand out in South Africa.

There’s not much to be said about the differences between the pre- and post-facelift RS4 Avant models, bar the aforementioned styling changes, but it needs to be noted that the Audi’s asking price hasn’t escalated as steeply as those of its rivals. What you get is a sure-footed, all-wheel-drive luxury performance wagon that offers surfeit “longitudinal performance” without all the “lateral excitement” of going sideways, which so-called drivers’ cars are widely lauded for. It’s still good fun to drive on twisty roads and offers easier access to all its performance than its rear-wheel-drive rivals from BMW and Benz.

At the time of writing (August 2021), the Audi undercut its direct competition (the all-wheel-drive BMW M3 Competition M xDrive) by more than R600k, which makes it a bit of a performance bargain.

www.cars.co.za

Audi RS4 Avant (2021) Review

Audi’s RS-model offensive of 2021 is in full swing. We take the facelifted RS4 Avant on a week-long trip to the Overberg to find out how practical the 'wagon really is.
www.cars.co.za www.cars.co.za

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ROAD TEST: BMW M3 Competition vs Audi RS4 Avant

The podium

As we mentioned earlier, the M3 and RS4 have always been pitted against one another as natural German foes. Yet, in reality, they have travelled very different paths. The Audi RS4 Avant refuses to compromise on daily usability and really does exist in a niche of its own in South Africa. Internationally, it will put up a fight against the M3 Competition Touring and AMG C-Class Estate. However, locally, it remains the only true performance wagon of its type, ensuring it a cult following.
Based on the numbers alone, the BMW M3 Competition is the clear winner of this match-up. Yes, we acknowledge the asking price is substantially more than that of the fast, fluid and generously kitted Audi RS4 Avant, but in the cauldron of Killarney Raceway – where speed, grip, braking and driver connection all come to the fore – it’s difficult to argue against a lap time that’s a full four seconds faster.

Audi RS4 Avant quattro Tiptronic
price: R1 296 000
power: 331 kW/5 700-6 700 r/min
torque: 600 N.m/1 900-5 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: 3,98 sec*
top speed: 250 km/h
CAR fuel index: 11,40 L/100 km
maint/serv plan: M5/100 000 km

BMW M3 Competition M Sport Steptronic
price: R1 879 182
power: 375 kW/6 250 r/min
torque: 650 N.m/2 750-5 500 r/min
0-100 km/h: 4,01 sec*
top speed: 290 km/h
CAR fuel index: 12,24 L/100 km
maint/serv plan: M5/100 000 km

www.carmag.co.za

ROAD TEST: BMW M3 Competition vs Audi RS4 Avant - CAR Magazine

For decades, through all its generations, the BMW M3 has held the upper hand in the battle of the iconic German performance saloons, but diehard […]
www.carmag.co.za www.carmag.co.za

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New 2022 Audi RS4 and RS5 Competition get handling boost

Stiffened-up chassis package comes alongside design tweaks and more vocal exhaust system

The Audi RS4 Avant and Audi RS5 have been dialled up to offer enhanced dynamics and a louder soundtrack in new, limited-edition Competition guise.

The hardcore new variants of the sports estate and its coupé sibling will arrive in German dealerships in July, but Autocar understands Audi is still evaluating whether or not to bring the new arrivals to the UK.

The upgrades bring unique styling touches for each and a package of mechanical upgrades, with the pricier Competition Plus package being most heavily differentiated from the standard cars.

The Competition cars are marked out by black badging, matt carbon-effect exterior trim and optional black wheels in a bespoke design, which can be wrapped in sticky Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres.

The interior is similarly decked out with black trim elements.

It's the modifications to the chassis that most obviously set the Competition apart, though.

www.autocar.co.uk

New Audi RS4 Competition priced from £84,600 | Autocar

Stiffer chassis package comes alongside design tweaks and vocal exhaust system
www.autocar.co.uk www.autocar.co.uk

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Audi RS4 Avant competition plus

In the course of some proverbial fine-tuning, Audi Sport GmbH is increasing the sportiness of the Audi RS4 Avant and Audi RS5. The new competition package is bursting with extras that both sharpen the cars' appearance and make for a more emotional driving experience. With its optional coilover suspension (RS sport suspension pro), the competition plus package boasts a maximum in dynamics and driving fun while not compromising its top suitability for everyday use. Sometimes less is more: Reduced insulation between the engine compartment and the interior means the RS4 Avant and RS5 will thrill customers with an exciting, next-level sound experience. The potent biturbo V6 has 331 kW (450 PS) of power and a torque of 600 newton meters from 1,900 to 5,000 rpm. The Audi RS4 Avant and RS5 with the competition packages will be available from dealers starting July 2022. Prices start at 7.875 euros for the competition package and 11,875 euros for the competition plus package.


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Audi has unveiled new Competition and Competition Plus packs for the RS4 and RS5

Hardcore Competition Plus estate will get manually-adjustable coilover suspension and sticky P Zero Corsa tyres

Well, here’s a treat for all the Audi RS fans out there – the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6-engined RS4 Avant and RS5 have both been treated to serious-sounding Competition and Competition Plus packages, with the aim of making both cars noisier and sharper to drive. Now that’s something we can get on board with.

