CAR News

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.

Even more powerful, even faster, even more dynamic: Early 2012 will see the launch of the Audi TT RS plus. This compact sports car, in both Coupé and Roadster versions, stands out for its awe-inspiring performance. Its power-boosted five-cylinder turbo delivers 265 kW (360 hp), sufficient for a top speed of 280 km/h (173.98 mph).

The 2.5-liter TFSI in the Audi TT RS plus is a high-performance engine. Compared with the engine on which it is based, this turbocharged direct-injection unit delivers 15 kW (20 hp) more power. It produces 465 Nm (342.97 lb-ft) of torque, 15 Nm (11.06 lb-ft) more than before. Customers can choose between a manual six-speed transmission and the seven-speed S tronic with its lightning-fast gearshifts. The dual-clutch transmission comes with a launch control function which optimizes acceleration from a standing start. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, which operates with a multi-plate clutch, transfers engine power to the road in supreme style.

The TT RS plus unites dynamics and efficiency in a most impressive way. Against the backdrop of the five-cylinder engine’s characteristic roaring and growling, the Coupé with S tronic catapults from a standstill to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.1 seconds (with manual transmission: 4.3 seconds). The Roadster completes the same exercise in 4.2 seconds (with manual transmission: 4.4 seconds). Top speed is limited to 280 km/h (173.98 mph) for all versions of the car. The Coupé with S tronic uses an average of just 8.5 liters of fuel per 100 km (27.67 US mpg); the Roadster uses 8.6 liters per 100 km (27.35 US mpg).

Alongside numerous efficiency-improving measures, these top figures are due primarily to the extremely lightweight Audi Space Frame (ASF) bodies made of aluminum at the front and sheet steel at the rear. The Coupé with manual transmission, including quattro drive, weighs just 1,450 kilograms (3,196.70 lb); its power-to-weight ratio is 4.0 kilograms (8.82 lb) per horsepower. The power-to-weight ratio of the Roadster is 4.2 kilograms (9.26 lb) per horsepower.

The high-performance brake system is able to cope with the engine’s power at all times. Four-piston fixed calipers in conjunction with perforated brake disks are installed on the front axle. The Audi TT RS plus is fitted with 19-inch cast wheels of five-arm “Rotor” design; they are painted black with contrasting red rim flanges. The wheels are fitted with 255/35 tires. The adaptive damping system known as Audi magnetic ride is available as an option. A large, fixed rear wing increases downforce at the back of the car.

The Singleframe radiator grille also sets the Audi TT RS plus apart visually: Its diamond-pattern mesh is in highly polished anthracite, its trim frame has a matt aluminum-look finish. The housings of the exterior mirrors are made of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP). The dual-branch sport exhaust system has black oval tailpipe trims. A sound flap further intensifies the sound of the engine. The Carbon design package gives the engine compartment a more exclusive look. The knob on the gear or selector lever features an aluminum-look trim ring and a TT RS plus badge.

The TT RS plus Coupé with manual transmission costs €60,650 in Germany or €62,800 with the seven-speed S tronic . The TT RS plus Roadster has a list price of €63,500 or €65,650 respectively.

A compact car with 340 hp would be called under normal circumstances, certainly not underpowered as – if the name of Sportec however comes into play and it is this is an Audi RS3 as a base vehicle, you can see this power to dismiss it as nice start – The Diamond comes first after fine-tuning at the Swiss goldsmith to the fore.

Although not a jeweler grind with us, but after the intervention of our electronics experts lurking in the result snappy 408 hp and 550 Nm under the hood of compact cars. In the export version even be around 500 hp loose on the tarmac there.

Also furthers performance – but also melodious – which itself is controlled dampers on stainless-steel sport exhaust system. The ingenious part is that the sport exhaust system is also available in combination with the increase in output to 408HP with a Swiss Approval.
To arrive as much power on the road, we offer a Bilstein coilover suspension with sportier tuning and a 20-40 mm lowering. This is adjustable both in height and in the hardness. There are lightweight 20-inch alloy wheels in Mono/10 design, the desire to find in professionally widened wheel arches with modified bumpers, a new and very handsome surroundings. The car looks so sporty and squat – without losing the approach favored by Sportec understatement. At the front and rear axle modified Movit big brake system by Sportec completes the total package of compact cars, and also ensures the desired deceleration even during sporty driving.

Especially exclusive is the performance offered by Sportec Haldex unit, the all-wheel drive cars – may be giving more power to the rear axle – among others. With a simple push on the remote control here, the customer decides on the type of performance. This gives the Sportec not only power but also the flexibility to RS3 best to bring this to the tarmac.

We are proud to offer an all around perfect product range for the RS3, and to be able to offer even a Swiss approval for any modifications to.
So professionally prepared you like to go to “big game hunting”

The advanced Audi A6 is about to add more brawn to complement its highly sophisticated electronic ‘brain’ as the third generation A6 allroad quattro with its customarily tougher stance and four-level adaptive air suspension makes its world debut. Due to become available to order in the UK next month priced from £43,145 OTR, the A6 allroad quattro will reach its first customers here in the spring.

The first two generations of the allroad quattro, launched in 2000 and 2006, enjoyed considerable success, and Audi hopes to build on this in the latest car by combining their outstanding versatility with even greater efficiency that is reflected in fuel economy improvements of up to 20 per cent.

At 4.94 metres long, 1.90 metres wide and 1.47 metres tall, the latest A6 allroad quattro sits six centimetres higher than the Avant. Like the saloon and ‘standard’ Avant, it has been constructed using the latest Audi ultra lightweight construction principles, with aluminium components making up roughly 20 percent of its body. Total vehicle weight has been reduced by as much as 70 kilograms compared with the previous model.

