Range Rover

The new generation of the Audi RS6 Avant is coming with a sport front fascia with large air intakes, with a honeycomb mesh grille hosting the “Quattro” badge, with matte aluminum trim, with a tailgate mounted spoiler, a black rear diffuser, a dual exhaust system and with a fresh set of 20-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, luxury takes over, with leather sport seats, carbon fiber trim, and a MMI navigation and infotainment system as well as optional heads-up display system, a 15-speaker audio system, and internet access.

Rated at 560 horsepower courtesy of a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 engine, the RS 6 gets to 62 mph in just 3.9 seconds. That puts it in Corvette ZR1 territory--with a backseat and cargo space. And it's 220 pounds lighter than the previous RS 6 Avant.

The RS6 Avant will be launched in the U.K. next summer and pricing is expected to start at approximately £77,000.




Press Release

Groundbreaking performance: The new Audi RS 6 Avant

• Powerful twin-turbo V8: 4.0 TFSI with 412 kW (560 hp) and 700 Nm (516.29 lb-ft)
• Reduced weight for greater efficiency and stronger performance
• 0 – 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 3.9 seconds, top speed 305 km/h (189.52 mph)

The new Audi RS 6 Avant stands for groundbreaking performance. It is lighter and more efficient than the previous model, and performance has been improved once again. The sprint from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) takes just 3.9 seconds, and top speed is 305 km/h (189.52 mph). The 4.0 TFSI develops 412 kW (560 hp), but is content with an average fuel consumption of just 9.8 liters per 100 kilometers (24.00 US mpg).

The new Audi RS 6 Avant is a high-performance sports car for everyday use. Its character and uncompromisingly sporty tuning is the work of quattro GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AUDI AG. The company’s RS models with their powerful engines form the dynamic spearhead of the model program. The abbreviation “RS” stands for the most powerful version of a model series, for quattro permanent all-wheel drive, for extreme handling, for an understated appearance and for full everyday utility.
The 4.0 TFSI, which debuted last year, is a perfect example of Audi’s downsizing strategy in the high-performance category. In the new Audi RS 6 Avant, the twin-turbo V8 delivers confidence-inspiring power in every driving situation from its displacement of 3,993 cc. Peak output of 412 kW (560 hp) is reached between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm, with a constant 700 Nm (516.29 lb-ft) of torque available between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm.

Pulling power develops quickly due in large part to the two large twin-scroll turbochargers. They are mounted together with the intercooler in the inside V of the cylinder banks. The exhaust side of the cylinder heads is also on the inside, the intake side outside. This concept allows for a compact design and short gas paths with minimal flow losses.

The RS-specific engine management and unthrottled intake system also contribute to the eight-cylinder engine’s spontaneous response. The 4.0 TFSI delivers a sporty, full-throated sound. Switchable flaps in the exhaust system make the sound even fuller, if desired. Audi also offers an optional sport exhaust system.

The powerful twin-turbo V8 accelerates the new Audi RS 6 Avant from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in a best-in-segment 3.9 seconds. In the standard configuration, top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.34 mph). This is increased to 280 km/h (173.98 mph) with the optional Dynamic package. With the Dynamic plus package, Audi reigns in the engine only upon reaching 305 km/h (189.52 mph). According to the European driving cycle, the high-performance Avant consumes on average just 9.8 liters of fuel per 100 km (24.00 US mpg). Among the factors contributing to this figure are the new, standard start-stop system and innovative thermal management. Fuel consumption has been reduced by roughly 40 percent compared to the previous model.

One pioneering efficiency technology in the new Audi RS 6 Avant is the cylinder on demand (COD) system. At low to intermediate loads and engine speeds, it shuts down the intake and exhaust valves of cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8. The 4.0 TFSI then runs as a four-cylinder engine until the driver accelerates more strongly again. Efficiency in the active cylinders is increased because the operating points are displaced toward higher loads.

The changeover from four and eight-cylinder operation takes just a few hundredths of a second. About the only thing noticeable to the driver is an indication in the instrument cluster. The COD technology reduces ECE fuel consumption by roughly five percent. Even greater savings of approximately 10 percent are possible when driving at moderate speeds. Active engine bearings use out-of-phase counter-oscillations to compensate for the vibrations that occur during four-cylinder operation.

