Tag: RS4

The RS4 Avant Competition Proves Audi Isn’t Red Mist Immune

Audi RS4 Avant Competition

We don’t get any flavor of the RS4 Avant in the United States. But who doesn’t love forbidden fruit?

You don’t have to be a race car driver, or even an enthusiast, to understand the concept of the “red mist.” If you’ve played sports, video games, or even something as — ostensibly — benign as Wordle in a competitive manner, you know the red mist. It’s the feeling of harnessing blind rage to inspire better performance. And the RS4 Avant Competition is proof that even the world’s most celebrated automakers are vulnerable.

Or, at least that’s the thesis presented here, in this killer new video from our friends over at Hagerty. Here host Henry Catchpole opines that Ingolstadt’s lusty longroof exists only to assert dominance over another of Germany’s apex predators — the BMW Competition Estate. Of course, because the world is unfair and Americans are obsessed with crossovers and pickup trucks, neither of these glorious beasts is available on our shores. Even if the “standard” RS6 Avant is one hell of a consolation prize.

That said, even if we don’t get any flavor of the RS4 Avant here, it’s an absolute blast watching Catchpole hurl the RS6 Avant’s smaller sibling around the track, and give up dirty details on this juicy bit of forbidden fruit. For starters, there’s no more power on the table. The 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 is still pumping out 444 horsepower and 442 lb-ft of twist. But it’s sporting a host of other kit, including a trick differential, a rear-biased all-wheel drive system, and retuned transmission that quickens the shifts.

The wheels have also been swapped for units that are four pounds lighter than the standard car’s, the adjustable dampers have been tuned for both cobblestone streets and track work, and the steering ratio is a fixed 13:1. Fixing the ratio means it’s more predictable than an adaptive system, and — apparently — is a key component to the transformed driving experience. Watch the full video for a full breakdown of the changes, and to enjoy some absolutely stunning scenery.

Photos: YouTube

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Competition Packs Coming for 2023 Audi RS 4 and RS 5

2023 Audi RS5 Sportback with Competition Plus Package

With a suite of new upgrades, Audi has made the RS 4 and RS 5 even more engaging to drive.

On the heels of announcing the the final run of its R8 supercar, Audi has released info about two new packages available for the its RS 4 and RS 5. And unlike the race-inspired V10 model, these won’t be limited edition. Both the Competition and Competition Plus upgrades will be available to any buyers who can pony up for the additional kit.

While the neither package adds power to the twin-turbo V6, the upgrades are designed to make the cars more responsive and more fun to drive. Thanks to a new tune, the zero-to-60 sprint has dropped by 0.2 seconds in the RS 4 and 0.1 seconds in the RS 5, and top speed for both models has been bumped to a ballistic 180 mph.

There’s also a new performance exhaust system, which will sound even better thanks to Audi ditching 18 pounds of sound insulation from the firewall. Plus, tweaks to the quattro system mean more twist will be pumped to the rear wheels, and shift points have also been adjusted to provide more aggressive gear changes.

Unique 20-inch wheels will be standard on Performance models, and they’ll be shod with super sticky Pirelli Corsa P Zero tires. To better scrub speed, carbon-ceramic brakes will be available for both models. In addition to cutting the 60-to-zero stopping distance by six feet, they’ll also mean drivers will be able to run laps without being concerned with brake fade on the track.

Performance Plus models will get a trick suspension system which drops the standard ride height by 10 millimeters, and also allows drivers to drop it another 10 millimeters via the vehicle settings. For the mathematically challenged, that means these sporty versions will be up to 20 millimeters lower than base models.

Of course, there are some cosmetic touches as well, including the carbon fiber accents inside the cabin, dark trim on the exterior, black tips on the performance exhaust system, and an available Sebring Black finish. Unfortunately, the RS 4 Avant still won’t be an option for American buyers, so we’ll just have to make due with the coupe and Sportback versions of the RS 5.

Photos: Audi

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‘Sleeper’ Audi RS4 B7 Reveals the Supercharged Beast Within!

Supercharged RS4

What could be better than a pristine Audi RS4 B7? How about a supercharged pristine Audi RS4 B7 making 500 horsepower?

The 4.2-liter V8 ranks as one of the greatest Audi engines and one of the best small-displacement V8s of this century. Stock, it churns out 414- horsepower and 317 lb-feet of torque. For whatever reason, the owner of this RS4 decided that wasn’t enough and installed a supercharger. The result is a 500-horsepower, all-wheel drive brute that weighs just shy of 3,800 pounds.

