Audi is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the RS 4 Avant by launching a special model, the Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years. This performance flagship model is equipped with enhanced driving dynamics, exclusive interior and exterior details, available in Audi’s iconic Imola Yellow finish.
The same powertrain upgrades are also available on the new RS 5 Sportback Performance Edition, which Audi is also launching at the same time.
It was back in the 1990s that Audi hit upon the idea of creating a performance estate with the Audi Avant RS 2 and Audi S6, but the 1999 B5-generation RS 4 Avant was the first RS model from quattro GmbH (now Audi Sport GmbH). It had a widened body and a 2.7-litre biturbo six-cylinder engine developed in collaboration with Cosworth, which developed an impressive 380PS.
2001 saw the sportiest version of the first RS 4 generation hit the roads with the RS 4 Sport equipped with even lower suspension, bucket seats, a sports exhaust and suede steering wheel. The new RS 4 Avant edition 25 years echoes the memorable design of this car and is the sportiest version of the current B9 series.
You can expect impressive performance from the 2.9-litre V6 biturbo engine which develops 470PS and a maximum torque of 600Nm, an increase of 20PS compared to the regular RS 4 Avant, making the 0-62mph sprint in just 3.7 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than the standard version and going on to achieve a top speed of 186mph. Along with the extra performance comes extra stopping power with standard RS ceramic brakes. The RS sports exhaust system plus with tailpipes in matt black let you know you are driving something rather special.
When it comes to handling, the Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years is fitted with the RS sports suspension pro, a manually adjustable coilover suspension that gives the car a perfect combination of dynamics and comfort with a 10mm lower ride height than the regular RS 4 Avant.
As you would expect from Audi, the car the RS 4 Avant comes with the quattro sport differential as standard to give greater agility and more rearward bias for a better and more exhilarating driver experience, especially when in “dynamic” driving mode. You will also notice faster shifting times and an increased spread between the various driving modes thanks to updated software installed.
In addition, the negative camber on the front axle has been increased to two degrees, and stiffer control arms are installed, resulting in improved grip and better handling for faster cornering speeds. The fixed subframe on the rear axle also gives more precise suspension feedback and better overall performance.
When you are talking about this level of performance you need tyres that are up to the task, and that is why the RS 4 Avant edition 25 years comes with Pirelli P Zero Corsa high-performance tyres as standard, that have been designed for both the road and the racetrack and are fitted to wrap machined 20-inch alloy wheels in matt palladium. The forged wheels are weight-optimised and have been visually enhanced by intensive milling.
As well as the standard Pirelli tyres, customers will also receive an additional set of Pirelli sensorized P Zero Trofeo RS semi-slick tyres and Pirelli Track Adrenaline system. These tyres are specifically designed for the racetrack and come on exclusive 20-inch alloy wheels in matt black.
The Pirelli sensorized P Zero Trofeo RS performance tyres offer exceptional grip in dry conditions thanks to their specific rubber compound and asymmetrical tread, giving exceptional grip in dry conditions that increase stability and lateral grip. The exclusive Track Adrenaline system features sophisticated sensors in the tyres giving the driver real-time information about tyre pressure and temperature, a high-performance control unit and a dedicated phone app for both Apple Car Play and Android Auto. Drivers will be able to experience real-time information and recommended actions for optimal tyre management on the racetrack using this system.
The Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years is available in three colours to commemorate the colour of the RS4 Sport, and they include an Audi exclusive Imola Yellow (pictured here), a solid Nardo Grey and a metallic Mythos Black.
The car also comes with a wide range of exclusive design features that include the trims on the side windows in glossy black, black inlay in the rear lights, the Audi rings and lettering in gloss black, and the Matrix LED headlights feature darkened bezels that are specific to the RS family. In addition, the roof rails have been removed to give the vehicle a flatter sportier silhouette.
Another unique touch is the “RS 4 edition 25 years” lettering engraved in the windows between the C and D-pillars, while the matt carbon appearance package designed exclusively for this edition features the front spoiler lip, front air intake inserts, side skirts, rear diffuser insert and exterior mirror housings in matt carbon.
Standard equipment inside the cabin includes a Bang & Olufsen 3D Sound System, advanced key, a 360-degree camera and wireless phone charging. There is also yellow decorative stitching, and the floor mats have an RS 4 logo, while the traditionally red Audi Sport rhombus and black RS lettering are also yellow. The steering wheel rim, the leather armrests on the doors and the centre console are dark black Alcantara. The figure hugging RS bucket seats have honeycomb stitching with a beautiful deep black leather/Dinamica combination with contrasting yellow stitching.
There is exclusive lettering on the centre console that indicates each individual car’s sequential number, from 1 to 250. with only 50 of the anniversary models being made available for the UK market.
For more information on this special Audi RS 4 Avant edition 25 years, which starts from £115,880 (OTR), please visit: www.audi.co.uk.
Author Bio:
Simon Burrell is Editor of Our Man Behind The Wheel, a member of The Guild of Motoring Writers, professional photographer and former saloon car racing driver.
Photographs courtesy of Audi
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