The 4.0 TFSI is paired with an eight-speed tiptronic featuring shortened shift times. The automatic transmission offers D and S modes. Drivers who wish to shift for themselves can use the shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever, which sports a unique RS design. The lower gears of the tiptronic are tightly spaced for sporty performance, while a tall eighth gear reduces fuel consumption.
At the heart of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring is a self-locking center differential with an elevated locking value. An oil cooler regulates its temperature. If desired, the sport differential distributes the power steplessly between the rear wheels to further increase agility and stability.

The new RS 6 Avant is the first RS model from Audi to come standard with a specifically tuned air suspension. The dynamic setup of the RS 6 adaptive air suspension lowers the body by 20 millimeters (0.79 in). The system combines the air suspension with controlled damping and takes into account the road conditions, the driving style and the mode chosen in the driving dynamics system Audi drive select, with which the driver can influence the function of key components in multiple steps.

Audi also offers the tauter sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) as an alternative to the RS 6 adaptive air suspension. This system uses steel springs and three-way adjustable shock absorbers that are interconnected diagonally by means of oil lines and a central valve for improved body roll stability. Another option is dynamic steering, which features steplessly variable steering boost and ratios. This system can also be integrated into Audi drive select and, just like the standard electromechanical power steering, is tailored specifically for the RS 6 Avant.

The brakes offer uncompromising performance. The four internally vented discs feature a weight-saving wave design with a wave-like outer contour. The front discs measure 390 millimeters (15.35 in) in diameter and are gripped by black, six-piston calipers. Customers can also opt for red brake calipers. Also available as an option are carbon fiber-ceramic brake discs measuring 420 millimeters (16.54 in) in diameter. Their calipers are painted anthracite gray. The electronic stabilization control (ESC) has a Sport mode and can also be deactivated entirely.

The new Audi RS 6 Avant comes standard with high-gloss, 20-inch, forged wheels in a seven twin-spoke design. Optional 21-inch cast wheels are available in three versions: high-gloss silver, polished black and polished titanium-look.

The body plays a major role in the handling. It is roughly 20 percent aluminum and includes numerous components made of high-strength steel. The new Audi RS 6 Avant weighs roughly 100 kilograms (220.46 lb) lighter than its predecessor. The improved power-to-weight ratio contributes to even better handling with improved performance coupled with reduced fuel consumption.

Numerous RS-specific design details underscore the distinctive appearance of the high-performance Avant. Most noticeable are the matte aluminum applications on the body, the high-gloss black protective grille at the front of the car, the bumpers, the fender, sill flares and the large roof spoiler. At the rear of the car, the diffuser and the two large, elliptical exhaust tailpipes make a bold statement.

Two optional appearance packages – Matte Aluminum or Carbon – further customize the look and include such things as quattro badges on the central front air inlet. With the Carbon appearance package, the front splitter and the diffuser are even more boldly shaped. The new Audi RS 6 Avant is available in nine exterior colors, including the exclusive shade Daytona Gray matte. Additional options from the Audi exclusive range offer numerous opportunities for customization.

The sportily elegant cockpit of the new Audi RS 6 Avant is singularly tailored to the driver. The dial instruments feature black faces, white dials and red needles. The key; the flat-bottomed, three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel; the illuminated entry sills; the tachometer and the displays for the MMI as well as the driver information system (DIS) sport RS logos.

A new feature in the RS menu of the DIS is the shift light. Green segments are illuminated as revs increase. The bar turns red and begins to blink when revs approach the red line. Displays for the gear selected, boost pressure, oil temperature and a digital speedometer round out the RS 6-specific driver information system.

The footrest, pedals and switches in the MMI navigation plus terminal shine in an aluminum-look finish. The decorative bezel surrounding the retractable monitor sports a piano finish; the interior door openers feature a delicate double-bar design – a classic RS feature. Carbon inlays are standard; six additional materials are available as options. A black headlining is standard; Moon Silver or black Alcantara are optional.

