Audi RS4 Avant & vert

IndyMike · 06-08-2006, 12:44 PM

The Avant looks really sweet. Looks like the classic Audi primo interior fit, finish and layout continue. Wouldn't really expect anything else, especially in the RS line.

Oh, and the cab doesn't reek either.

Auto Express's exclusive first drive of Audi's all-new TT will be grabbing the headlines this week, but the firm's sports car stable has two more thrilling members making their debut. We've already been impressed by the RS4 saloon, but how do the Avant and Cabriolet versions measure up?

As with its illustrious estate predecessors, the new RS4 Avant blends performance, style and practicality. The imposing bodykit and bulging wheelarches of the saloon work just as well on the Avant, so there's no mistaking the estate's sporting intentions.

The normally aspirated V8 pumps out 414bhp and 430Nm of torque, and the load-lugger's 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds is only a tenth slower than the saloon's. Revving to 8,250rpm, the powerplant provides a fantastic soundtrack, while the short-throw six-speed gearbox is Audi's best-ever.

Inside, the Avant's 442-litre boot capacity is 18 litres smaller than the saloon's, but once you fold the rear seats, it increases to a very practical 1,354 litres. Crucially, opting for the Avant doesn't mean you compromise on driver enjoyment, because like the four-door, it's savagely quick, involving and exciting. The chassis delivers amazing stability, while the quattro drivetrain ensures excellent traction.

With this much performance on tap, some drivers will want to feel the wind in their hair, too. So for the first time the German firm has launched an RS4 Cabriolet. You might expect the A4 drop-top to struggle to cope with this much power, but the engineers have done a good job of strengthening the body. As a result, the RS4 Cabriolet has the same dynamic abilities as the saloon and estate, with only a tiny amount of body twist when cornering.

The car's fully automatic fabric roof folds in only 21 seconds, which allows for even better appreciation of the V8 soundtrack. But when the standard-fit high-density acoustic top is raised, wind noise at speed is impressively low. And while the extra strengthening has added 195kg over the saloon, the Cabriolet still offers scintillating performance.

Whichever model you choose, excitement is guaranteed. The only problem is that RS4 fans will need deep pockets; the Avant costs £51,825, while the Cabriolet weighs in at a hefty £59,625.

*Plaz* · 06-08-2006, 12:55 PM

The cars are attractive.

But that phone in pic 3 looks as big as my shoe.

blee · 06-08-2006, 01:18 PM

That thing is not going to be cheap. There are worse ways to spend that kind of dough, though.

FC · 06-08-2006, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blee

That thing is not going to be cheap. There are worse ways to spend that kind of dough, though.

If I were single, very wealthy, and lived ~south of MA, the RS4 Avant would be my daily driver/winter/utility car to go along with a sportscar, fatpigness/crappy weight distribution and all.

dan · 06-08-2006, 01:26 PM

those fender flares are a little much

blee · 06-08-2006, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fernando

If I were single, very wealthy, and lived ~south of MA, the RS4 Avant would be my daily driver/winter/utility car to go along with a sportscar, fatpigness/crappy weight distribution and all.

If you were single, you wouldn't really need the Avant.

dan · 06-08-2006, 01:37 PM

only a weirdo would buy a touring if he was a single dude

ed328ci · 06-08-2006, 01:47 PM

Nice car, but it gets around 12 mpg. Seriously. It's also priced around the same as a 550.

*Plaz* · 06-08-2006, 02:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bonoboy

only a weirdo would buy a touring if he was a single dude

I can think of two weirdos off the top of my head, then.

FC · 06-08-2006, 02:48 PM

Why not? Before I met my wife ~2000 (and even afterwards), my plan was to sell my 190E and get a used A4 Avant, then save my pennies and get a used 986S a few years later. (She was the one who told me that was silly and to "get the fun car now," so I ended up buying the 330i.)

An RS4 and a GT3/Atom/whatever just brings things up a notch or two.

I find a compact wagon is a great car. I love the Saabaru for its great usefulness + AWD. So if can get that versatility and a high level of performance all in one, why not? Of course, an RS4 would also be a nice luxury car than can haul 4 adults in comfort to boot.

But maybe I am crazy.

Ok, I am crazy.

...oh, and I guess I'm a weirdo too.

