In stock form, the Audi RS4 Avant is less powerful
than one of its main rivals, the Mercedes-AMG C63 S, but that’s not much of a
problem these days. ABT Sportsline’s engine control unit, created for the
2.9-liter twin-turbo that’s shared with the RS5 Coupe, increases the engine’s
output by 60 horses, from 450 PS and 600 Nm of torque to 510 PS and 680 Nm.
Perhaps this sounds like a modest upgrade, but at
least now the Audi RS4 Avant can now wrestle with the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Estate
in terms of power. The latter uses a larger 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 making
510 PS and 700 Nm, so the two are evenly matched.
In a straight line, the Mercedes needs 4.1sec to
reach 100 km/h from a standstill, which is identical to the stock RS4,
so with ABT’s upgrades, Ingolstadt’s super wagon should be faster.
The tuner is offering other upgrades for the potent
premium estate, such as a new suspension and sports stabilizers for both axles.
Said to “exclude rolling motion during fast cornering”, these work hand in hand
with new 20-inch wheels, which can be painted in mystic black, glossy black, or
matte black.
Besides presenting their latest project, ABT
Sportsline has announced its presence at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show in early
March. According to the company’s CEO, Hans-Jurgen Abtwith, they have “a little
surprise” in store for the show, which may or may not be the recently
unveiled RS5-R, a 530 PS version of the RS5 Coupe.
