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Audi RS 4 now also in Avant and Cabriolet versions

Audi RS 4 now also in Avant and Cabriolet versions

From this summer, Audi will for the first time be offering additional versions of the RS 4. Following the successful market launch of the saloon at the end of last year, the Avant and Cabriolet versions will be appearing at dealers from the summer. This will round off the RS 4 family. This highly emotionally charged, high-performance product from quattro GmbH unites the characteristics of a sports car with supreme everyday qualities. This is as true of the saloon version as it is of the Avant and the four-seater Cabriolet.

The RS 4 has numerous new features to distinguish it. Most notably, there is the V8 engine with an output of 420PS. This is the first time that a manufacturer has combined petrol direct injection with a high-revving concept. Engine speeds of up to 8,250 rpm are possible. Another highlight is the suspension with the latest generation of quattro permanent four-wheel drive and Dynamic Ride Control. The Cabriolet and Avant have likewise been subjected to a rigorous regime of weight reduction measures to make sure that they are equally sporty. Even though the engineers have systematically applied lightweight construction principles, all RS 4 versions feature luxurious equipment that singles out the Audi RS 4 as a high-performance vehicle suitable for everyday driving.

The Audi RS 4 Avant

Beautiful estate cars are called Avant. A maxim that is equally applicable to the Audi A4 and to the new top model, the RS 4 Avant. In it, Audi combines the characteristics of a sports car with the practical virtues of an Avant.

Racing technology clad in civilian garb: a principle that applies both to the RS 4 Avant and to its saloon counterpart. The first RS 4 generation was available exclusively as an Avant, because it was clear that there was market demand for that body version.

Although in production for only slightly more than one and a half years, sales of the first-generation RS 4 Avant topped 6,000 units. Incentive enough to include this attractive body version in the range again.

There are numerous new features that give the RS 4 Avant a distinctive flavour while still identifying it as a member of the A4 family. The single-frame radiator grille with a rhombus-pattern grid, the additional air inlets at the front end and the alloy wheels developed specially for the RS 4, together with the flared wheel arches, clearly set the Audi RS 4 Avant apart from a standard A4. Flared sills and lower door trims coordinated with the sills are other differentiating features. Then there are the RS 4 badges at the front and rear, as well as on the side rubbing strips.

Over and above providing visual accents, the rear apron with the two large, oval tailpipes and the subtle but effective roof spoiler are actually highly functional. Another example: the ride height of both the Audi RS 4 Avant and its saloon counterpart is 30 millimetres lower than that of the standard A4. To accommodate this change, the track of both axles has been widened. The car not only sits more unwaveringly on the road as a result, but also handles better.

Attractive and convenient: the RS 4 Avant's load area combines an exclusive atmosphere with optimum usability and a versatile layout. The successful interior design and multifunctionality set new standards in this class. The variable load-area floor provides generous storage capacity. It can be opened wholly or in part, or removed altogether. The low loading lip and smooth side edges facilitate loading of objects of up to one metre in width. The smooth-surfaced inner side panels have no bulges, making the load area look extremely tidy at all times. A full range of ingenious details such as a net for small items and lashing points enhance the practical utility of the Audi RS 4 Avant.

A virtually level load area is created by folding down the divided rear seat. The luggage cover and load guard are housed in a space-efficient housing that can be folded aw