06-08-2006, 12:44 PM	#1
IndyMike Elected by grace Join Date: Feb 2006 Carmudgeonly Ride: 11 1 M; 11 328iT; 22 M240ix Location: Brickyard Posts: 1,962	Audi RS4 Avant & vert The Avant looks really sweet. Looks like the classic Audi primo interior fit, finish and layout continue. Wouldn't really expect anything else, especially in the RS line. Oh, and the cab doesn't reek either. Auto Express's exclusive first drive of Audi's all-new TT will be grabbing the headlines this week, but the firm's sports car stable has two more thrilling members making their debut. We've already been impressed by the RS4 saloon, but how do the Avant and Cabriolet versions measure up? As with its illustrious estate predecessors, the new RS4 Avant blends performance, style and practicality. The imposing bodykit and bulging wheelarches of the saloon work just as well on the Avant, so there's no mistaking the estate's sporting intentions. The normally aspirated V8 pumps out 414bhp and 430Nm of torque, and the load-lugger's 0-60mph time of 4.7 seconds is only a tenth slower than the saloon's. Revving to 8,250rpm, the powerplant provides a fantastic soundtrack, while the short-throw six-speed gearbox is Audi's best-ever. Inside, the Avant's 442-litre boot capacity is 18 litres smaller than the saloon's, but once you fold the rear seats, it increases to a very practical 1,354 litres. Crucially, opting for the Avant doesn't mean you compromise on driver enjoyment, because like the four-door, it's savagely quick, involving and exciting. The chassis delivers amazing stability, while the quattro drivetrain ensures excellent traction. With this much performance on tap, some drivers will want to feel the wind in their hair, too. So for the first time the German firm has launched an RS4 Cabriolet. You might expect the A4 drop-top to struggle to cope with this much power, but the engineers have done a good job of strengthening the body. As a result, the RS4 Cabriolet has the same dynamic abilities as the saloon and estate, with only a tiny amount of body twist when cornering. The car's fully automatic fabric roof folds in only 21 seconds, which allows for even better appreciation of the V8 soundtrack. But when the standard-fit high-density acoustic top is raised, wind noise at speed is impressively low. And while the extra strengthening has added 195kg over the saloon, the Cabriolet still offers scintillating performance. Whichever model you choose, excitement is guaranteed. The only problem is that RS4 fans will need deep pockets; the Avant costs £51,825, while the Cabriolet weighs in at a hefty £59,625.

06-08-2006, 12:55 PM	#2
Plaz ••••••• Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: '11 1M Location: Churzee Posts: 17,741	The cars are attractive. But that phone in pic 3 looks as big as my shoe. __________________ 2011 1M

06-08-2006, 01:26 PM	#5
dan redefined Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 14,893	those fender flares are a little much __________________ "There's a freedom you begin to feel the closer you get to Austin, Texas." -Willie

06-08-2006, 01:37 PM	#7
dan redefined Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 14,893	only a weirdo would buy a touring if he was a single dude __________________ "There's a freedom you begin to feel the closer you get to Austin, Texas." -Willie

06-08-2006, 01:47 PM	#8
ed328ci Realist Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: E90 325i Location: GTA with a long commute Posts: 185	Nice car, but it gets around 12 mpg. Seriously. It's also priced around the same as a 550. __________________ Common sense, isn't

06-08-2006, 01:18 PM	#3
blee Doctor Mudgeon Join Date: Oct 2003 Posts: 6,433	That thing is not going to be cheap. There are worse ways to spend that kind of dough, though.

06-08-2006, 02:48 PM	#10
FC Solving problems Join Date: Oct 2003 Carmudgeonly Ride: M5 / 718 GTS / Cooper S / GTI / LR4 Location: Metro Boston Posts: 25,254	Why not? Before I met my wife ~2000 (and even afterwards), my plan was to sell my 190E and get a used A4 Avant, then save my pennies and get a used 986S a few years later. (She was the one who told me that was silly and to "get the fun car now," so I ended up buying the 330i.) An RS4 and a GT3/Atom/whatever just brings things up a notch or two. I find a compact wagon is a great car. I love the Saabaru for its great usefulness + AWD. So if can get that versatility and a high level of performance all in one, why not? Of course, an RS4 would also be a nice luxury car than can haul 4 adults in comfort to boot. But maybe I am crazy. Ok, I am crazy. ...oh, and I guess I'm a weirdo too.