Performance stats for the stock RS4 B7 are 0 to 60 mph in about 4.6 seconds and a top speed of 185 mph. Those numbers put the RS4 in the middle of any number of sports cars from that era and are still fast today. With the supercharger, 0 to 60 in the low four-second range and a top speed of around 200 mph don’t seem like that big of a stretch.

Supercharged RS4 B7

Looks Like an A4, Goes Like Hell

The original RS4 was a master of understatement. There are a number of changes to the A4 bodywork like flared fenders to house 19-inch wheels, a small rear spoiler, and a more aggressive front facia. The result enhances the look of the already timeless B7. It looks tailored next to the A4’s off-the-rack appearance. Visually, the biggest difference is under the hood. I’m not sure how Audi stuffed a 4.2-liter V8 under the hood of an RS4. There isn’t room for a tennis ball, let alone a supercharger.

Incredibly this modified RS4 looks stock. The owner paid serious money for the supercharger work. It’s a first-class job, and the results are incredible. Audi’s 4.2-liter V8 sounds slightly lumpy off idle, doing a convincing impersonation of a small-block V8 with a German accent. At full throttle, it bellows fury. There’s little drama thanks to the all-wheel-drive. The RS4 digs in and launches like a sprinter out of the blocks.

To see how well it works, watch the video.

Photos & Videos: CarsinSixty

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Mark Webb is fascinated by anything automotive and particularly loves cars that are unusual or have a good story. He’s owned a variety of cars from 60’s muscle, Japanese imports, and oddities like a VW Thing and Porsche 924. After 20 years in the automotive and tech industries, he’s a walking encyclopedia of car info and is always on the lookout for his next project or a good road trip.

Audi A4 Buyer’s Guide (1996-2016)

2007 A4

Known as the B5, the first-generation A4 saved Audi in the U.S. market. Borrowing the same platform as the Volkswagen Passat, it offered a mix of turbocharged four-cylinder and natural aspirated six-cylinder engines. Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive was an option and could be ordered with a five-speed manual and a five-speed Tiptronic gearbox licensed from Porsche. For those looking for more performance, an S4 model included a twin-turbocharged version of the 30-valve 2.8-liter V-6 and made 250 horsepower.

Second Generation B6 (2002-2004)

2002 A4

The most noticeable thing about the second-generation Audi A4 is the Bauhaus styling. But real changes occurred under the skin. Audi moved the A4 to the larger, stiffer, and lighter B6 platform. A CVT transmission replaced the Tiptronic gearbox. The V6 engine increased to 3.0-liters of displacement with an output of 220 horsepower. And in 2003, Audi decided to get rowdy and stuff its new 339 horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 under the hood.

Third Generation B7 (2005-2008)

2007 A4fourth-generation A4 arrived in 2009, sharing the A5’s platform. Five inches longer than the old model, it outgrew the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The wheelbase stretched six inches and the car more closely resembled its A6 bigger brother. A revised interior with improved infotainment systems also reflected the A6, and Audi Drive Select became an option. The 3.2-liter V6 became the standard engine until a revised 2.0-liter four-cylinder debuted. The six-speed manual and CVT carried on, but Quattros received a new eight-speed automatic in 2011. The biggest change occurred with the S4. A supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 making 333 horsepower replaced the 4.2-liter V8. Equipped with an optional seven-speed S-Tronic dual-clutch automatic gearbox, it offered better performance, fuel economy, and was easier to service.

What to Look For

In terms of repairs and reliability, the Audi A4 has a few troublespots, most of which are minor with a couple of exceptions. According to Repair Pal, the most common issues are oil leaks from the valve cover and timing chain tensioner gaskets. Other things to watch include:

  • Ignition coil, spark plug, or spark plug wire failure
  • High-pressure fuel pump issues
  • Carbon build-up on FSI and TFSI engines
  • Water pump and/or thermostat failure
  • Misc. vacuum leaks and sensor failures

All of the above issues are common on many cars, not just Audis or the A4. Moving over to the S4, look for the same issues. Thermostat failures seem to be more common, but the biggest worry is the timing chain. Replacing it is an engine-out repair. Parts average about $1,200 to $1,400 and labor runs $4,000 or more.

S4 B7 Timing Chain

For this reason, you’ll occasionally stumble across an S4 at a fire sale price. Those cars are best avoided unless you have the money or skills to do the work yourself. Otherwise, the repair cost will likely exceed what you paid for the car.

