New Audi RS4 blasts back

[Lightspeed]

Audi's RS Blasts Back

 

he ultimate A4 is go, and Auto Express has the first official pictures. Set to debut at next week's Geneva Motor Show, the sensational new RS4 is packed with technology and promises unrivalled pace in a market that already hosts some of the world's fastest cars.

 

Building on the success of the last- generation S4, the new RS recreates the legend of past models and is powered by a hi-tech evolution of Audi's 4.2-litre petrol V8. New pistons, cylinder heads and a special crank-shaft boost performance massively.

 

Capable of revving to 8,250rpm, the unit also sports Audi's cutting-edge FSI fuel-injection system and produces an amazing 420bhp and 430Nm of torque - an output of over 100bhp per litre. To make the most of all that power, the Audi has a six-speed manual gearbox - no automatic version is available yet - and a new generation of the quattro four-wheel-drive system.

 

For the first time, the 4WD offers variable torque distribution and a self-locking centre differential, which ensures that the power is fed to the wheels with the most grip at all times.

 

The result is a 0-60mph time of only 4.8 seconds, and 0-124mph in 16.6 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155mph, but derestricted it is reckoned that the newcomer could reach 180mph. Large ventilated and drilled brake discs help to haul the RS4 down from high speeds, with aero- dynamic aids designed to cool the set-up during hard use.

 

The super saloon also promises excellent handling. Aluminium suspension components help reduce unsprung weight for better control, while the ESP system is reprogrammed to respond more gently, allowing the driver more freedom. It also adjusts the brakes in wet weather, automatically applying them lightly to dry the discs, ensuring max-imum stopping power.

The RS4 has a wider track, too, and is lowered by 30mm for better grip and stability.

 

The exterior has a number of subtle features which hint at the supercar performance without spoiling the clean A4 lines. A deep front grille with discreet RS4 badges adds menace, while increasing airflow to the thumping V8 engine. At the rear, two large exhaust pipes and a small boot spoiler are the only giveaways to the car's potential. Multi-spoke lightweight alloy wheels wear ultra low-profile tyres for ultimate grip.

 

The A4 cabin gets a number of sporting additions. Light- weight leather seats have inflatable side bolsters for ultimate support. Chequered carbon fibre inserts, a dash-mounted starter button and a sport button for sharper throttle response add to the race car feel. After its Geneva debut, sales of the RS4 are set to start later this year.

 

Matt Joy

 

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[BMW320i]

This car is bloody good looking !

[Magfocus]

Bye bye M3..

[BMW320i]

no no .... M3 stays ....

[Lightspeed]

Think the interior is damn cool

[BMW320i]

yes. simply lovely.

[Slayer]

That's a monster under the bonnet. :)

[BMW320i]

4.2L V8

[Ahhan7]

the face of the car looks like the new VW Golf GTi

 

nice car though

[Magfocus]

With 420BHP...its M3..for sure.. straightline at least

 

But on the track..might be a different story..

[Potheader]

Nice chio car!

 

[Magfocus]

I wish it were mine..

[Lightspeed]

Love the steering wheel!

[Decibel]

Wow.

[Conned]

I heard u ordering.........

Hey..guys.dun write off the M3 first...

if u go see the test between de S4 N M3,the M3 jus breeze away...(but then again....)

Edited February 24, 2005 by Conned

[Magfocus]

Been in an M3 at full throttle..the E46 M3 SMG..must say i am disappointed..Perhaps my expectations were too high. Talking about acceleration i mean..

 

Am sure the RS4 would be faster in a straight line at least..

[Maded]

Love the seats!

[Conned]

Then it's the ENZO for u liow..

How come..? The M3 accel is blistering..perhaps it's de ratio settings in SMG?