Twenty years ago, the Audi Avant RS2, founder of the dynamic RS family, had its debut – and now Audi is launching a special edition of the current model on the market. The RS 4 Avant Nogaro selection will become available from early 2014, and will celebrate its world premiere at the Geneva Motor Show with Nogaro blue paint finish and exclusive equipment.
The customized Nogaro blue, pearl effect paint finish is the most salient visual signal of the anniversary model, and is also reminiscent of the RS2. The frame and use of the Singleframe grille, as well as the window slot trims, are painted high-gloss black, and the roof rails matt black. The RS sport exhaust system terminates in two oval, high-gloss black tailpipe trims.
331 kW (450 hp) the high-revving V8: Under the hood of the Audi RS 4 Avant Nogaro selection operates a high-revving V8 naturally aspirated engine with a displacement of 4,163 cc. The 4.2 FSI delivers 331 kW (450 hp) of power output at 8,250 rpm, with peak torque of 430 Nm (317.15 lb-ft) available between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. The resonant eight-cylinder engine accelerates the anniversary model from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 4.7 seconds and takes it to a governed top speed of 280 km/h (173.98 mph). Its combined fuel consumption is 10.7 liters per 100 kilometers (21.98 US mpg) – for a CO2 equivalent of 249 grams per kilometer (400.73 g/mile).
With its high efficiency and tall top gear, the standard seven-speed S tronic also contributes to fuel efficiency. The driver can let the lightning-fast dual-clutch transmission shift operate automatically or change gears themselves using the selector lever or the steering wheel paddles.
Black and blue interior: In the sporty black interior, Audi offers two different upholstery versions for the electrically adjustable S sport seats with their integrated head restraints. In both cases, the side sections are covered with black Valcona leather; the Alcantara synthetic fibers for the center sections and door trim inserts are colored either black as well or nogaro blue – in homage again to the Audi Avant RS2. The armrests are covered with black leather, with blue contrasting stitching providing accents. Black or nogaro blue piping frames the black floor mats.
Black leather with blue stitching also refines the steering wheel rim and the selector lever boot. Blue threads run through the carbon inlays to lend them a very special shimmer. A badge on the RS selector lever knob of the S tronic and the logos on the door sill trims refer to the special status of the anniversary model.
A modern classic: the Audi Avant RS2 from 1994 The Audi RS2 from 1994 was the first RS model from Audi and also the first high-performance model from the brand to combine full everyday suitability with a dynamic character, becoming the founder of a whole family of dynamic models. Audi had developed the RS2 in cooperation with Porsche, with assembly occurring at Stuttgart-Zuffenhausen.
The engine embodied Audi’s full expertise from touring car sports. The 2.2-liter five-cylinder engine delivered 232 kW (315 hp) by way of a large turbocharger, high boost pressure, expanded air ducting and adapted engine management. At 3,000 rpm 410 Nm (302.40 lb-ft) of torque were available, with the limiter only taking effect at 7,200 rpm. The RS2 accelerated from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.4 seconds and reached a top speed of 262 km/h (162.80 mph). A six-speed manual transmission delivered the power to the quattro drivetrain, which had a manually activated locking differential at the rear axle.