RS sport seats with pronounced side bolsters, integrated head restraints and RS 6 logos are standard. They are covered in a combination of black Alcantara and leather, and the center sections feature diamond quilting. The seats can also be covered in high-grade, honeycomb-quilted Valcona leather in either black or Moon Silver. Audi offers optional power-adjustable deluxe seats with memory function.
The Audi RS 6 Avant comes standard with two sportily molded rear seats. A three-person bench seat is available as an option. The luggage compartment holds up to 1,680 liters (59.33 cu ft).

The new Audi RS 6 Avant comes with a generous list of standard equipment, including xenon plus headlights, LED rear lights, a tire-pressure control system, illuminated entry sills and the custom driver-information system. Also on board are the parking system plus, cruise control, three-zone automatic air conditioning, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and the 10-speaker Audi sound system.

Options include LED headlights with a unique design, ceramic brakes front and rear, the sport differential on the rear axle and the sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). The Dynamic package, Dynamic package plus, Comfort package and practically every high-end option available in the model series are also available for the RS 6 Avant. These include the head-up display and the high-performance driver assistance systems as well as the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 15 speakers and 1,200 watts of total power. The Bluetooth online car phone – the perfect complement to the MMI navigation plus – delivers web-based Audi connect services to the car.

Audi USA has released four new editions of the Audi R8 saying farewell to the current version ahead of the release of the new upgraded 2013 car. Only twenty units will be made available in V8 spec and thirty in V10 spec. They are all exclusive to the US market.

On the 2012 Audi Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8, the company debuts a Daytona Gray matte exterior complete with carbon fiber exterior splitter and diffuser, 19-inch titanium five-arm double spoke wheels, black grille surround, black exhaust finishers, R8 GT tail lamps, and red brake calipers. Inside, the R8 V8 gets an exclusive leather package with Crimson Red trims and contrast stitching, exclusive leather Navigation surround, and a thicker contoured leather multifunctional steering wheel for a sportier grip. Power comes from a 4.2 liter FSI V8 making 430-hp.

As for the V10 model, this wears an Ibis white paint with a Brilliant Black look for the exterior mirrors, sideblade, rear license plate surround, along with 19-inch bi-color e-tron wheels and the R8 GT tail lamps. Inside there's a contoured steering wheel, leather Navigation surround, carbon fiber driver's cockpit, Ibis finishes and Alabaster White contrasting stitching. This model is equipped with a V10 5.2-liter FSI engine that generates 525 hp (391 kW / 532 PS) at 8,000 rpm and a maximum torque of 391 lb.-ft. (529 Nm) at 6,500 rpm. Both models can be fitted with either a 6-speed manual or an automatic R tronic transmission.

Both models are available with a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic R tronic transmission. Pricing for the R8 V8 manual starts at $137,700 while the R tronic-equipped model will run you $146,800. R8 V10 Exclusive Selection Edition is priced from $161,500 while the R tronic model is $170,600.



Press Release

Audi Introduces R8 Exclusive Selection Editions for 2012
Audi today announced 2012 R8 models created exclusively for the U.S. market. Building on the award-winning R8 V8 and R8 V10 Coupes, the Exclusive Selection Editions will arrive in limited volume later this month. Only twenty 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8 vehicles and thirty 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V10 vehicles will be produced.

The 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8 commands immediate attention with new exterior colors and stunning exclusive interior finishes. For the first time, Audi debuts a Daytona Gray matte exterior for the 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8, complete with carbon fiber exterior splitter and diffuser, 19" titanium five-arm double spoke wheels, black grille surround, black exhaust finishers, R8 GT tail lamps, and red brake calipers. Inside, the R8 V8 features an exclusive leather package with Crimson Red elements and contrast stitching, exclusive leather Navigation surround, and a thicker contoured leather multifunctional steering wheel for a sportier grip. The 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8 is equipped with a 4.2-liter FSI® V8 which generates 430 hp at 7,900 rpm, with 316 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 - 6,000 rpm.

Carbon Fiber elements, Bang & Olufsen® Sound System and Navigation with the Audi Music Interface also add to the 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition V8.

