The basic silhouette of the A4 is retained, but the RS4 cuts a much more aggressive pose. There's no mistaking it on the road. (Photo by Lee Brimble)
The ride quality is never less than firm, but the trade-off is excellent high-speed body control. The RS4 is sure-footed and dependable. (Photo by Lee Brimble)
Theintegrated trunk lid spoiler is an example of Audi's impressive attention to detail. (Photo by Lee Brimble)
The RS4 is more agile and responsive than any other Audi. It's a proper driver's car, although the steering could use a little more feel. (Photo by Lee Brimble)
This is a work of art. The RS4's 4.2-liter V8 pumps out 415 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, and sounds like a Can-Am racer. (Photo by Lee Brimble)
Gorgeous 19-inch alloy wheels are unique to this car. The 14.6-inch front discs feature eight-piston calipers. (Photo by Lee Brimble)
The RS4 is the consummate high-speed express, but it's costly both to buy and run. (Photo by Lee Brimble)
New Audi RS4 packs a 415-hp punch
By Alistair Weaver
For the past decade, Audi has been asserting itself as a manufacturer of premium sporting cars. Each generation of new models has sought to be more dynamic, aspirational and exotic than the last as Audi stands toe-to-toe with its great German rival, BMW.
But while Audi's mainstream range has proved competitive, its sports specials have been, by and large, disappointing. The S4 is no match for BMW's M3, just as the old S6 posed no threat to the M5.
Audi's management is well aware that if its company is to win the heart and mind of BMW-man, it needs some successful hero cars. That's why later in the year, we'll be treated to a drive of the new R8 supercar and why we've just driven the latest RS4 in the U.K. Faster, pricier and more sophisticated than both the M3 and the Mercedes C55 AMG, it poses as the sedan of choice for the driving enthusiast.
Plenty of mouth
The RS4 is instantly recognizable and makes no secret of its sporting intent. New bumpers front and rear join forces with flared wheel arches and prominent side skirts. A new trunk lid incorporates a lip spoiler, a pair of oval exhaust pipes sprout from the rear, the wing mirrors are made of aluminum, and the 19-inch alloys are of a unique design. The effect is far from subtle but should anyone be left in any doubt about this car's identity, there are prominent RS4 badges on the grille, flanks and trunk lid. The RS4 is an extravagant party frock to the M3's little black dress.
The makeover inside is no less racy. Dramatically sculptured seating awaits the front occupants. The seats feature inflatable bolster cushions that expand to hold their occupants in place when the Sport mode is activated. The slim of build will describe them as exceptionally comfortable, but anyone fond of the expression "supersize me" may find them a tight squeeze. The new seats also rob rear-seat passengers of precious legroom, compromising the RS4's "four-seater supercar" aspirations.
The new seats are joined by a steering wheel that eschews Audi's trademark trapezoidal hub in favor of a circular centerpiece, ergonomically designed handgrips and a flat, silver plastic bottom. It's good to hold, even if the overall effect smacks of tokenism.
The pedal set is crafted from aluminum, and this material also adorns the center console and starter button. It all feels beautifully built, even if the A4's fascia is starting to look a little dated.
Later this year, cabriolet and Avant (wagon) versions of the RS4 will also be introduced.
And plenty of trousers
Audi is justifiably proud of the RS4's engine. This 4.2-liter V8 employs direct injection and an 8,250-rpm rev limiter to deliver 415 horsepower at 7,800 rpm and 317 pound-feet of torque at 5,500 rpm.
Its most obvious rivals, the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C55 AMG, offer 343 hp and 362 hp, respectively. The Audi's increase in power has also been accompanied by a crash diet. The suspension, hood and front fenders are now carved from aluminum, helping to limit the mass to 3,638 pounds.
The RS4 is monumentally rapid. According to Audi's figures, it will reach 62 mph from rest in 4.8 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 155 mph. These are not hollow claims: On the road, the Audi feels significantly quicker than the M3. From as little as 2,000 rpm, it will pull cleanly and consistently in any gear, although there's a noticeable step change in acceleration at 5,500 rpm when the variable valve timing system struts its stuff.
A discreet "S" button on the steering wheel activates the Sport mode and adjusts the throttle mapping to provide a more urgent response. The change is significant the faintest tickle of the throttle is enough to encourage the Audi to lunge forward. It requires plenty of concentration and in normal road use it's almost too responsive.
The revised throttle setting also helps to make the most of the V8's sonorous soundtrack. Audi's technicians worked tirelessly at the acoustics to create a car that sounds not dissimilar to an old Can-Am racer. You find yourself playing with the slick-shifting six-speed manual gearbox just to hear the intake melody and the deep woofle of the exhaust. It's a more sophisticated and arguably more engaging sound than that emitted by the BMW M5's wonderful V10.
The chassis
The RS4 is much more than a standard S4 with the wick turned up. This car has been comprehensively re-engineered to deliver a much more dynamic driving experience. It sits 1.2 inches lower to the ground than a standard A4 and the front and rear tracks are wider.
The familiar independent four-link front and double-wishbone rear suspension has also been supplemented by a new version of Audi's Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system, which debuted on the RS6. This hydraulic system links the diagonally opposed shock absorbers by means of a central valve, which directs a flow of oil to provide additional damping force when the spring is compressed. In theory, this helps to reduce body roll without compromising the ride quality.
The RS4's quattro four-wheel-drive system has been re-engineered to provide a standard front/rear torque split of 40/60. Audi's aim is to deliver the feel and adjustability of a rear-drive car, with the added security of four-wheel drive. Additionally, the electronic stability program (ESP) has been reconfigured to be less intrusive.
In sum, these suspension modifications deliver a car that's vastly more rewarding than the S4. The ride quality is never less than firm, but its low-speed lumpiness can be forgiven for the control and subtlety at higher velocities.
The RS4 turns in with a sharpness and clarity denied any other Audi. This car pivots on its nose, and with more of the power going to the rear wheels, it's more resistant to killjoy understeer. The steering, which has just 2.5 turns from lock to lock, is quick and linear, although it could still benefit from a little more feel.
The benefits of the quattro drivetrain in such a powerful car are also quickly apparent. The Pirelli P Zero Rosso tires 255/35 ZR19, front and rear offer excellent traction, even in less-than-perfect conditions. This car relies much less on its ESP system than rear-wheel-drive rivals, such as the M3.
Yet while the 40/60 torque split helps to provide a more dynamic driving experience, it has not revolutionized Audi's approach. The RS4 is still biased toward understeer; and although the throttle can be applied to balance the car, power oversteer is not on the menu. Anyone seeking tail-out histrionics is better served by the BMW.
The brakes eight-piston calipers and 14.6-inch discs at the front, 13-inch discs and single-piston calipers at the rear are reassuringly powerful, but the rear of the car feels disturbingly light when braking from very high speed. This is unlikely to prove a major problem on the road, but track-day fanatics should be wary that the car can feel nervous when braking for, or into, a corner.
Conclusion
In the U.K., the 2006 Audi RS4 is priced at 49,980 (about $86,996), which is $22,149 less than an M5, but $9,365 more than the aging M3. At this level, it needs to deliver and in many ways it does.
Audi's engineers have responded to criticism of the S4 and delivered a much more engaging driving machine. While the horsepower and performance figures will grab the headlines, it's the chassis overhaul that represents the most significant advance.
Be in no doubt, the RS4 is Audi's best driver's car for a generation, and a genuine threat to the hegemony of BMW's M-Sport division. Audi is in the game.
source:http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/Features/articleId=109789#2
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