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Return of the RS icon: Audi launches new RS 4 and RS 5 models in SA

20 years ago, the first Audi RS 4 Avant was launched, now the new generation version makes its South African debut. The performance wagon utilises a 2.9-litre TFSI engine to spearhead the A4 family.

The standard quattro drive distributes the power of the V6 twin turbo engine across all four wheels.

Audi RS 4 Avant

The designers took inspiration from numerous motorsport details used on the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO when designing the Audi RS 4 Avant. The front features solid air intakes with a honeycomb structure - typical of an RS - and the wide, flat single-frame grille.

READ: This is how much the 2019 Audi RS 4 is likely to cost

Compared to the Audi A4 Avant (not available in SA), the wheel housings have been widened by 30 millimetres each and are also emphasized by the quattro blisters. At the rear, an RS-specific diffuser insert, the oval tailpipes of the RS exhaust system, and the RS roof spoiler can be found.

In the new Audi RS 4 Avant, the V6 twin turbo engine delivers an output of 331kW with a maximum torque of 600Nm - 170Nm more than its predecessor - deployed throughout a wide range from 1900 to 5000 rpm. This means the Audi RS 4 can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds, onto a limited top speed of 250km/h. With the optional RS dynamic package, the top speed will increase to 280km/h.

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                                                                          Image: Motorpress

The power of the 2.9 TFSI twin turbo is transferred to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive via an eight-speed tiptronic transmission, while average fuel consumption is rated at 8.8-litres/100km. The new Audi RS 4 Avant weighs 1790kg; 80kg lighter than before. RS sports suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), the ceramic brakes and the RS specific dynamic steering are available as optional extras. Audi’s drive select dynamic handling system is fitted as standard.

Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive sends 60% of the torque to the rear axle and 40% to the front axle, but when slippage occurs on an axle, most of the power immediately flows to the other axle – up to 70% to the front, and up to 85% to the rear.

From a practical perspective, maximum luggage compartment volume with the rear seat backrest folded down is 1510 litres. The backrest is divided in a 40:20:40 ratio, and can be folded down onto the seat padding using the levers in the luggage compartment. In its basic dimensions, the luggage compartment of the RS 4 Avant offers 505L, 15L more than before. 

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                                                                        Image: Motorpress

Audi RS 5 Sportback

Available for the first time ever in Sportback guise, the new Audi RS 5 Sportback’s shares its 2.9-litre TFSI V6 twin turbo engine with its Coupé sibling as well as the RS 4 Avant, with a power output of 331kW and 600Nm, which is deployed throughout a wide speed range from 1900 to 5000rpm. The Audi RS 5 Sportback accelerates from 0 to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds.

The power of the 2.9 TFSI is transferred to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive via an eight-speed tiptronic transmission. With the standard RS sports suspension, the RS 5 Sportback is 7mm lower than the Audi S5 Sportback.

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                                                                         Image: Motorpress

The sporty interior of the new Audi RS 5 Sportback is finished in black, and provides space for five people. It has a trunk capacity of 480L, while the folding rear seats will increase that to 1300L. The RS 5 Sportback weighs in at 1840kg.

The sporty nature of the five-door high-performance coupé is emphasized by details such as the RS sport seats with honeycomb pattern in nappa leather and the flat-bottomed RS multifunction sports leather steering wheel. RS emblems can be found on the seats, the steering wheel, the sill panel strips and on the selector lever. 

Pricing:

The Audi RS 4 Avant and RS 5 Sportback will be priced as follows, standard with the five-year or 100 000km, Audi Freeway Plan and inclusive of all taxes:

  • Audi RS 4 Avant 331kW quattro tiptronic: R 1 211 500
  • Audi RS 5 Sportback 331kW quattro tiptronic: R 1 312 000
Static photo,

                                                                  Image: Motorpress

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