The 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V10 comes with a shimmering Ibis white exterior and Brilliant Black features - including the sideblade, exterior mirrors, and rear license plate surround - as well as R8 GT tail lamps and 19" bi-color e-tron wheels. Ibis finishes and Alabaster White contrast stitching, as well as a Carbon Fiber monoposto driver's cockpit, completes the interior, which also features an exclusive leather Navigation surround and contoured steering wheel. The 2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V10 is equipped with a 5.2-liter FSI V10, and produces 525 hp at 8,000 rpm with 391 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm.

Either version can be paired with a six-speed manual transmission or an automatic R tronic® transmission. With Audi ultra lightweight technology and Audi quattro® all-wheel drive, the R8 boasts superior speed, performance and handling.

MSRP Pricing:
2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8 manual transmission $137,700
2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V8 R tronic transmission $146,800
2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V10 manual transmission $161,500
2012 Exclusive Selection Edition R8 V10 R tronic transmission $170,600

Audi has releases a new package for the TT Coupe, called the S Line Competition.

The new trim model is available worldwide with all engine versions up to 208hp (211PS). Depending on the market, these include the 158hp (160PS) 1.8-liter TFSI, 208hp (211PS) 2.0-liter TFSI and the 168hp (170PS) 2.0-liter TDI diesel.

Exterior enhancements include specially designed bumpers front and rear, a distinctive gloss black rear diffuser insert and tailpipe surround, gloss black lip spoiler and radiator grille frame, and matt black radiator grille insert, licence plate frame and front fog light grille.

Inside, the modifications feature new sport seats dressed in leather, perforated Alcantara upholstery, special door sill trims, an aluminum-look trim, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, and matte brushed aluminum.

The special edition package will be available worldwide and German pricing starts at €4,300.




Press Release


Audi TT Coupé S line competition: Exclusive dynamics at an attractive price


Special edition of the Audi sports car now available
S line sport package, S line exterior package and other exclusive equipment
Package price of just €4,300 with price benefits


Audi is boosting the character of its sports car with the TT Coupé S line competition special edition. Available for all engine versions up to 155 kW (211 hp), the special edition of the Audi TT combines all the elements of the S line sport package and the S line exterior package, and adds new and exclusive features - all for an attractive package price of just €4,300.


The TT Coupé S line competition special edition makes no secret of its exclusive status. The S line exterior package includes specially designed bumpers, air inlets and side sills, S line badges, tailpipe trims and a distinctive diffuser insert. There is also a fixed rear wing like on the Audi TT RS. Xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights provide excellent visibility in the dark.


The paint finishes Samoa Orange, metallic, Glacier White, metallic, Daytona Gray, pearl effect and Misano Red, pearl effect are available at no extra charge. With the sporty black styling package, the radiator grille is framed in high-gloss black while the radiator grille insert, the license plate frame and the applications on the front fog light grille are matt black. Other S line competition elements in high-gloss black are the exterior mirror housings, the blade below the front bumper, the diffuser insert, the tailpipe trims and the rear wing spoiler. The imposing 19-inch wheels in a five-arm "Rotor" design are also painted black and shod with 255/35 series tires. The taut S line sport suspension lowers the chassis by 10 millimeters (0.39 mm).


The interior of the TT Coupé S line competition also offers the features of the S line sport package, including the special door sill trims, the extended aluminum-look trim, the leather package, the sport seats and the short shift travel for the manual transmissions. As in the TT RS, the rim of the leather multifunction sport steering wheel is more strongly contoured and flattened at the bottom. Piping surrounds the floor mats.


The seats come standard with perforated Alcantara upholstery in combination with black leather and silver contrast stitching. S line logos adorn the backrests. The color black dominates the interior. The inlays are made of matt brushed aluminum; with the Samoa Orange exterior finish, these are replaced by inlays with a reflex finish in the body color.


The TT Coupé S line competition special edition is now available worldwide and can be combined with additional options and trim lines. The package price of €4,300 saves customers roughly 50 percent versus the price of the options ordered separately.


This offer boosts the sports car character of the TT and complements the attractive Audi exclusive line packages already available: from the Audi exclusive line Black, which is painted exclusively in Panther Black, crystal effect, to the Audi exclusive line Ice with black and silver seat upholstery to the Audi exclusive line Color, in which the exterior colors red, blue or gray are carried over into the interior in the form of colored inlays and contrast stitching.

XXX-Performance has released their a new performance package for the Audi R8 V10.

