Audi B8 RS4 Avant Spied
Our friends over at CarScoop have gotten a hold of some excellent spy photos of the upcoming B8 RS4 Avant. Let’s dispense with our bias up front: the Audi RS4 is one of our favorite sport wagons and has a storied history (B5, B7) as one of the world’s fastest haulers. Fortunately Audi has decided not to skip the B8 RS4 (like they did the B6 RS4), and will be giving enthusiasts another insane wagon to drool over. Carscoop’s photos show a heavily modified S4 Avant mule running the Nurburgring at a blistering pace. The mule has the same 20-inch alloys as Audi’s new RS5 coupe, wider front and rear wheel arches to accommodate the thicker, and a more aggressive fascia to assist with engine cooling. Under the bonnet is likely the same 4.2L V8 as the RS5, producing a formidable 450 horsepower. In an era where everyone seems to be embracing twin-turbochargers as the answer for efficiency concerns (F11 M5 Touring, W212 BiTurbo E63 AMG, C7 RS6 Avant, F31 M3 Touring), the B8 RS4 may well be the last high revving (8,300 redline!) naturally-aspirated V8 to find its way into a performance wagon.
Obviously the power will be transferred to a Quattro all-wheel drive system. Like the RS5 (and RS3 Hot Hatch), the RS4 Avant will only be offered with a 7-speed DSG transmission, although purists will beg for the 6-speed manual. Like all RS4s, when compared to the S4 Avant, the 2013 model will feature thicker sway bars, larger brakes (perhaps even ceramic rotors), more aggressive styling, and a sport-oriented interior adorned with carbon fiber. Expect the B8 RS4 to be revealed at a major European auto salon in 2012 as a 2013 model.