Competition packs announced for Audi RS4, RS5

FROM July, Audi Australia will offer new competition packages for its RS4 Avant and RS5 model lines comprising coilover suspension, differential upgrades, sticky Pirelli Corsa P Zero tyres and a sports exhaust system promising to offer customers a “more emotional driving experience”.

Available as RS competition and RS competition plus bundles, the packages comprise an array of performance features, and interior and exterior design changes that bestow the RS4 Avant, as well as Coupe and Sportback variants of the RS5, with an even edgier attitude.

The manually adjustable ‘RS sport suspension pro’ package enables customers to lower their vehicle by 10mm from the already reduced factory ride height, taking a total of 20mm from the ride height of the respective series standard of each model.

With a higher spring rate, three-way adjustable dampers and stiffer stabilisers, Audi says the combination will heighten the general driving experience while also helping to reduce lap times.

The coilover suspension is adjustable in height, compression and rebound ranges to offer “more precise and agile handling” so that the RS4 Avant and RS5 may better exploit its elevated competition pack top speed of 290km/h (up from 250km/h).

In maintaining a sportier focus, the RS4 Avant and RS5 competition pack features reduced sound insulation on the firewall to allow a “next level sound experience” from the 3.0-litre bi-turbo V6 engine.

Both models continue to output 331kW/600Nm and deliver a 0-100km/h time of just 3.9 and 3.8 seconds respectively – an improvement of 0.2 and 0.1 seconds over the standard variants.

Fixed ratio dynamic steering (1:13.1) and quattro sport differential are governed by a revised control module, the transmission control unit also receiving updated software to reduce gear shift times.

The anti-lock braking software is also enhanced to take full advantage of the RS ceramic braking system which helps the RS4 Avant and RS 5 to stop two metres shorter than the derivative variants when braking from 100km/h.

Sebring Black paint is offered on the RS4 Avant and RS 5 for the first time and both variants may be further optioned with high-sheen competition wheels in Phantom Black and with P Zero Corsa high performance tyres.

The RS competition package, which is priced at €7875 ($A11,870) comprises a top speed increase to 290km/h, RS sports exhaust system plus, black exterior styling package plus, Matrix LED headlights (Audi Laser Light on RS5), 20-inch five-Y-spoke alloy wheels with Pirelli rubber, Dinamica microfibre and leather combination upholstery, controls in Alcantara and LED entry lights with RS competition logo projection.

The exclusive Carbon Matte Optics Package sees components including the wing mirrors, front blade, side flaps, sill extensions and rear diffuser trimmed in a carbon matte finish. These features may be finished in Glossy Carbon for an addition charge.

Meanwhile, the €11,875 ($A17,895) RS competition plus package adds the quattro sport differential, RS sport suspension pro and dynamic steering.

Local pricing for the competition and competition plus packages will be announced shortly. In Australia, the Audi RS 4 Avant is priced from $155,400 plus on-road costs while the RS 5 begins at $158,800 plus ORCs.