The exterior of the Audi R8 V10 by XXX is special in its own right because it’s not every day you have the chance to see a green R8. The tuner combined a real eye-catching bilious green with a carbon foil finish on the side blades and the exterior rear-view mirrors, while the front grille and the headlamps were painted in black. Next, the tuner added a new set of 20" Oxigin 14-Oxrock rims that are fitted with foils to match the bodywork. The new wheels also come with an H&R coilover kit that allows a massive lowering of the vehicle.

The 5.2-liter V10 unit that resides in the engine bay has been boosted to 650PS (478kW/641hp) with an upgraded air flow system that includes a BMC carbon air-box as well as a high-end sports exhaust system. The tuner car also features an H&R coilover kit and G-Ride Airride system that lowers the models ride height.

On the inside, you will spot Alcantara and leather in carbon looks with white seams. The roof liner, the complete dashboard, the steering wheel, the seats, the door claddings and the plastic parts are dressed in high-grade leather. The arm supports are now real carbon and the seat upholstery received a new design.



 

Press Release

It's all a matter of image: Audi's sports car project with the abbreviation R8 once came as a real bombshell; it has meanwhile gone rather quiet around this perfect Porsche 911 substitute. A good quality second-hand of the "small" R8 with the popular 4.2 liter V8 of 420 horse power of the Audi RS4 is available at the moment as from almost EUR 50,000. This amount will definitely be sufficient to acquire a technically mature sports car that is extremely rare on German streets. Even a great deal rarer is the bigger brother with the ten cylinder core, which competes with Lamborghini Gallardo on in-house basis.


For the second time within the shortest possible time, the Tuning Smithery from Bochum XXX-Performance is presenting a reconstructed version of a first class R8. Following the "small" V8 in orange is now the bigger brother V10 - this time in a bilious green, cladded in full wrap dressing. The wrapping of car bodyworks is part of the areas of expertise of XXX Performance. The side blades and the exterior rear-view mirrors were refined with carbon foil finishing as a contrast to the bilious green. Cleaned Audi emblems, front grill painted in black as well as darkened headlights round up works on the car body shell. The real eye catchers are deeply lowered in the wheel housings. This is where exclusive Oxigin 14-Oxrock rims that are fitted with foils to match the bodyworks, roll over the road surfaces. In its format 8.5x20 and 11x20 inches, this combination with the befitting Dunlop SP Sport Maxx tires of 235/30R20 and 295/25R20 ensures sufficient grip on road surfaces. The H&R coilover kit that was completely modified on a G-Ride Airride system ensures a massive lowering of the vehicle. This brute lowering status is thus also realizable for the purpose of public display.


Indeed, the tuners of XXX Performance also left virtually no stone unturned in the 5.2 liter V10 engine. The engine software was optimized and a BMC carbon air-box as well as a high-end sports exhaust system with Bluetooth flap control system from the reputable Capristo establishment provided to achieve a boost in performance to the present status of approximately 650 horse power. The company from Bochum further achieved a boost in the visual appearance value of this roaring ten-cylinder aggregate by implementing different real carbon covers.


Apropos of value boost: The interior of the R8 V10 is now almost beyond recognition. Whichever way the eye strays, the fine Alcantara and real leather in carbon looks with white seams are always sure to be caught in all views. The roof liner, the complete dashboard, the steering wheel, the seats, the door claddings or the plastic parts, you name it: High-grade leather is henceforth seen and felt everywhere. Moreover, the arm supports were fitted with real carbon. There is finally a set of peccably expensive Audi RS-seats that are of course, equally slightly modified and given a facelift in their dressing.

The 2013 Audi RS4 Avant will come boasting an expected 450HP from the refined 4.2 FSI V8 engine. The official launch will happen in a few weeks at the Geneva Motor Show.

In terms of styling Ingolstadt's latest performance estate comes with aggressive looking bumpers, a new grille in aluminium-look finish, flared wheel arches, a new diffuser, new side sills, aluminium look mirror casings and front lip spoiler.

The wheels measure 19 inches in diameter in standard trim with 265/35 tires, though a 20-inch set with 265/30 tires is available as an option. For the front axle there are 14.37-inch steel brake discs though you can opt for a set of 14.96-inch carbon ceramic units. Six-piston brake calipers are also used at the front.