It’s the full-fat Competition Plus that we’ll focus on here, not least because Audi UK has said that on our shores the performance packages will be ‘double-digit’ limited editions. Expect them to be rare and fully-loaded with all the options, then.

UK pricing will be announced later in the year, but in Germany the Plus will set you back €11,875 (around £10,000).

What do you get for the money? Well, the Competition pack includes a new RS sports exhaust system, some new bits of interior trim and a top speed increase to 180mph. It also brings a carbon fibre exterior pack that means the mirrors, rear diffuser, side sills and the blades in the front air intakes are all made out of the woven black stuff.

On top of that, the Competition Plus pack should include something called RS Sport Suspension Pro. Essentially this is a manually-adjustable coilover suspension setup that drops the RS4 or RS5 by 10mm from the factory, although both can be dropped by another 10mm if you get your spanners out. There’s a higher spring rate and three-way adjustable dampers too, which Audi says means ‘more precise and more agile handling’. Then there’s the diff, which has been enhanced to ‘switch the emphasis to the rear’ despite the Quattro four-wheel drive.

www.topgear.com

Audi has unveiled new Competition and Competition Plus packs for the RS4 and RS5

Hardcore Competition Plus estate will get manually-adjustable coilover suspension and sticky P Zero Corsa tyres
www.topgear.com www.topgear.com
 
Audi sharpens up RS4 and RS5 performance models with new competition packages

With its rival over in Munich a competition package tends to mean more power, but in the case of the newly announced Audi RS4 and RS5, the drawcard is a more engaging driving experience, in more ways than one.

In fact here we’re talking about a whole range of packages that not only bring some enticing chassis modifications, but there’s an enhanced soundtrack too. For starters there’s a brand new RS sports exhaust system, but Audi even went as far as removing some sound deadening material between the engine compartment and cabin just to enliven the experience.

In terms of suspension, customers can opt for a new RS Sport Suspension Pro package which comes with manually adjustable coilovers. By default these cars will be 10mm lower than standard RS models, but owners can also manually lower the suspension by a further 10mm.

Thanks to stiffer stabilisers, a higher spring rate and three-way adjustable dampers, drivers can look forward to improved lap times, Audi says.

But it doesn’t end there.

www.iol.co.za

Audi sharpens up RS4 and RS5 performance models with new competition packages

A sharper chassis and more enticing sound track is what buyers can look forward to when opting for Audi’s new competition packages.
www.iol.co.za www.iol.co.za
 
Audi RS Competition Plus Packages Announced

If you’re wanting a bit more performance and engagement from your Audi, the Audi RS Competition packages for the RS4 and RS5 have been announced.

The Audi RS4 and RS5 aren’t exactly slow or boring to drive quickly, but with the Audi RS Competition packages, there’s more fun to be had.

The Audi RS Competition and Competition Plus packages improve the handling, bring more noise to the party and are slightly quicker to 100 kph. There are also some nice tasty visual upgrades to let people know your Audi is a bit more special.

As far as suspension upgrades go, there are now manually-adjustable RS sport suspension pro coilovers which lower the car by 10 mm, higher spring rates, three-way adjustable dampers and stiffer stabilizers.

Audi has also added the quattro sports differential, retuned the ABS and fitted a fixed steering ratio of 1:13:1. The uprated RS ceramic brakes are claimed to improved braking distance and customers can spec special Pirelli Corsa P Zero rubber. There are also tweaks to the exhaust, which are now finished in matte black and you should be able to hear that V6 rumble more prominently.

www.cars.co.za

Audi RS Competition Plus Packages Announced

If you're wanting a bit more performance and engagement from your Audi, the RS Competition packages for the RS4 and RS5 have been announced.
www.cars.co.za www.cars.co.za
 
Audi’s sending just 75 RS4 Avant Competitions to the UK

Coilovers, sticky Pirellis, 180mph top speed and space to go five-up with luggage. Practical perfection, possibly, and yours for... £84,600. Ouch

Welcome to the outer reaches of sensibility.

We definitely started sensibly – a mid-sized estate car with the space, tech and badge cachet to blithely breeze through the gauntlet of modern life. Adding speed and visual intrigue might not be the most cerebral way to add some heart to a head-dominated decision, but it works – fast estates, after all, are the single greatest motoring niche in the world.

And who among us will say no to the chance to fire four rings at the horizon at a rate of 80 metres per second, cosplay as track bros by adjusting our coilovers or hear the biturbo hurricane of a 444bhp V6, unmuffled by eight kilos of overstuffed sound deadening?

Well, likely those without £84,600 spare, or at least a particularly solid and steady income to afford the lease payments. Or maybe those who find the Audi RS4 Avant Competition’s price a bridge too far when the regular, £70,000 RS4 Avant still has the 2.9-litre, biturbo V6 with all 444bhp and 443lb ft that the pricier limited edition offers, if not the top speed and spannerable suspension.

www.topgear.com

Audi’s sending just 75 RS4 Avant Competitions to the UK

Coilovers, sticky Pirellis, 180mph top speed and space to go five-up with luggage. Practical perfection, possibly, and yours for... £84,600. Ouch
www.topgear.com www.topgear.com
 
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