Review: Audi B8 RS4 (2013-15)

Overview

Released in February 2013, the Audi B7 RS4 Avant was a high-performance wagon. Manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany, the four-wheel drive RS4 Avant was powered by a 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a seven-speed ‘S Tronic’ double-clutch transmission which could be operated via steering wheel gearshift paddles.

4.2 FSI V8: CFSA engine

The B8 RS4 Avant was powered by Audi’s CFSA engine which was shared with the Audi 8T RS5 Coupe . Effectively replacing the BNS engine which powered the Audi B7 RS4 , the CFSA engine had a two-piece, closed-deck cylinder block, a die-forged crankshaft, split connecting rods, forged aluminium pistons, chain-driven double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder actuated by roller rocker arms, direct fuel injection (Audi’s ‘Fuel Stratified Injection’ or FSI) and a compression ratio of 11.0:1.

With its launch control function, the RS4 Avant could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds and its top speed was electronically-limited to 250 km/h (though this could be increased to 280 km/h on request).

Dimensions

Compared to the Audi B7 RS4 , the B8 RS4 Avant was 130 mm longer (at 4719 mm), 34 mm wider (1850 mm), 72 mm lower (1416 mm) and had a 165 mm longer wheelbase (2813 mm).

Suspension and steering

The RS4 Avant had five-link front suspension with upper and lower wishbones and track-controlled trapezoidal link rear suspension; compared to the related B8 A4 Avant , however, the RS4 Avant body was lowered by 20 mm and the suspension included stiffer shock absorbers and thicker stabiliser bars. Audi’s ‘Dynamic Ride Control’ (DRC) was available as an extra-cost option for the RS4 Avant. With DRC, diagonally-opposed pairs of shock absorbers are linked by hydraulic lines and a central valve. When cornering at speed, the valves could regulate the oil flow in the shock absorber of the deflected outside front wheel almost immediately, providing greater support and reducing lateral lift. DRC also included three selectable damping settings: comfort, auto and dynamic.

The RS4 Avant had an electromechanical power steering system with a ratio of 16.3:1.

quattro system

The Audi B8 RS4’s ‘quattro’ four-wheel drive system included a self-locking ‘Crown Gear’ centre differential. In normal conditions, the system provided a 40:60 front:rear torque split. If traction was lost, however, up to 85 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the rear axle, and up to 70 per cent to the front axle. The quattro system also included open front and rear differentials with electronic differential locks; if the quattro system anticipated that the inside wheels may lose traction when cornering, these wheels could be individually braked to enable cross-axle torque transfers. The RS4 Avant was also fitted with a ‘sport differential’ which actively distributed power between the rear wheels to minimise understeer.

Safety equipment

Standard safety equipment for the Audi RS4 Avant included dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control, trailer stability control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The RS4 Avant had 365 mm by 34 mm ventilated front brake discs with eight-piston monoblock calipers and 324 mm by 22 mm rear brake discs with single-piston floating calipers.

Euro NCAP testing

In Euro NCAP crash testing , the related Audi B8 A4 1.8 TFSI received a five star adult occupant protection rating with a score of 34.45 out of 37. Under Euro NCAP’s updated testing regime, these results were subsequently revised for a five star safety rating which included a 93 per cent adult occupant protection rating and an 84 per cent child occupant protection rating. In the offset crash test, there was a slight risk of serious chest and leg injury for the driver. In the side impact and pole tests, however, maximum points were awarded.

Features

Standard features for the Audi RS4 Avant included 19-inch forged alloy wheels with 265/35 R19 tyres, an 180 watt sound system with ten speakers, a six-channel amplifier, CD/DVD player, 20 GB hard drive for music storage, MP3-compatibility and auxiliary inputs (3.5 mm/USB/SDHC cards), Audi’s MMI navigation plus system with seven-inch colour display, three-zone climate control air conditioning, contoured ‘S’ sports seats, Fina Nappa leather upholstery, cruise control, contoured front sports seats finished in black leather and Alcantara, power adjustable and heated front seats, directional xenon headlights, daytime LED running lights, LED tail-lights, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a flat-bottom steering wheel wrapped in perforated leather, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, power folding mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, a power-operated tailgate, trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring and an immobiliser.

RS4 Avant Nogaro selection

In 2014, limited-run RS4 ‘Nogaro selection’ editions were released to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Audi Avant RS2. Visually, the Nogaro selection editions could be identified by their 20-inch 5-V-spoke alloy wheels with 265/30 R20 tyres, Nogaro blue pearl effect paint finish, high-gloss black treatments for the single frame grille and window trims, and matt black roof rails.

Inside, the seats for the RS4 Nogaro selection had Alcantara centre panels and black Valcona leather side sections. Other features included black leather armrests with contrasting blue stitching, black leather with blue stitching for the steering wheel rim and gear selector lever boot, black or Nogaro blue Alcantara for the door trim inserts and black or Nogaro blue piping for the black floor mats.

The RS4 Nogaro selection was a custom order vehicle with a maximum of five to be exported to Australia.

Related links

• Press Kit: Audi B8 RS4 Avant (February 2013)
• Specifications: Audi B8 RS4 Avant (February 2013)
• Technical data: Audi B8 RS4 Avant (February 2013)
• Wikipedia.org: Audi B8 RS4