Celebrating 20 years of the first RS.
In 1994, Audi unveiled the legendary RS2 that was both the first RS-model and first high-performance vehicle from the German automaker. The car combined everyday practicality with high-performance capabilities and was developed in cooperation with Porsche featuring all sorts of special upgrades such as a high-output 2.2-liter turbocharged inline-five, a six-speed manual, stiffer suspension, leather and alcantara interior with Recaro seats, and even Porsche side mirrors. The RS2 was impressive, and was capable of a 0-62 mph time of just 5.4 seconds and a top speed of 162.80 mph, making it an incredible performer for the time.
Twenty years later, high-performance RS-models have become the most desirable adrenaline-pumping vehicles in the Audi lineup. They trace their roots back to the first RS2 model that was dressed in an exclusive Nogaro blue paint that paid homage to Frank Beila’s two victories in the 1993 French Touring Car Championship season. At the 2014 Geneva Motor Show, Audi is celebrating the car’s 20th anniversary with the new RS 4 Avant Nogaro Selection.
The new Audi RS 4 Avant Nogaro Selection features a beautiful customized Nogaro blue, pearl effect paint finish paying tribute to the original RS2. A single-frame grille is used on the front fascia and is painted high gloss black along with the frame and the window slot trims, while the roof rails are matte black. At the rear, a pair of oval, high-gloss black tailpipes makes a dramatic styling statement for the RS sport exhaust.
Under the hood of the Audi RS 4 Avant Nogaro Selection sits the high-revving, naturally-aspirated 4.2-liter V-8 engine. The 4.2 FSI pumps out a whopping 450 horsepower at 8,250 RPM and 317 lb-ft. of torque from 4,000 to 6,000 RPM while achieving a combined 22 US MPG and 401 g/mile of CO2 emissions. The RS 4’s V-8 has 135 horsepower more than the original RS2 and its acceleration reflects that with a 0-62 mph time of 4.7 seconds and electronically-limited 174 mph top speed.
Audi couldn’t budge for a manual transmission on the RS 4 Avant Nogaro Selection like the RS2, but it still has the quick-shifting seven-speed S tronic. The Quattro all-wheel drive system is also a bit more advanced, with a self-locking crown gear differential and optional sport differential that can vary torque between axles and wheels. The standard Audi drive select dynamic driving system can alter everything from the power steering to the exhaust system while optional dynamic steering and RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) allows for the limits of the super wagon to be pushed even further.
Gloss-turned, 20-inch wheels boasting a five V-spoke design and 265/30 tires are worn at the front and rear axles of the RS 4 Avant Nogaro Selection. The thin spokes allow the red-painted brake calipers with RS-emblems clenching down on wave-designed, perforated and internally-ventilated discs to shine through. For those that want to stop on a dime, Audi can install optional carbon ceramic brakes on the front axle.
Inside, the cabin is dressed in a bruising black-and-blue color theme with all sorts of special features that pay tribute to the RS2. The electronically-adjustable S sport seats can be outfitted with two different upholstery designs, both of which feature black Valcona leather side selections and Alcantara synthetic fiber center sections and door trims in either black or Nogaro blue. Black leather and blue stitching are worn by the arm rests, steering wheel, and gearshift boot while black or Nogaro blue piping is featured on the floor mats. Another special touch is the carbon fiber trim that has blue threads running through to create a unique shimmer.
The new Audi RS 4 Avant Nogaro Selection will be presented at the 2014 Geneva Motor Show and will be on sale in early 2014 with a base price of 87,300 Euros. It may not have the same iconic status as the RS2, but it is a proper tribute.
Audi RS 4 Avant Nogaro Selection Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 4.2 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Naturally-aspirated
Maximum Horsepower: 450 at 8,250 RPM
Maximum Torque: 317.15 lb-ft. / 430 Nm from 4,000 and 6,000 RPM
Transmission:
Type: Seven-speed S tronic
Drive: Quattro all-wheel
Optional: Sport differential
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.7 seconds
Top Speed: 173.98 mph (280 km/h)
Exterior:
-Nogaro blue, pearl effect paint
-Single-frame grille in high-gloss black
-Roof rails in matte black
-Window trim in high-gloss black
-RS exhaust with dual oval tailpipes in high-gloss black
-20-inch gloss-turned five V-spoke wheels with 265/30 tires
-Red-painted brake calipers with RS logos and wave-designed perforated and ventilated discs
Audi RS 4 Avant Nogaro Selection Gallery
Source: Audi
Would you rather have the original Audi RS2 or the RS 4 Avant Nogaro Selection?
