Audi has announced UK prices for the 414bhp V8-powered Audi RS4 quattro saloon: OTR price is £49,980 with first deliveries due in autumn 2005.
The RS4 quattro features a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine featuring FSI direct petrol injection for the first time in an eight-cylinder Audi. The unit delivers 414bhp and a maximum torque of 317lb-ft at 5,500rpm, 90 per cent of which is available from 2,250rpm all the way to 7,600rpm.
The engine redlines at 8,250rpm and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox delivering zero to 62mph in just 4.8 seconds, to 124mph in only 16.6 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
Audi has made extensive use of aluminium for normally heavy items such as the suspension, bonnet and front wings, and through detail changes including the installation of ultra-light RS bucket seats, providing a power-to-weight ratio of 250bhp per ton.
Throttle response can be increased at the touch of the Sport button mounted within the steering wheel, while the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) intervenes later and for a shorter period than it normally would.
Sitting 30mm lower than a standard A4, and with a wider front and rear track, the RS4 quattro offers an evolution of the quattro four-wheel-drive system that transfers a larger proportion of torque between front and rear axles makes for more adjustable cornering behaviour. The system works in conjunction with Dynamic Ride Control, an electronically governed, mechanical damping system adopted from the RS 6 quattro.
Riding on 19-inch alloy wheels framing 18-inch disc brakes, and fronted by the huge Audi single frame grille, the interior sports an engine starter button, tapered sports steering wheel, aluminium pedals, leather-upholstered RS bucket seats, and carbon fibre trim. Exclusive RS4 quattro standard equipment includes cruise control, front seat heating, a BOSE sound system, front and rear acoustic parking sensors and electronic tyre pressure monitoring.
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