2006 Audi RS 4 Avant (B7)
- Cylinders – eight in vee formation
- Displacement – 4163cc
- Power – 420PS @ 7800rpm
- Torque – 430Nm @ 5500rpm
- Max speed 155mph (governed)
- 0-62mph in 4.8 secs
- Transmission - six-speed manual
- quattro all-wheel drive
- Weight – 1785kg
Widely regarded as one of the most engaging and dynamically accomplished Audi RS models ever produced, the B7 generation RS 4 was created using a relatively simple recipe for success – the staple ingredients included a sensational naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8, a quick and fluid six-speed manual gearbox and steadfast quattro all-wheel-drive facilitating pure, unimpeded power delivery.
That’s not to say the RS 4 wasn’t a sophisticated machine. Its ultra-compact 4.2 litre, eight-cylinder engine broke new ground with FSI direct injection technology which optimised the combustion process, and was the first to adopt a ‘high-revving concept’ as a means of distributing power and torque more evenly across the rev range and maximising response at high engine speeds in particular. Its benefit was evident in the tremendous surge of power that catapulted the car forwards from start-up right through to the elevated 8,250rpm limit, accompanied by a gloriously deep-seated V8 backing track.
Riding 30 millimetres lower than the standard A4 Avant, and with RS-specific suspension settings and a wider front and rear track width alluded to by its flared wheel arches, the RS 4 Avant was also a handling hit. Its impressively taut attitude, compellingly quick-witted feel and great agility were thanks in part to the standard Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) adaptive damping system and the self-locking centre differential-based asymmetric quattro all-wheel-drive with its default 40% to 60% front-to-rear torque split.
2006 Audi RS 4 Avant (B7)
The B7 RS 4 experience was best enjoyed after pressing the steering wheel-mounted Sport button, which as well as activating a sharper throttle response setting and amplifying the sound from the dual-branch exhaust system, also inflated the side sections of the driver’s bucket seat, for even firmer lateral support.
