When Audi stopped offering the B7 platform RS4 in 2008, many thought that they would release a new version shortly after that. But in fact, we have to wait almost four years for the new version and the car you see in these pictures here is the new Audi RS4 and Audi will debut it at next month’s Geneva Motor Show.

The 2013 Audi RS4 Avant combines a high level of performance with everyday practicality. It will be hand built and features the same high revving, naturally aspirated V8 engine that is found in the Audi RS5 coupe. The 4.2 litre engine generates 450bhp at 8250rpm and a maximum torque of 430 Nm from 4000 to 6000rpm. The car has a specific output of 108.1bhp per litre.

The powerful V8 engine enables the car to achieve the century sprint in 4.7 seconds and it has a controlled top speed of 250km/h. The maximum speed limit can be increased to 280 km/h upon request. Audi has claimed that the car has a fuel economy of 11 litres of fuel for every 100kms travelled.

The engine is mated to a seven-speed S-tronic (dual clutch) transmission. The steering mounted paddle shifter allows the driver to shift gears swiftly. For a fiery off the line launch, drivers can activate the Launch Control button which manages the engagement of the clutch at an optimum starting speed and minimum wheel slip.

Like all RS models, the new RS4 Avant gets Audi’s Quattro permanent all wheel drive system. The key point of the system is its crown gear centre differential. This component varies the distribution of power between the front and rear axles immediately. The self-locking differential works together with the torque vectoring system which acts on all four wheels. The company offers the sport differential which actively distributes the power between the rear wheels as an option.

The car sits lower (by 20mm) if compared to the A4 Avant and it gets 19 inch ten spoke forged aluminium wheels as a standard. As an option, Audi offers 20 inch five V-spoke wheels which are finished in a polished titanium-look. Plus, there’s also two additional variants in the five-arm rotor design.

Behind the front wheels, 365mm internally vented wave disc brakes are fitted. The steel friction rings with their wave-like outer contour are perforated and connected to the aluminium brake caps via pins. This reduces tensions, quickly dissipates heat and prevents transmission of temperature peaks. The new shape of the friction rings shaves a total of roughly around three kilograms off the unsprung weight.

The brake callipers are painted in glossy black and the front pair has 8 pistons each and sports a RS logo. A six-piston calliper (finished in anthracite grey) and carbon fibre ceramic rotors are available as options. Audi’s drive select system comes as standard on the car. The driver can switch between three modes (comfort, auto and dynamic) to determine the characteristics of the steering, the seven-speed S-tronic and the throttle valve.

Audi drive select can even vary the sound of the exhaust system, double-declutching when downshifting in dynamic mode. Another component available for Audi’s drive select is dynamic steering which varies the steering ratio by nearly 100 percent depending on the speed driven and automatically counter steer slightly at the cornering limit for even more precise and stable handling.

Another technology available as an option from Audi is the sport suspension plus with dynamic ride control (DRC). Oil lines and a central valve connect diagonally opposed pairs of shock absorbers. During fast cornering, the system boosts the stabilization of the front outside wheel. The damping characteristic of the sport suspension plus is variable, with a choice of three settings available via Audi drive select.

The exterior look of the car is typically Audi. Large, single frame front grille, headlights with running LEDs, large side air vents on the front bumpers, straight chiselled lines and etc. These exterior components pretty much represent the car’s athletic character, fast and agile. The interior of the car is mainly clad in black, with some aluminium trimming. RS badges, to differentiate from the normal models, can be found throughout the interior such as on the steering wheel and door sills.

Due to the fact that estates outsells the sedan versions in Europe, Audi has decided to offer the RS4 only in the estate variant and the company will start selling the car by the end of this year as a 2013 model. More details will be available when the car debuts next month.

Photo credit: Net Car Show

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