Audi prices the RS4 quattro
414bhp delivers 0-60 in 4.8 seconds
Audi has announced UK prices for the 414bhp V8-powered Audi RS4 quattro saloon: OTR price is £49,980 with first deliveries due in autumn 2005.
The RS4 quattro features a naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine featuring FSI direct petrol injection for the first time in an eight-cylinder Audi. The unit delivers 414bhp and a maximum torque of 317lb-ft at 5,500rpm, 90 per cent of which is available from 2,250rpm all the way to 7,600rpm.
The engine redlines at 8,250rpm and is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox delivering zero to 62mph in just 4.8 seconds, to 124mph in only 16.6 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
Audi has made extensive use of aluminium for normally heavy items such as the suspension, bonnet and front wings, and through detail changes including the installation of ultra-light RS bucket seats, providing a power-to-weight ratio of 250bhp per ton.
Throttle response can be increased at the touch of the Sport button mounted within the steering wheel, while the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) intervenes later and for a shorter period than it normally would.
Sitting 30mm lower than a standard A4, and with a wider front and rear track, the RS4 quattro offers an evolution of the quattro four-wheel-drive system that transfers a larger proportion of torque between front and rear axles makes for more adjustable cornering behaviour. The system works in conjunction with Dynamic Ride Control, an electronically governed, mechanical damping system adopted from the RS 6 quattro.
Riding on 19-inch alloy wheels framing 18-inch disc brakes, and fronted by the huge Audi single frame grille, the interior sports an engine starter button, tapered sports steering wheel, aluminium pedals, leather-upholstered RS bucket seats, and carbon fibre trim. Exclusive RS4 quattro standard equipment includes cruise control, front seat heating, a BOSE sound system, front and rear acoustic parking sensors and electronic tyre pressure monitoring.
Will someone hurry up and crash one. I need the running gear for a new project 
Where? 
I'd guess 14" would be nearer the mark.
http://forum.hondarevolutions.com/viewtopic.php?t=43934&highlight=disc
the Jag brembos are 14" discs under the 20's and they are resonably snug!
Obviously 18's are rubbish, as 19" is the approx OD of the wheel, the ID is 1-2" smaller, so no way your gettiing more than 17" discs, and allowing for the calliper 15-16"
plus have a look here
www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?p=2&f=57&t=157782&h=0
Slowing the car requires some huge brakes. 405mm in size - the largest on any production car today. The Continental Flying Spur...
>> Edited by eddy_hyde on Wednesday 23 March 17:36
havoc said:
Yeah, so it's got >400bhp and 4wd. So what:-
- it'll still have no steering feel;
- it'll still be nose-heavy and understeer like a cheap rental car;
- you'll still have to contend with snotty dealers.
Sadly, this is hard to disagree with.
I hope to be proved wrong regarding the driving dynamics of the new RS4. But to do so I would have to visit the local Audi dealer for a test drive and frankly I would rather chew my own arm off.
Tried 4 different Audi dealers a year or so ago when considering a change of car. Had 4 awful experiences. Truly the most smug, complacent and lazy bunch I have ever encountered.
havoc said:
Yeah, so it's got >400bhp and 4wd. So what:-
- it'll still have no steering feel;
- it'll still be nose-heavy and understeer like a cheap rental car;
- you'll still have to contend with snotty dealers.
True, but apart from the dealers, that's what it's for. It's a tool to get from one roundabout to another via long straight roads.
agent006 said:
Yeah, so it's got >400bhp and 4wd. So what:-
- it'll still have no steering feel;
- it'll still be nose-heavy and understeer like a cheap rental car;
- you'll still have to contend with snotty dealers.
True, but apart from the dealers, that's what it's for. It's a tool to get from one roundabout to another via long straight roads.
I reckon it'll be pretty quick on twisty roads too. How much feedback do you need? Audi's speak quietly and confidently, unlike my wife's BMW M-spec coupe thingy which has been yelling at me about every detail it sees in the road surface for the last two days.
You either get Audis, or you don't.
yertis said:
I reckon it'll be pretty quick on twisty roads too. How much feedback do you need? Audi's speak quietly and confidently, unlike my wife's BMW M-spec coupe thingy which has been yelling at me about every detail it sees in the road surface for the last two days.
You either get Audis, or you don't.
How much feedback??? As much as you can get, it means you know a LOT earlier what is going to happen. Which means to can act to avoid losing control, rather than act to REGAIN control.
I've never found VAG power-steering to be communicative, and the bigger the wheels, the worse it seems to get, for some reason.
You will of course be able to make very quick progress in this car, simply because it will have massive grip...but you will not feel happy taking the car to the limits because you will get very little notice about where the limit is. THAT is what separates hot Audi's from true drivers cars. It doesn't make them any less quick, just less involving.
And they're still nose-heavy and understeer as a result. FACT.
Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff