Back in business – 2013 Audi RS4

After being discounted about four years ago, the Ingolstadt-based carmaker Audi has launched last week at the Geneva Motor Show the all-new RS4 model which will be available only in the Avant version, just like the original version of the car that debuted back in 2000. This is the third generation of the model and is set to rival cars like the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG estate.

Why only Avant version? Audi has three reasons why they have taken this decision. First of all (and probably the most important factor for the company), these hot estates have always been more popular in terms of sales than their sedan siblings. The second reason is because the German automaker says that clients have started to move away from hot 4-door sedans. The last reason is related to the fact that the company believes that the S5 Sportback is powerful enough for those who want a 4-door performance Audi.

Under the hood of the 2013 Audi RS4 is the same engine that powers the RS5, which is a V8 4.2-liter naturally-aspirated unit that pumps out 444 hp at 8,250 rpm. Compared to the previous RS4, the new version adds 40 hp while the torque figure has remained the same at 317 lb.-ft, available between 4000 and 6000 rpm. The aforementioned C63 AMG from Mercedes has a V8 6.2-liter with 451 hp, while with the optional performance package it delivers 480 hp and 442 lb.-ft of torque.

Audi hasn’t said anything about the curb weight of the new RS4 Avant but most likely it is heavier than the RS5’s weight which stands at 1725 kg. What they did say is that the new RS4 is capable of doing the 0-62 mph sprint in only 4.7 seconds, which is 0.2 quicker than the previous model and only 0.1 slower than the RS5. In its standard configuration, the car an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, while with the optional performance package it can hit 174 mph.

That powerful engine is mated to a dual-clutch, 7-speed automatic gearbox which features a manual mode which allows the driver to change the gears by using the paddles mounted on the steering wheel. As standard, the 2013 Audi RS4 comes with launch control. In addition, the entry-level model comes with the company’s quattro permanent AWD system and rides on 19-inch alloy wheels that are wrapped around in 265/35 tires. For more money the car can be fitted with bigger 20-inch alloys that come with 265/30 rubbers.

The brakes have been borrowed from the RS5 so it consists of cross-drilled and ventilated front steel discs that have a diameter of 365mm and are grabbed by the 8-piston calipers. If you have the extra money, your Audi RS4 can be equipped with bigger 380mm carbon-ceramic rotors in the front with 6-piston calipers.

The 2013 Audi RS4 manages to offer no less than 1430 liters of load capacity if you fold down the rear seats. The cabin comes with sports bucket seats, RS badging, a thick-rimmed steering wheel, along with a lap timer that has been incorporated in the infotainment system.

It should arrive in UK showrooms this fall and the starting price is estimated at about 55,000 pounds, while the aforementioned Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG estate is a little bit more expensive, with a base price tag of 56,765 pounds.

Source: Audi via Autocar

Post tags: Tags: audi rs4, geneva-motor-show, motor shows