First look: Audi’s 313kW RS4 storms in

AUDI presented an embarrassment of riches at the Melbourne motor show opening last Thursday, when its new RS4 showstopper mades its world public premiere alongside the first Australian appearance of Audi’s blistering new S4 Cabriolet.

Melbourne show-goers saw the new RS4 about three hours before its public debut at the Geneva motor show, where it made its global press premiere two days earlier.

Both RS4 and S4 Cabriolet - due on sale in Australia in late 2005 and early 2006 respectively - were exhibited in Melbourne alongside the facelifted A4 sedan, which was launched in Australia last week and forms the basis of both new hi-po Audi models.

Representing the pinnacle of A4 technology, RS4 is claimed to introduce a BMW M5-style high-speed engine concept for the first time in a production Audi, with a 313kW/430Nm 4.2-litre V8 that revs to 8250rpm and breaks the 100hp-per-litre specific output barrier.

Employing FSI direct-injection and a steering wheel-mounted sports button that changes its throttle control map (also like M5), Audi’s M3 challenger also features a push-button starter.

Audi says supreme driveability and traction is available via RS4 combination of a high torque and a quattro all-wheel drive system, which together deliver claimed 0-100km/h acceleration of just 4.8 seconds.

Equal to the task are new-dimension 18-inch brakes comprising cross-drilled, inner-vented 365mm brake discs at the front and 324mm rear discs.

Featuring the facelifted A4’s single-frame grille, RS4 offers additional front air intakes, massive twin exhaust outlets, 30mm-lower suspension, wider front and rear wheel tracks and specific wheels. Inside, there’s a mixture of leather, aluminium and carbon.

While RS4 remains a way off Australian shores, the S4 Cabriolet’s debut Australian appearance marks its official release here, priced at $143,800.

Like its S4 sedan and Avant siblings, S4 Cabriolet is powered by a 253kW/410kW 4.2-litre V8 and adds an electro-hydraulic drop-top which opens up in under 30 seconds.

Claimed to accelerate to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h, S4 Cabrio features a six-speed Tiptronic auto, standard Servotronic steering and quattro permanent all-wheel drive.