Very few automobiles are as practical as a wagon. They are the kind of vehicle that can move cargo, people and pets with relative ease and comfort while maintaining the driving characteristics and fuel economy of a normal sedan. The only real downfall of most wagons is that they lack a certain sportiness.
Never one to be called boring, Audi has slapped an RS badge on its new wagon, the A4 Avant, and has created a monster.
The new third-generation RS 4 Avant comes equipped with Audi’s 4.2-liter V8, a seven-speed S tronic transmission, and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.
The V8 is the same high-revving mill that can be found under the hood of the RS 5 Coupe, and produces 450 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. When the right pedal is pressed firmly, the RS 4 will bolt from a stop to 60 mph in about 4.5 seconds and continue accelerating until it hits its 155 mph limiter. If you ask nicely, however, Audi can raise that limit to 174 mph.
The S tronic transmission offers drivers the option to let the dual-clutch unit fire off lightning-quick shifts automatically, or they can change gears manually with the steering wheel-mounted paddles. The seventh gear is a high efficiency gear allowing the RS 4 to achieve an average fuel economy of about 21 mpg.
To make sure all the power coming form the engine can be handled, quattro comes standard. This all-wheel drive system has been perfected over the years, and is now one of the most trusted and advanced systems on the market. With its lightweight crown-gear center differential, the quattro system can direct power front to back to ensure the grip is always where you need it. While the system default is a 40:60 front to rear split for sporty handling, as much 70-percent of the power can be sent forward, and a full 85-percent can sent to the rear.
The RS 4 comes with more than extra power, it has also been given a large assortment of exterior modifications to notify everyone that this is a special kind of Audi. The RS suspension setup lowers the car by 20 millimeters, and the new, polished 19-inch ten-spoke forged aluminum wheels give the RS 4 an aggressive stance. Audi also offers a 20-inch five-V-spoke design as an option.
All this power and style is being kept in check by the massive brakes. There are 8-piston calipers with a black gloss paint clamping down on 14.4-inch front rotors. Track enthusiasts should consider upgrading to the 15-inch carbon fiber ceramic discs. These come with six-piston calipers painted in anthracite gray, and they cut weight.
This high-powered wagon is scheduled to begin deliveries in the fall with a base price of about €76,600 (about $100, 545.oo at current rates) in Germany.
Why is the price in Euros? Like the majority of crazy-fast wagons, there is no U.S. availability. To help keep the tears at bay, feel free to peruse our high resolution gallery below.
