2007 Audi RS4 Preview

Every Previous Compact Sports Sedan is Merely Childs Play

BMW M3, meet your match… and then some. The all-new Audi RS4 has arrived. This is the latest RS-badged machine, little brother to the almighty RS6 and the successor to the devastatingly quick RS4 Avant of 2001.

Built from the ground-up as the ultimate compact luxury sedan, the RS4 returns for yet another generation with the confidence inspiring grip of all-wheel drive, nothing new for Audi of course. But the new model also presents new technologies which make this rendition one of the most advanced sports sedans to date.

The biggest change that developer Quattro GmbH implemented with the new RS4 is the switch from turbo to natural aspiration; thats right, this is a first for Audis RS series. Instead, the RS4 will feature FSI direct-injection, the same power-optimizing technology that helped the brands R8 racer achieve four wins at the 24 hours of Le Mans. Aside from the W12-powered A8, the RS4 is the most powerful Audi currently in production: its 4,163 cc V8 powerplant produces a total output of 420-horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Though the motor is capable of revving to 8,250 rpm, low-end torque hasnt been sacrificed to do so with 90 percent of its maximum pulling power available between 2,250 and 7,600 rpm.

Routed to a short-throw six-speed manual gearbox and driven through Audis five-star quattro all-wheel drive system, the new FSI V8 is capable of catapulting the compact sedan to 60 mph in a hair-raising 4.7 seconds. The 125 mph mark is reached just a short while later, taking a mere 16+ seconds. While Audi voluntarily limited the RS4s top speed to 155 mph, in theory the car could reach speeds approaching 185 mph!

For additional kick, the RS4 will feature a new sports mode, which when activated remaps the gas-pedal control, giving the engine sharper response.

However impressive the new RS4 is in terms of acceleration, theres far more to it than just straight-line performance. Engineers in charge of the vehicle were ordered to optimize its power-to-weight ratio to ensure it wouldnt be a slouch in the corners. Like its suspension and chassis components, the new RS4 features a hood and front fenders crafted from aluminum to reduce weight. The result is a power to weight ratio of 8.66 lb/hp, a figure that that eclipses the M3 Coupes 9.61 lb/hp substantially.

The race car worthy technology of the RS4 is skinned in the discreet, yet seductive package of the 2006 B7 A4 sedan. In order to optimize airflow to the engine and around the vehicle, the RS4 features a tailor-fitted bodykit composed of an aggressive front valance, side skirts and a new rear fascia. The front valance features larger vents trimmed in a diamond mesh pattern, foglamps, and brake ducts, while in back a tiny ruler-edge spoiler mounted on the trunklid and a pair of fat oval tailpipes sets the stealthy theme.

Behind the style, theres plenty of substance. The 07 RS4 is lower and wider than the stock A4 in order to improve on its handling characteristics. Audis engineers have dropped the ride height of the car by 1.2 inches while increasing the front and rear track for additional stability and unshakable grip to keep the car planted to the road, regardless of weather conditions. The RS4 also wears new 7-spoke alloy wheels, inspired by the Le Mans Quattro concept car of 2003.

With a power ratio of 8.66 lb/hp, one might think that the RS4 is a stripped-out, road-racer, but the reality is that the new car is just as luxurious as its regular A4 cousins. Instead of lacquer trim and wood, however, the main interior trims are aluminum and carbon fiber weave.

As with any proper sports sedan, the new RS4 puts the driver first. Preparations for the road ahead are made with a sporty, multi-function flat-bottom steering wheel, push-button starter, and leather-trimmed RS bucket seats with adjustable side bolsters.

To ensure comfort on longer hauls as well as the daily commute, the RS4 offers a variety of features sure to please its drivers. These include variable damper control (DRC) for the sports suspension, the Concert hi-fi sound system, digital climate control and keyless entry. Drivers can also opt for Audis intuitive Navigation System Plus, as well as adaptive headlamps that swivel to illuminate around corners.

The RS4 was one of the hottest attractions at this years Geneva Auto Salon, where the car made its world debut last month. While Europeans will start to see it in showrooms by October of this year as a 2006 model, well see it become available during the summer of 2006 as a 2007 model year. A price of £49,980 has been set for the U.K., the equivalent of about $94,400. If it follows regular pricing patterns, expect the U.S. car to debut for about $70,000 or so, which will be quite a bit more than the current S4.

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