New Audi RS4 Avant
Audi is following in the footsteps of
BMW’s M3/M4, ditching the previous RS4's natural aspirated V8 in favor of a
force-fed six-cylinder engine, albeit with an electric twist, for its new
high-po model.
Reports coming in from Germany say that
Audi’s Quattro division will pair a modified version of the current S4’s
3.0-liter V6 with a small electric turbocharger providing instant boost at low
rpm and a conventional exhaust gas-driven turbocharger for high-end
performance.
The electric turbocharger will be
powered by batteries that are recharged from a generator recovering lost energy
under braking, completely eliminating lag and greatly boosting low-speed
performance, with the added benefit of being simpler than traditional
twin-turbo setups. As soon as the system detects high enough exhaust pressure,
the regular turbo kicks in.
Besides providing a more linear
performance without any lag, the electric turbo setup also promises to improve
CO2 emissions.
The new powertrain is expected to push
out somewhere between 480 and 500 horsepower in the RS4, a considerable
increase over the previous B8 RS4’s 444 bhp 4.2-liter V8. Audi’s quattro
all-wheel drive system with asymmetric rear-biased torque split will come as
standard, and will likely be paired exclusively to dual-clutch automatic
transmission.
As evidenced by the attached fender
extensions, the RS4 Avant you see here is an S4-based test mule, although one
that incorporates a differ front bumper with larger air ducts along with bigger
wheels and brake discs, and RS-style oval pipes at the back.
In its final form, the RS4 Avant will
have distinct flared fenders on all four corners together with some other key
differences over the S4 such as a unique grille, a more aggressive front
spoiler and intake treatment in line with other RS cars. Interior upgrades will
include sportier trim accents and model-specific front seats, steering wheel
and instrument panel.
The RS4 Avant should make its first
public appearance at the Paris Motor Show in early October, with a sedan body
style to follow.
Source : Carscoops
