Ingolstadt, February 21st, 2005 – The new Audi RS 4 is the top-of-the-range model in the A4 series and it has been developed from the ground up. Numerous technical achievements give the new Audi RS 4 a unique character, including a high engine speed concept, innovative FSI technology, as well as the latest generation of quattro four wheel drive.

Engine

Developing a maximum output of 420 bhp (313 kw), the V8 revs up to a speed of 8250 rpm. With its displacement of 254.0 cu in. (4163 cc), the engine exceeds the barrier of 100 bhp per litre. Maximum torque of 317.2 ft lbs (430 nm) comes at 5500 rpm, with 90 per cent of the engine’s torque consistently available between 2250 and 7600 rpm. The result is excellent pulling force at all times and less frequent gear changes.

Audi has chosen its trend setting FSI technology for the RS 4 saloon This direct injection system ensures even more effective combustion anb better power yield. FSI technology has already proven its qualities impressively in Audi’s four-time Le Mans winner, the Audi R8.

Chassis

For no less than 25 years, Audi’s answer to handling and power delivery has been ‘quattro’. The latest generation of Audi’s permanent four-wheel drive, features, for the first time in the RS4, an asymmetric torque distribution and a self-locking Torsen center differential. Thus, the RS4 provides traction when other drive concepts would have reached their limits.

Braking is much improved on the RS4 thanks to a larger system. Cross-drilled, inner-vented brake discs at the front now measure 14.4 in (365 mm) in diameter, with smaller discs at the rear. Flow-optimized ventilation incorporating Naca ducts on the underfloor of the car ensure cooling in all conditions and reduce brake fading.

One essential point Audi’s development engineers focused on was the car’s power-to-weight ratio. Accordingly, virtually every component was checked and cross-checked for minimum weight requirement. Aluminum is now more prevalent, with the front wheel arches and the hood, as well as most components in the chassis and suspension being made from light alloys. The result is a weight reduction of ten pounds (22 kgs).

Body / Interior

Compared with the Audi A4, the entire body of the car has been lowered with the front and rear tracks increased. At the end of the day, however, all modifications to the body of the car are significant not only in terms of aesthetics, but also in terms of function.

The honeycomb grille, additional air intake scoops, as well as new wheels developed specifically for the RS 4, clearly set the car aside from the standard Audi A4. At the rear, a newly designed rear air dam encompassing two extra-large tailpipes as well as a discreet spoiler also distinguish the RS4.

Inside, the RS 4 combines the straightforward function of a sports car with the luxurious ambience so typical of all Audi models. The dominating materials are leather, aluminium, and carbon. RS bucket seats with their high side sections provide excellent support. A further feature of these bucket seats is the control button on each seat for inflating the side support elements adjusting to the driver’s anatomy.

Story by Audi, edited by Supercars.net