Audi announced yesterday the upcoming RS4 model of its new B7-platform A4 lineup. Audi RS models are produced by quattro GmbH, a sort of autonomous in-house skunkworks in the line of BMW M or Mercedes-Benz AMG. RS models, with the exception of a brief run of the RS6, have only been sold in the European market. The new RS4 will be available as a sedan here in the United States in "mid 2006," according to Audi.

Up front in the RS4 is a new 4.2 liter FSI (fuel stratified injection) V8 producing 420 hp and 317 lb/ft of peak torque at 5500 rpm. Fuel stratified injection is Audi's version of direct fuel injection. Instead of a traditional intake manifold with a fuel injector located in each runner, the injectors squirt fuel directly into the combustion chamber. In addition to being able to operate as a standard direct fuel injection system which creates an even mix of fuel across the cylinder, FSI can also operate in a stratified mode which places a higher concentration of fuel around the spark plug but less in the rest of the cylinder. This allows for more power to be generated from a lean burn (i.e. less fuel) when the engine is not under full-throttle acceleration. With a displacement of 4163 cc, the new V8 just barely surpasses the 100 hp-per-liter mark so highly touted as of late. As is to be expected of a normally aspirated engine of such high specific output, redline is a stratospheric 8250 rpm. Despite the high-revving nature of this engine, Audi claims a full 90 percent of the engine's peak torque is available from 2250 to 7600 rpm. Manufacturer's stated performance numbers are 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds and 0 to 200 km/h (124 mph) in 16.6 seconds. In going with most other high performance European cars, top speed is limited to 155 mph.

The RS4 is the first car to employ the next generation of Audi's quattro all wheel drive system. This update to quattro upgrades the previous Torsen center differential which dynamically distributes torque asymmetrically from front to rear to a new self-locking Torsen which adds the ability to automatically lock the torque split at 50/50 front to rear. Assisting the quattro system with traction control duties is Bosch's latest Electronic Stability Program (ESP) which is designed to intervene with the festivities at a slightly higher threshold so as not to spoil efforts at spirited driving.

The unibody and suspension have been upgraded from the standard A4/S4 with the intent of lowering the weight of the car. Most of the suspension arms and links are made from aluminum, as are the hood, trunk lid and front fenders. The shock absorbers are integrated into a system that Audi calls Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). Each shock absorber is connected to its diagonally opposite corner by means of oil lines regulated by a central valve. This is done because vehicle weight naturally transfers diagonally. During cornering oil flows from the unloaded shock at the inside of the turn to the loaded-up shock at the outside of the turn. This increases damping force in the loaded shock, which helps offset the natural diagonal weight transfer of the car on its suspension during cornering. The overall effect is a decrease in body roll during cornering and dive under braking, without an increase in ride harshness.

Brakes are suitably massive for a car of this type with vented two-piece drilled rotors sized 14.4 inches in front and 12.8 inches in the rear clamped by multiple-piston (Audi has not released final spec) calipers. Cooling air is supplied to the brakes by NACA ducts integrated with the body's aerodynamic undertray. The brake system also incorporates a new brake drying feature for use in wet driving conditions. When the windshield wipers are activated, the brakes are applied at a light pressure of 1 bar (14.5 psi) for 1.5 seconds every 1.25 miles.

The RS4's styling has been subtly upgraded from the regular A4 and S4 to let the initiated know you're driving something special while still not raising too many eyebrows of members of the local constabulary. The new Audi signature grille and the enlarged lower air intakes in the front bumper have a new hexagonal pattern to their inserts. 18-inch split spoke wheels, flared fenders, a 30 mm lower ride height, polished aluminum side view mirrors, subtle spoiler on the edge of the trunk lid, recontoured rear air dam, and a twin oval-tip exhaust complete the look.

Inside the car, aluminum and carbon fiber accents abound. Unique sports-oriented touches include the flat bottomed steering wheel and engine start button located on the center console. A sport button located on the steering wheel speeds up response time of the drive-by-wire throttle. The seats are heavily bolstered and the side bolsters are electrically adjustable to provide a snug fit to drivers of different sizes. Most of the A4's optional equipment comes standard on the RS4. This includes an Audi Concert sound system and radar parking aid. Satellite-linked DVD navigation and adaptive headlights that turn with the steering wheel are among available options.

Pricing has not yet been announced. The RS4 is scheduled to be introduced at the Geneva show.

Text copyright © 2005 Michael Atlas

 

It has a cell phone holder; where is the TV set? Will it take 3 months for the windows to fail or 4 months? Will the headlights burn first or backlight?

 

That is bad ass :eek3:

 

that thing is sexy

 

That's a pretty typical option in the German market for some reason. A lot of Porsche press photos show similar phones.

 

super nice. :drool:

 

werd

 

bluetooth is the reason.

 

the greenhouse and interior are almost exactly the same as the B6. i don't like how vw/audi tweeks the exterior of a car a little bit and calls it a new model. it kinda reminds me the "facelift" the passat got. oh well. i'd still rock it.