Ingolstadt, 20th August 1999

High-performance RS4 by quattro GmbH

The RS4, a high-performance vehicle with uncompromising sports character in terms of both technology and visual appearance, is being launched onto the market by quattro GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Audi AG. quattro GmbH has designed the RS4 on the basis of the Audi S4 as the supreme model in the A4 series and developed it in cooperation with AUDI AG. The RS4, which, like its predecessor the RS2, is to be produced exclusively as an Avant model, will impress discerning customers who favour sports-style driving, thanks to its supreme performance.

As on the S4, a 2.7-litre biturbo V6 engine with five valves per cylinder gets to work under the hood of the Audi RS4. Audi's engineering experts have taken what was already a very high-performance engine and given it even more power and torque on the RS4. Instead of 195 kW (265 bhp) in the S4, the RS4 engine develops 280 kW (380 bhp) at 6,500 rpm.

The six-speed manual gearbox with ratios chosen to suit the car's sports character, together with permanent four-wheel drive, convert the high torque of the biturbo V6 into propulsion and traction effectively and with excellent directional stability.

Cast aluminium wheels of a new spoke design provide space for the RS4's more voluminous brake system. The vehicle body has been significantly lowered compared with the A4.

The spring and shock absorber units and elastokinematics have been retuned to suit the modified axle weights and axle geometry. Rack-and-pinion steering with a direct ratio also contributes towards the vehicle's distinctly sporty handling.