Distinguishing allroad quattro features include extended side sills, more widely flared wings and vertical slats within the single-frame grille. Stainless steel guards protect the underbody at the front and rear of the car, and the exhaust system ends in two large, flattened tailpipes. The roof rails are mounted on double bars.

The wheel arches, bumpers and sills are painted in a contrasting colour, but can be body-coloured if the optional aluminium exterior package is specified. The colour Java Brown is available exclusively for the new A6 allroad quattro.

The interior of the Audi A6 allroad quattro offers plenty of space thanks to the long wheelbase of 2,910 millimetres. It features a clean, elegant design, outstanding ergonomics and exemplary workmanship. A function that depicts the car’s pitch has been added to the MMI operating system, the soft keys of which are finished in aluminium. MMI is a standard feature, as is the Driver’s Information System with efficiency program. A comprehensive package of restraint systems helps to mitigate the consequences of an accident.

Outstanding versatility

The luggage compartment has a capacity of 565 litres. Latches within it make it easy to fold down the rear seats, increasing luggage capacity to 1,680 litres, and numerous standard and optional features underscore its practicality. These include a rail system into which a load-securing kit for dividing the luggage compartment can be inserted, tensioning straps on the left wall and a double loading floor.

Audi offers a wide choice of options for the new A6 allroad quattro. A head-up display can project important information onto the windscreen, ambient lighting can bathe the interior with subtle LED light, and the widely adjustable comfort seats seats offer a ventilation and massage function. Additional highlights include four-zone automatic air conditioning, a panoramic glass roof and the advanced key, which enables access, start-up and locking without the need to remove the key from the driver’s pocket.

Topping the modular range of infotainment options is the hard drive-based navigation system MMI Navigation plus with touchpad operation (MMI touch) and whole-word voice control. Its power-retractable eight-inch monitor displays extremely sharp, high-contrast images. A Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 15 speakers can also be added for maximum listening pleasure.

In-car internet access

The new A6 allroad quattro is also state of the art when it comes to connection technology. The Mobile Phone Preparation – High option connects it to the Internet via UMTS, and a WLAN hotspot lets passengers surf the internet and e-mail. Tailored services for the driver, such as the all-new Audi traffic information online function, which uses mobile phone signals to pinpoint traffic congestion or accident blackspots in real time, or Audi music stream web radio, are delivered right to the car. Attractive services from Google, including Google Earth, Google Street View and voice-activated POI search, are also available.

The Audi assistance and safety systems lend even more confidence to driving. The radar-based adaptive cruise control with stop & go function always keeps the new A6 allroad quattro at the proper distance from the car ahead. At speeds below 19mph, the system initiates maximum braking in the event of an impending collision. ACC stop & go works closely together with the Audi pre sense safety system, which is available in a number of configurations.

Audi active lane assist helps the driver to stay in lane; Audi side assist helps when changing lanes. The night vision assistant with marking of detected pedestrians reduces the stress of driving in the dark. The driver information system with rest recommendation function detects when the driver is getting tired and recommends taking a rest.

A variety of high-end systems help take the stress out of parking. The park assist system with 360° display takes over the steering; the parking system plus with 360° camera provides good vision in all directions. Four small wide-angle cameras record images of the vehicle’s immediate surroundings, which can then be displayed from a variety of perspectives on the MMI monitor.

The new A6 allroad quattro will initially be available in the UK with a choice of three powerful and highly cultivated V6 engines – one TFSI petrol engine and two TDI units. All are 3.0-litre engines with turbocharging and direct injection. They make use of important technologies from the Audi modular efficiency platform – the start-stop system and innovative thermal management. Their fuel consumption has been reduced by as much as 20 per cent compared with the previous model.

The 3.0 TFSI, which is boosted by a mechanically driven supercharger, produces 310PS and 440 Nm of torque. It powers the A6 allroad quattro from zero to 62mph in 5.9 seconds on the way to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph. Its combined economy figure is an impressive 31.7mpg.

Two TDI options

The two variants of the 3.0 TDI produce 204PS and 245PS; torque values are 450Nm and 580Nm. The entry-level version achieves a combined economy figure of 46.3mpg, corresponding to 159 g CO2/km. All three engines are paired with the seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch transmission. With its wide ratio spreads, this transmission is a major contributor to the efficiency of the A6 allroad quattro. The driver can operate it manually, using either the gear lever or optional paddles on the steering wheel.

The quattro permanent four-wheel drive system is paired with torque vectoring. During dynamic driving this system brakes the wheels on the inside of a bend, which are under a reduced load, before they start to skid to further enhance traction and handling. The optional sport differential distributes the power in continuously variable proportions between the rear wheels.

The chassis of the A6 allroad quattro combines agility with comfort. The new electromechanical power steering is sensitive and highly efficient, and an optional dynamic steering system is also available to adjust the steering ratio to the speed driven.

With the Audi drive select system, the driver can vary the function of the steering, the air suspension, the throttle pedal, the automatic transmission, the sport differential, the automatic air conditioning, the lighting and the adaptive cruise control. In Efficiency mode, these systems work as economically as possible; their function can be very freely configured in Individual mode.

The adaptive air suspension, which combines air suspension with controlled damping, comes as standard. It lowers the body by 15 millimetres at high speed and raises it by 35 millimetres at the push of a button. This allroad mode is suitable for rough terrain. Furthermore, the driver can select a lift mode at low speeds. An additional ten millimetres enables the new Audi A6 allroad quattro to also handle major irregularities in the road surface. A hill descent assist function for steep downhill passages is also included. This limits the speed to between 6mph and 12mph, depending on the surface.

Audi A6 Allroad Quattro