The package also includes RS-style wheels, boxier fender flares, and the iconic oval exhaust tips. Inside the cabin gets treated with carbon fiber bits and recaro sport seats.

This vehicle thus far just has German pricing at €76,600, this including a standard 19 percent sales tax.




Press Release

• V8 powerplant with 450 hp, 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft)

• High-performance brakes with wave discs

• Unique combination of dynamics and everyday practicality

A modern classic from Audi is making a comeback: The third-generation RS 4 Avant combines potent performance with a high level of everyday practicality. It’s 4.2-liter V8 produces 331 kW (450 hp); the seven-speed S tronic and quattro permanent all-wheel drive transfer that power to the road.

The Audi RS 4 Avant uses the same high-revving, normally aspirated V8 engine that powers the RS 5 Coupe. The 4,163 cc powerplant produces 331 kW (450 hp) at 8,250 rpm for a specific output of 108.1 hp per liter. Its maximum torque of 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft) is available from 4,000 to 6,000 rpm. The responsive V8 with its red-painted cylinder head covers accelerates the RS 4 Avant from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.7 seconds on its way to a governed top speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). This can be increased to 280 km/h (173.98 mph) upon request.

Hand-built at Audi’s plant in Györ, Hungary, the 4.2 FSI engine combines its impressive power with exemplary efficiency, consuming on average less than 11 liters of fuel per 100 km (21.38 U.S. mpg).

With its high efficiency and long top gear, the standard seven-speed S tronic also contributes to the vehicle’s good fuel economy. Drivers can let the lightning-fast dual-clutch transmission shift automatically or change gears manually using the selector lever or the paddles on the steering wheel. For explosive starts, drivers can also activate Launch Control, which manages the engagement of the clutch at an optimum starting speed and minimum wheel slip.

Top traction: quattro drive with crown-gear center differential
Like every RS model from Audi, the RS 4 Avant comes standard with quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The heart of this system is the crown-gear center differential. This compact and lightweight component can vary the distribution of power between the front and rear axles immediately, smoothly and over a wide range, with up to 70 percent flowing to the front or as much as 85 percent to the rear. The default 40:60 ratio of the rear-biased configuration ensures sporty handling.

The self-locking crown-gear center differential works together with the torque vectoring system, which acts on all four wheels. If the load on the inside wheel is reduced too much while the car is being driven dynamically, the torque vectoring system brakes it slightly before unintended slip can occur. Audi offers the sport differential, which uses two superposition stages to actively distribute the power between the rear wheels, as an option.

Aluminum in abundance: the chassis
The chassis of the Audi RS 4 Avant is a very complex design. Many components of the five-link front suspension and the self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension are made of aluminum. The new speed-dependent power steering is a highly efficient electromechanical system with a direct steering ratio for highly precise road feel. It helps the driver stay on course by making slight steering corrections when braking on surfaces with different amounts of grip.

The taut RS setup lowers the body by 20 millimeters (0.79 in) compared with the Audi A4 Avant. New, polished 19-inch, ten-spoke forged aluminum wheels shod with 265/35-series tires are standard. Audi also offers 20-inch wheels with 265/30-series tires. These are available in a new, polished, titanium-look, five-V-spoke design plus two additional variants in the five-arm rotor design.

Mounted behind the large wheels are internally vented wave disc brakes measuring 365 millimeters (14.37 in) in diameter up front. The steel friction rings with their wave-like outer contour are perforated and connected to the aluminum brake caps via pins. This concept reduces tensions, quickly dissipates heat and prevents transmission of temperature peaks. The new shape of the friction rings shaves a total of roughly three kilograms (6.61 lb) off the unsprung weight.

The calipers are painted high-gloss black; the front calipers have eight pistons each and sport RS logos. The ESP stabilization system has a Sport mode and can be fully deactivated. For the front axle, Audi offers the option of 380 millimeter (14.96 in) carbon fiber ceramic discs and six-piston calipers in anthracite gray. The ceramic brakes are especially lightweight, robust and durable.