What to Buy

There aren’t any specific models to avoid except for a cheap V8-powered S4. But if you’re looking for the sweet spot between usable performance, features, and operating costs, a later B7 or B8 with the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder and Quattro AWD is hard to beat. They provide modern amenities and are not far off the pace of the V6. However, two golden rules apply when buying an A4 or any older premium car:

  1. Buy the best car you can afford.
  2. Get a pre-purchase inspection or PPI.

Look for cars listed by reputable dealers or from an owner with a comprehensive history. Check the vehicle history using a service like Carfax or AutoCheck. Condition matters much more than mileage. No matter how good the car looks, take it to a knowledgeable Audi mechanic and get a PPI. A bad A4 is a problem child that will test your sanity. But when you find a good one, you’ll have a great car that does many things well and is enjoyable to drive all year.

Photos: Audi USA & Reddit 

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Mark Webb is fascinated by anything automotive and particularly loves cars that are unusual or have a good story. He’s owned a variety of cars from 60’s muscle, Japanese imports, and oddities like a VW Thing and Porsche 924. After 20 years in the automotive and tech industries, he’s a walking encyclopedia of car info and is always on the lookout for his next project or a good road trip.

Audi B5 RS4 Packs 470-HP Punch to Overcome Its Flaws

2001 Audi RS4 Avant

In spite of its flaws, the first RS4 holds up against the modern era of high performance in part because of its lack of high-tech features.

Following the end of the RS2 Avant in 1995, Audi fans had a long wait until the team at Ingolstadt developed a proper successor. After four years, one arrived: the RS4. While the United States received the B7 version between 2006 and 2008, Europe has enjoyed all four generations of one of the hottest Audis ever built, including the current B9 RS4 Avant.

Which begs the question: what of the B5 RS4 Avant? Does it hold up as well today as it did at the turn of the millennium? JayEmm on Cars seeks the answer with a modded 2001 RS4 Avant.

2001 Audi RS4 Avant

“Although they were certainly quick as standard,” said JayEmm, “posting a sub-5-second naught to 60 time, one of the things that made these cars was just how tunable they are. And this particular example is not standard.”

The 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 that once made 370 horsepower, thanks to tuning and a freer-flowing exhaust, it makes 470 horses. The RS4’s been lowered, and has front brakes from a Volkswagen Phaeton to better stopping power. This is also one of 530 B5 RS4s to come over to the United Kingdom, and one of 400 in right-hand drive. Its styling, meanwhile, doesn’t scream performance, unlike nearly Audi on the showroom floor now. But is owning an B5 RS4 worth it?

2001 Audi RS4 Avant

“I’ve been tempted by the S and RS4 of this generation a number of times in the past,” said JayEmm. “But there’s one really big reason I was always put off of them […] What’s put me off buying one of these in the past is the absolutely extraordinary running costs. For whatever reason, nearly everybody I talk to that owns, or has owned, one of these cars is always trying to put something right with it.”

That said, the RS4 Avant offers a few things newer ones don’t, like a six-speed manual. The ability to shift one’s own gears is a throwback to how things were in the 2000s: few electronics, more mechanicals, more connectedness. Today’s Audis, meanwhile, seem to handle everything for the driver, which might not be as fun as thought.

2001 Audi RS4 Avant

“Because this car is becoming something of a classic, with a price to match,” said JayEmm, “it becomes ever more difficult to justify it as merely a daily proposition. Yet still, the car has a lot going for it. If you ignore for a moment the fact you could get a much more modern, much more capable, much better-equipped car for the same or less money now, this is really quite a nice thing.”

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Cameron Aubernon’s path to automotive journalism began in the early New ’10s. Back then, a friend of hers thought she was an independent fashion blogger.

Aubernon wasn’t, so she became one, covering fashion in her own way for the next few years.

From there, she’s written for: Louisville.com/Louisville Magazine, Insider Louisville, The Voice-Tribune/The Voice, TOPS Louisville, Jeffersontown Magazine, Dispatches Europe, The Truth About Cars, Automotive News, Yahoo Autos, RideApart, Hagerty, and Street Trucks.

Aubernon also served as the editor-in-chief of a short-lived online society publication in Louisville, Kentucky, interned at the city’s NPR affiliate, WFPL-FM, and was the de facto publicist-in-residence for a communal art space near the University of Louisville.

Aubernon is a member of the International Motor Press Association, and the Washington Automotive Press Association.