The Audi RS4 Avant

MANILA, Philippines -The RS 4 Avant is a modern classic with the first RS 315bhp motor made in collaborative effort with Porsche in 1994. The RS4 debuted to the world in 2000 with a 380bhp version. The third generation—a 420bhp V8—was unleashed in 2005.

Audi will be releasing its fourth RS4 generation to the Philippines in the third quarter of this year. The new RS4 Avant unites powerful performance with outstanding everyday practicality. Its high-revving, naturally aspirated V8 displaces 4,163 cc and produces 450 hp and 430 Nm of torque. The 4.2 FSI accelerates the RS 4 Avant from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds on its way to a governed top speed of 250 km/h. This can be increased to 280 km/h upon request. Average fuel consumption is 9.3 kilometer per liter. The manual transmission has been put to pasture and is replaced with an automated double-clutch gearbox used in the RS5.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system employs a crown-gear center differential. Highly compact and lightweight, it varies the distribution of power between the front and rear axles immediately, smoothly and over a wide range, with up to 70 percent flowing to the front or as much as 85 percent to the rear. This can be complemented with the optional sport differential at the rear axle.

The taut RS setup lowers the body by 20 millimeters (0.79 in) compared with the Audi A4 Avant. Standard equipment includes 19-inch, forged aluminum wheels and the Audi drive select dynamics system.

As with all RS models, it is really a wide-bodied variant with flared wheel arches that are noticeable right away.

Although the RS4 is heavier and is 0.1 of a second slower to the century mark than the RS5, on the road, however, the latest Audi model takes the game to another level with its excellent balance and cornering response.

Whether on the road or on the track, the RS4 continues to show its spirit. Its electric steering can be adjusted via the Multi Media Interface (MMI) to give the preferred amount of assistance. The MMI is also flexible enough to allow custom settings for engine, transmission and suspension.

As with most cars in this genre, Dynamic—the sportiest setting—is just too much for everyday driving. The car is too eager to shift into lower gears and too firm for passenger comfort in this mode. Surprisingly, the Comfort setting does not blunt the car’s handling.

With the RS4, Audi has defied logic and bent the laws of physics—not to mention be even better in fuel efficiency: 9.34 versus 9.25 kilometers per liter for every 100kms and lower carbon dioxide emissions (249 versus 252g for every km).

High-end options available for the Audi RS 4 Avant include carbon fiber-ceramic brakes on the front and the RS sport suspension with the adaptive damping system Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). This is a purely mechanical system without any lag, whose damping can be switched between three characteristics.

For information on the available Audi models in the Philippines, visit any of the Audi showrooms in Greenhills, Alabang, and Global City or contact 7270381 to 85.