The Audi drive select driving dynamics system is among the standard equipment for the RS 4 Avant. With it, the driver can switch between three modes – comfort, auto and dynamic – to determine the characteristics of the steering, the seven-speed S tronic and the throttle valve. Audi drive select can even vary the sound of the exhaust system, double-declutching when downshifting in dynamic mode. If the car is equipped with an Audi navigation system, a largely driver-configurable custom mode is also available.

In addition to the sport differential, another component available for Audi drive select is dynamic steering. It varies its steering ratio by nearly 100 percent depending on the speed driven and automatically countersteers slightly at the cornering limit for even more precise and stable handling.

Another particularly dynamic damping technology available as an option from Audi is the sport suspension plus with dynamic ride control (DRC). Oil lines and a central valve connect diagonally opposed pairs of shock absorbers. During fast cornering, the system boosts the stabilization of the front outside wheel, for example.

The damping characteristic of the sport suspension plus is variable, with a choice of three settings available via Audi drive select.

Athletic: the exterior design
The exterior design flaunts the athletic character of the RS 4 Avant. The hexagonal single-frame grille is set in a frame with a matte aluminum-look finish; its honeycomb insert is finished in high-gloss anthracite. LED daytime running lights encircle the xenon plus units like a clasp in the wedge-shaped headlights. The air flows through large openings divided by crossbars and embedded in a distinctive bumper featuring a splitter edge like on a race car.

When viewed from the side, the chiseled side sill caps and flared wheel wells catch the eye. The flared rear side elements with sharp horizontal upper edges are a nod to that all-wheel drive pioneer from 1980, the Audi quattro. The side mirror housings and trim strips have a matte aluminum-look finish, and a discrete roof spoiler at the back ensures the necessary downforce.

The distinctive bumpers and the two oval tailpipe caps of the dual exhaust system dominate the rear end and are integrated into an upturned diffuser. Audi also offers a sport exhaust system with a voluminous sound and black caps. Elegant light strips adorn the LED rear lights.

The Audi RS 4 Avant is 20 millimeters (0.79 in) longer and 24 millimeters (0.94 in) wider than the A4 Avant, but 20 millimeters (0.79 in) lower. A choice of eight colors is available: one solid and one metallic finish, four pearl-effect colors and the two specially pigmented crystal-effect colors, Prism Silver and Panther Black. The extensively clad underbody integrates air vents for the seven-speed S tronic and the front brakes.

Sporty black: the interior
The interior of the RS 4 Avant is clad completely in black, with the exception of the roofliner, which is optionally available in Moon Silver. Chrome clasps subtly accentuate switches and control elements. Carbon inlays are standard, with brushed matte aluminum, Aluminum Race, black piano finish or a light stainless steel mesh available as options.

The standard heated front sport seats with integrated headrests are power adjustable and covered in a combination of black leather and Alcantara. Fine Nappa leather in either Black or Moon Silver accentuated with Stone Gray piping is optionally available. Other options include bucket seats or luxurious, climate-controlled deluxe seats with a ventilation function. The thick ring of the leather multifunction sport steering wheel is flattened at the bottom, and the shift paddles mounted on the back of it sport an aluminum-look finish.

The driver information system with color display includes an RS menu with a lap timer and an oil thermometer. Both it and the MMI monitor display a special RS welcome screen when the car is started.

The instrument cluster bezel shines with a piano finish, and the design of the selector knob of the seven-speed S tronic is unique to the RS. Typical of all RS vehicles, the door openers are two delicate bars. The pedals, the footrest, the air vents, the shift paddles on the steering wheel, the MMI buttons and other controls shine in an aluminum-look finish. Aluminum inserts adorn the door sill trims, which are accentuated with RS 4 badges.

Audi offers exclusive high-grade leather packages for all seating options, including a design package with honeycomb quilting for the RS 4 bucket seats. Rounding out the list of optional equipment is a broad range of state-of-the-art driver assistance and communication systems, including the Bluetooth online car phone that connects the RS 4 Avant with the Internet.

Options for the luggage compartment, which offers up to 1,430 liters (50.50 cu ft) of cargo space, include a rail system with load securing set and a power hatch.

Delivery of the Audi RS 4 Avant is scheduled to begin in fall 2012 at a base price of €76,600 in Germany.