Audi to open up its range

Evening Chronicle (Newcastle, England), April 14, 2006

Byline: By Steve Hughes

Audi is to expand its RS 4 range with the addition of convertible and estate models to add to the existing saloon range.

The RS 4 quattro Avant is up for grabs at pounds 51,780 and the RS 4 quattro Cabriolet has just gone on sale at pounds 59,580, although deliveries do not start until late summer.

It is the first RS range in Audi's history to offer a choice of three body styles and makes the RS 4 the world's fastest and most powerful compact executive saloon, four-seater cabriolet and estate car.

The specification of the new models is broadly similar to the RS 4 quattro saloon, with the addition of matt aluminium roof rails for the Avant and, for the cabriolet, a six-CD changer, DVD satellite navigation and a change from Valcona leather upholstery to Silk Nappa leather with contrast piping.

The non-turbo 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine, seen first in the RS 4 quattro saloon, provides the new Avant and cabriolet versions with a maximum of 420bhp at a screaming 7,800rpm.

Power is transmitted through a six-speed manual gearbox, giving the Avant and cabriolet a 0-60mph time, just one tenth of a second down on the saloon model at 4.9 seconds.

All three versions are electronically limited to a 155mph maximum road speed.

Throttle response can be maximised at the touch of a button on the steering wheel that adjusts the throttle control electronics when exceptionally quick driving is required. At the same time, the sports button also automatically inflates the driver's seat bolsters in saloon and Avant models for firmer support.

The RS 4s look the part too, being 30mm lower than the standard model with a wider track front and rear, an enlarged front bumper with extra air intakes and bloated exhaust pipes.

Riding on distinctive 19in alloy wheels framing 18in disc brakes and fronted by the new Audi single frame grille, the attention-grabbing body of the newcomers cloaks an equally dramatic interior.

The tapered sports steering wheel, bucket seats and engine starter button combine with extensive carbon fibre trim to add more than a touch of racing car looks.