The Audi RS 4 quattro is the top tier and highest performing version of some specific generations of the Audi A4 range of automobiles. It is a sports-focusedcompact executive car (often called sport compact in some countries), produced by Audi‘s high-performance private subsidiary quattro GmbH, in limited numbers, for Germancar manufacturer AUDI AG, part of the larger Volkswagen Group. It slots distinctly above the Audi S4, as the fastest, most sports-focused model based on the A4’s “B” automobile platform. The RS 4 made a comeback in 2012, in Avant form only based on the Audi A4 Avant.The original B5 version was only produced as a five-door five-seat “Avant”, Audi’s name for an estate car/station wagon. The second version, the B7, was released initially as a four-door five-seat saloon/sedan, with the Avant following a short while later. A two-door four-seat Cabriolet version was subsequently added. Furthermore, their unique internal combustion engines are all front-mounted, and are longitudinally oriented. The transmission is mounted immediately at the rear of the engine in a longitudinal orientation, in the form of a transaxle, and contains both a center and front differential.
The “RS” initials are taken from the German: RennSport—literally translated as “racing sport”, and is the Audi marque’s highest trim level, positioned above the “S” model specification of Audi’s regular model line-up. Like all Audi “RS” cars, the RS 4 pioneers some of Audi’s latest advanced technology, and could therefore be described as a “halo vehicle”. Furthermore, it is only available with Audi’s Torsen-based “trademark” quattro permanent four-wheel drive system.
Its main market competitors include the BMW M3, Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, and Lexus IS-F.
Every new generation of the Audi RS4, having been on sale since 1999 and traditionally tuned by ABT Sportsline, has seen an uprating. Incidentally, even its legendary forefather, the RS2 (315 hp/232 kW), is still at a par with many modern sports cars. Although the RS4 is now powered by a 4.2l V8 with 450 hp (331 kW) and accelerates faster than previous generations, one essential number hasn’t changed at all: its top speed of 250 km/h. The reason is its factory electronic speed limiter. But the globally largest tuner of cars produced by the Volkswagen Group has filed down the electronic speed chain, as it were, and the ABT RS4 now reaches a top speed of almost 290 km/h.
You could almost think the new car from Bavaria would “roar” out of excitement and joy, but its full bass comes from the optionally available stainless-steel exhaust system. From the catalytic converter, ABT Sportsline replaces the system with optimised components on which the serially very musical V8 always seems to find the right tone. It goes without saying that the Bavarians also offer a TÜV approval for this “brass instrument”.
In visual terms, the standard RS4 Avant is certainly not a nobody, but the tuning company has discovered more potential for a better look in its wheel houses. ABT uses one size larger alloy wheels in its ABT DR design in 9 x 20 inches. These dimensions aside, their design also means more dynamism. There is the cool gun metal finish and the spokes arranged like a turbine blade. To make the car’s muscular appearance perfect, the Bavarian car tuner also installs 25mm wheel spacers on each side. And finally there is the ABT boot mat and the matching set of floor mats. After all, your foot on the pedal should feel comfortable: It will now be able to take the car beyond 250 km/h…
