RS 4 arrives targeting AMG and M

Audi’s new performance flagship, the A4-based RS 4 has arrived Down Under.

Boasting a 4.2-litre V8 redlined at 8250rpm, the compact four-door is the first of the new generation of uber-cars set to arrive Down Under from the established German prestige marques. Fans of fast with a penchant for products from BMW and Benz will have to wait until later this year or perhaps even 2007 to indulge in their brand’s AMG and M-fettled entries into this new horsepower race, however.

The RS 4 combines a host of Audi’s latest technology including a new rear-drive-biased Quattro system and an all-new powerplant with direct petrol fuel-injection. The engine develops a peak of 309kW (around 420hp) and 430Nm of torque at 5500rpm. Naturally aspirated, Audi claims the V8 delivers 90 per cent of its top torque from 2250-7600rpm.

The RS 4 is priced from a breathtaking $164,500 – a staggering $117,200 more than the entry level A4. However, according to Audi Australia’s managing director, Joerg Hofmann, the four-door RS has generated unprecedented interest

“We first unveiled the RS 4 in Australia well over a year ago at the Melbourne International Motor Show. Since that time, we’ve had a great deal of interest in the car,” Mr Hofmann said.

“So far, we’ve pre-sold 50 vehicles ahead of the market introduction of the RS 4 – sight-unseen, and without test-drives.”

The first Audi RS 4 sedans were due to be delivered to local owners this week. Wagon and convertible variants have been announced with the five-door, the RS 4 Avant, due to arrive Down Under in October 2006 priced from $168,100.

Click here to read CarPoint's launch review of the RS 4.