Audi RS4 Avant 2018 revealed in Frankfurt

Audi unveiled its fourth-generation RS4 Avant at the Frankfurt motor show overnight, with the high-performance wagon packing more power and less weight than before.

Set for an Australian launch in April next year, the RS4 Avant features a 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine that produces 331kW of power from 5700-6700rpm and 600Nm of torque between 1900-5000rpm.

Comparatively, the previous-gen model's 4.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 mustered a 430Nm torque figure from 4000-6000rpm, while its identical 331kW power output came on at a screaming 8250rpm.

Co-developed with Porsche, the new powerplant is also found in Audi's second-gen RS5 Coupe due in December.

Combining the German carmaker's permanent 'Quattro' all-wheel-drive system and an eight-speed torque-converter automatic transmission, the latest RS4 Avant rockets from standstill to 100km/h in 4.1 seconds – 0.6s quicker than its predecessor.

Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, but the optional 'RS Dynamic' package raises it to 280km/h.

Inside, features extend to RS sport seats, a flat-bottom sport steering wheel, as well as RS logos on the shift gate and door sill trims.

Thanks to its new platform, the hot hauler weighs 80kg less, down to 1790kg.

This weight loss has helped reduce the RS4 Avant's fuel consumption to a claimed 8.8 litres per 100 kilometres on the combined cycle test, while carbon dioxide emissions have fallen to 199 grams per km. Previously, the spicy wagon sipped 10.7L/100km.

Sitting 7mm lower to the ground than a normal A4, thanks to an RS sport suspension, the RS4 Avant rolls on 19-inch alloy wheels as standard, while 20-inch hoops are an option.

The planted exterior is complemented by 30mm-wider wheelarches, while the front-end is characterised by Audi's Singleframe grille, which is flanked by large air inlets with honeycomb inserts.

At the rear, a diffuser insert houses the twin oval tailpipes of the RS exhaust system, while a roof-mounted spoiler completes the sporty look.

According to Audi  Sport  GmbH managing director Stephan Winkelmann, the RS4 Avant's heritage places it at the forefront of the RS model range.

Paying homage to the first-gen RS4 Avant that first appeared in 1999, a pearl-effect paint colour called Nogaro Blue is on offer from the Audi Exclusive customisation catalogue.

Inside, features extend to RS sport seats, a flat-bottom sport steering wheel, a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster and a head-up display, as well as RS logos on the shift gate and illuminated door sill trims.

The options list includes a rear sport differential, RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), carbon-ceramic brakes, RS-specific dynamic steering and tinted Matrix LED headlights, as well as gloss black, carbon-fibre/aluminium or carbon-fibre/black styling packages.

According to Audi Sport GmbH managing director Stephan Winkelmann, the RS4 Avant's heritage places it at the forefront of the RS model range.

"The Audi RS4 Avant is our RS icon with an incomparable history," he said. "In common with all our RS models, it blends immense power output with superlative everyday utility.''

When it arrives Down Under, the RS4 Avant will go toe-to-toe with the 375kW/700Nm Mercedes-AMG C63 S Estate ($159,711 before on-road costs) and 301kW/600Nm Alpina B3 BiTurbo Touring ($160,900).

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