The mighty 4.2 lives on!
Audi is making waves in the automotive world before the Geneva Motor Show has even started. After a brief leak, they have debuted the third generation, 2013 Audi B8 RS4 Avant with all sorts of performance upgrades and the high-revving 4.2-liter V-8 that has made quite a name for itself.
The new Audi B8 RS4 Avant features everyone’s favorite 4.2-liter V-8 that is hand-built in Hungary. The same engine is used in the sleek and sexy Audi RS5 Coupe, and produces a 450 horsepower at 8,250 RPM and 317.15 lb-ft. of torque from 4,000 to 6,000 RPM for a total output of 108.1 hp/liter. Pretty impressive considering that it somehow achieves an average of 21.4 US mpg.
The 4.2 FSI engine in the 2013 Audi RS4 is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission as standard. Gears can be changed manually via steering wheel paddles or automatically at a lightning fast speed. With the fast-shifting transmission and standard launch control, the Audi B8 RS4 Avant is capable of accelerating to 62 mph in 4.7 seconds and is electronically limited to a 155 mph top speed. However, the top speed can be raised on request to 174 mph. All you need to do is say “please” and pony up some extra cash.
The new 2013 Audi RS4 Avant utilizes the most advanced version of Quatto all-wheel drive with a compact crown-gear center differential. The default ratio for the system is a 40:60 rear bias, and it can distribute up to 70 percent of power to the front wheels or 85 percent to the rear. The system also comes standard with torque vectoring on all four wheels to achieve optimum grip. As an option, Audi also offers a rear sport differential on the Audi B8 RS4 Avant.
The Audi B8 RS4 Avant features a more complex suspension system compared to the standard A4. The front is comprised of a five-link suspension, while the rear features an aluminum trapezoidal system. The ride height is also 20 mm lower than the standard A4 Avant, for an optimal center of gravity. Coming standard on the RS4 Avant are aluminum 10-spoke, 19-inch forged wheels with 265/35 tires. As an option, customers can also equip the Audi B8 RS4 with three different 20-inch forged wheels with 265/30 tires. Behind each wheel are new brakes that feature steel friction rings with wave contours that reduce tension and help to better dissipate heat. The front axle will use 365 mm perforated discs with high gloss black, eight piston calipers. For serious performance enthusiasts, Audi also offers their six-piston, 380 mm carbon fiber ceramic discs.
As with all RS models Audi has given the new 2013 Audi B8 RS4 Avant a bold makeover that improves aerodynamic efficiency. Between LED daytime running lights that menacingly stare ahead is a new hexagonal single-frame grille with matte aluminum finish and RS4 badge. The revised front bumper sports larger air intakes and an aluminum-look splitter to generate extra downforce.
As a nod to the Ur-Quattro, Audi has given the RS4 Avant extended fenders with horizontal upper edges at the rear. New side mirrors and window trims both wear a matte aluminum finish, setting it apart from the standard A4 model. For extra downforce, the 2013 Audi RS4 Avant wears a subtle roof spoiler, while an upturned diffuser and dual oval tailpipes finish out the upgraded rear end.
The interior of the Audi B8 RS4 Avant wears all sorts of model-specific upgrades. The entire interior comes standard in black with sporty carbon inlays and trim pieces. Each of the heated front sport seats wear a coat of black leather and alcantara for grip or can be trimmed in Nappa leather with Stone Gray piping as an option. Facing the driver is a flat-bottomed leather sport steering wheel with shift paddles and provides superb grip and control.
Special RS-style trim pieces include door sill trims with RS4 badges, gear selector knob on the S tronic gearshifter, door openers, MMI and driver information system with RS4 logos, and special gauges. The MMI controls, pedals, air vents, and shift paddles all wear an aluminum look finish to contrast the black interior color scheme.
While the Audi B8 RS4 Avant may focus on performance it also sports a cargo area that has a maximum 50.50 cubic feet of luggage space.
The 2013 Audi B8 RS4 Avant will be available in eight exterior colors and a number of different interior leather, trim, and entertainment options. The Audi B8 RS4 Avant will go on sale in Germany in the fall of 2012 and start at € 76,600.
Will it come to the US? We have our fingers crossed, but our guess is that it will only come in sedan form. The US is not a big market for wagons, and it would be difficult for Audi to reach sales goals for the Avant.
2013 Audi B8 RS4 Avant Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 4.2 liters (4,163 cc)
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Naturally Aspirated
Maximum Horsepower: 450 (331 kW) at 8,250 RPM
Maximum Torque: 317.15 lb-ft. (430 Nm) from 4,000 to 6,000 RPM
HP/Liter Output: 108.1 hp/liter
Transmission:
Type: Seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic
Drive: Quattro all-wheel with center crown-gear differential
Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph: 4.7 seconds
Top Speed: 155 mph (electronically limited) or 173.98 mph (w/o limiter)
Wheels, Tires, Suspension, and Brakes:
Wheels: Standard 19-inch forged aluminum with ten-spoke design
Tires: 265/35 series
Front Suspension: Five-link
Rear Suspension: Aluminum self-tracking trapezoidal link
Brakes: Eight-piston calipers with 365 mm internally ventilated wave discs
Optional Brakes: Six-piston, 380 mm carbon fiber ceramic
Exterior:
-Hexagonal single frame grille with matte aluminum look finish
-Daytime LED lights
-Front bumper with enlarged air intakes and spoiler lip
-Side sill caps
-Mirror housings in aluminum look
-Window trim in aluminum look finish
-Extended front and rear fenders with rear horizontal upper edges
-Rear roof spoiler
-Rear upturned diffuser with dual oval exhaust tips
Interior:
-Leather sport steering wheel with flat bottom and paddle shifters
-Sport seats with black leather and alcantara
-RS4 instrument cluster
-Pedals, foot rest, air vents, shit paddles, and MMI controls in aluminum look finish
-RS4 selector knob for S tronic gearbox
-Driver information and MMI screen with RS4 welcome screen
-Up to 50.50 cu ft. of luggage space
2013 Audi B8 RS4 Avant Gallery
[Source: Audi]
Would you drive the Audi RS4 Avant over the RS4 sedan? Leave a comment and let us know!
