Audi hotshots ready for show debut

AUDI has some high-performance highlights sitting in the wings for the Melbourne motor show, which kicks off in February.

Heading the show offerings will be the new RS4 supercar, which will sit alongside the new Audi S8.

Although the Audi S8, due for local launch around October 2006, is a clear demonstration of raw power with its 5.2-litre V10 FSI engine, the smaller V8 RS4 is no slouch either.

The RS4 quattro, which owes much to Audi's motorsport involvement, goes on sale in Australia in April.

The RS4 develops maximum output of 313kW from its 4.2-litre V8 and will rev right up to 8250rpm.

Its maximum torque of 430Nm comes in at 5500rpm with 90 per cent of the engine's torque available from 2250rpm to 7600rpm.

Such raw brut power enables the car to hit 100km/h in 4.8 seconds, and sail on to 200 km/h in 16.6 seconds with an electronically controlled top speed of 250km/h.

Audi claims the wide spread of torque delivers excellent muscle and pulling force at all times.

Central to putting the power to the ground is Audi's famed quattro all-wheel drive.

In the RS4 the quattro drive system offers, for the first time, asymmetric/dynamic torque distribution and a self-locking Torsen centre differential.

The brakes have also been improved with the large 18-inch brake system ensuring optimum stopping power.

The cross-drilled, inner-vented brake discs are 365mm in diameter at the front and 324mm at the rear.

Flow-optimised ventilation geometry incorporating Naca jets on the underfloor of the car ensures first-class brake cooling under all conditions.

Although it shares many of its features with the A4, the RS4 gets its own individual visual touches. It rides 30mm lower than the standard sedan and boasts a slightly wider front and rear track.

The deep radiator grille is there but additional air intake scoops in the front section and added flaring in the bumpers give it a purposeful look.

At the back there are massive twin-exhaust pipes.

Inside, the RS 4 combines the functionality of a sports car with the highest level of luxury.

Leather, aluminium, and carbon fibre dominate the interior.

To fire up the RS4 is simply a matter of pressing the starter button, housed conveniently in the centre console right next to the driver.

The driver can also modify the accelerator mapping by pressing the 'sports' button in the steering wheel, providing even sharper and more direct engine response.