IN THE COURSE OF SOME PROVERBIAL fine-tuning, Audi Sport GmbH is increasing the sportiness of the Audi RS 4 Avant and Audi RS 5. The new competition package features extras that both sharpen the cars’ appearance and make for a more emotional driving experience. With its optional coilover suspension (RS sport suspension pro), the competition plus package boasts a maximum in dynamics and driving fun while not compromising its top suitability for everyday use. Reduced insulation between the engine compartment and the interior means the RS 4 Avant and RS 5 will deliver a more exciting, next-level sound experience. The potent biturbo V6 has 331 kW of power and a torque of 600Nm from 1900 to 5000 rpm. The Audi RS 4 Avant and RS 5 with the competition packages will be available from dealers starting July. In Europe, prices start at 7,875 euros ($A11,866 at current exchange rates) for the competition package and 11,875 euros ($A17,893) for the competition plus package (Australian availability is yet to be confirmed).
Next-level sportiness
Despite its focus on increased driving fun, the RS sport suspension pro offers manually adjustable coilover suspension for an ideal spread between comfort and performance. Thanks to this, even longer distances can be covered comfortably with all available assistance systems and without any limitations. Customers who choose this coilover suspension will receive their RS 4 Avant or RS 5 ex-factory with a ride height that is 10mm lower than standard RS models. Plus, customers can manually lower the ride height by an additional 10 mm for an overall ride height that is 20mm lower than the series standard. A higher spring rate, three-way adjustable dampers, and stiffer stabilizers heighten the general driving experience and help shorten lap times. The upshot: Customers profit from more precise and more agile handling. Both competition packages also feature an increased maximum speed of 290 km/h.
The Audi RS 4 Avant with the competition plus package goes from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, an improvement of 0.2 seconds over the series standard. The Audi RS 5 Coupé or RS 5 Sportback does the sprint in 3.8 seconds, an improvement of 0.1 seconds.
The dynamic steering ratio is fixed at a ratio of 1:13.1. With all these enhancements, Audi Sport GmbH has created unerring handling and even greater tracking. The enhanced quattro sport differential ensures an increased degree of agility and driving fun – especially in the “dynamic” driving mode. A new data set in the control unit with changed parameters switches the emphasis to the rear. Moreover, the updated software in the transmission control unit, only in combination with the competition packages, makes for reduced shifting times and a noticeably increased spread between the various driving modes. For their part, the heightened dynamics necessitate an increase in negative acceleration. In combination with the Pirelli P Zero Corsa, a newly tuned ABS software, and the RS ceramic brake system, the brake path is up to two meters shorter when braking from 100 km/h.
Developed specially for the competition packages, Audi Sport GmbH is presenting the new RS sports exhaust system plus with tailpipes in matte black. This results in a more intense sound pattern, not only through the exhaust system itself, but especially due to the reduced insulation between the engine compartment and interior, a modification that also lessens the car’s weight by about eight kilograms. Fine-tuning to the engine control unit software makes for tighter load changes in S mode when the “dynamic” drive select is active – further increasing the emotionality.
A re-enhanced look
Both the competition and competition plus packages boast attractive innovations in the interior: The seat side panels gleam in Piano Black. An optional Dinamica/Pearl Nappa combination upgrade is available for the standard RS sort seats. The Dinamica material is made of 45 percent recycled PET fibres; about 215 grams of PET fibres are processed per seat. The four rings on the hood and the trunk lid as well as the model lettering underscore the sporty character with their glossy black finish. For the first time for the RS 4 and RS 5, the exterior now comes in a matching crystal effect Sebring Black finish. Customers who want to further highlight the sporty look of their RS 4 Avant or RS 5 can purchase high-sheen competition wheels in Phantom Black. For an additional charge by request, Audi will combine the 20-inch fully milled wheels with the Pirelli P Zero Corsa high-performance tires that were designed both for the road and the racetrack. Matrix LED headlights are standard on the Audi RS 5; they illuminate the road with laser light. The competition Trim package rounds out the Audi RS 4 Avant and Audi RS 5 with the exclusive Carbon Matte Optics Package, with components including the exterior mirrors, front blade, and side flaps as well as the sill extension and rear diffuser trim come in sporty Carbon matte; all other components shine in black.
For an additional charge, Audi optionally provides the package in exclusive Glossy Carbon. As an exclusive alternative for the competition packages, the package also comes in Carbon matte.