Audi RS4
Encyclopedia
The Audi RS4 quattro is the top tier and highest performing
version of some specific generations of the Audi A4
range of automobile
s. It is a sports-focused
compact executive car
(often called sport compact
in some countries), produced
by Audi
's high-performance private subsidiary quattro GmbH
, in limited numbers, for German
car manufacturer
AUDI AG, part of the larger Volkswagen Group
. It slots distinctly above the Audi S4
, as the fastest, most sports-focused model based on the A4's "B" automobile platform.
The original B5 version was only produced as a five-door
five-seat
"Avant", Audi's name for an estate car/station wagon
. The second version, the B7, was released initially as a four-door five-seat saloon/sedan, with the Avant following a short while later. A two-door four-seat Cabriolet version was subsequently added. Furthermore, their unique internal combustion engine
s are all front-mounted
, and are longitudinally
oriented. The transmission
is mounted immediately at the rear of the engine in a longitudinal orientation, in the form of a transaxle
, and contains both a center and front differential
.
The "RS" initials are taken from the – literally translated as "racing sport", and is the Audi marque's highest trim level, positioned above the "S" model specification of Audi's regular model line-up. Like all Audi "RS" cars, the RS4 pioneers some of Audi's latest advanced technology, and could therefore be described as a "halo vehicle". Furthermore, it is only available with Audi's Torsen
-based 'trademark' quattro permanent four-wheel drive
system.
Its main market competitors initially included the BMW M3
, and the Mercedes-Benz
C63 AMG
, and could also include the Lexus IS-F.
in late 1999, for main production and sale from 2000, as the successor to the Porsche
/ quattro GmbH
joint venture
-developed Audi RS2 Avant
. The vehicle, like its RS2 predecessor, was available only as an Avant (Audi's name for an estate car/station wagon
), and was built on an existing platform, in this case the Volkswagen Group B5 platform shared with the A4 and S4. Retail price was around Deutsche Mark 103,584. The RS4 was available for sale in most of Europe
, parts of Asia and in some Latin America
n countries.
Audi produced 6,030 units between 1999 and 2001.
, to allow for the wider axle track
on the RS4. With unique front and rear bumpers, and side sills, and sharing the rear spoiler
from the S4 Avant, the aerodynamic
modifications achieved a drag coefficient
of Cd 0.34. Although the B5 S4 came in a saloon car body style
, the B5 RS4 was only available in the Avant version.
Luggage space, measured according to the industry standard VDA method is 390 litres (13.8 cu ft) with the rear seats in the upright position, and 1250 litres (44.1 cu ft) with the seats folded flat.
detail of the B5 RS4, its motive
power
came from a modified version of the B5 S4's 2.7 litre V6 'biturbo'
—a 2671 cc, 30 valve
(five valves per cylinder
) 90° V6 engine
(parts code prefix: 078; identification codes: early version: 2000 ASJ, EU2 compliant, and later version: 2000-01 AZR, to EU3 standard). This engine was developed and manufactured in the UK by Cosworth Technology
(now known as MAHLE Powertrain
). It featured enlarged intake and smaller exhaust ports on the two Cosworth cast aluminium alloy ALSi7mg cylinder head
s, two parallel turbocharger
s (one per cylinder bank
), two larger side-mounted intercooler
s (SMICs), dished piston crowns, stronger connecting rods, larger intake diameter hoses, enlarged exhaust system
, and a re-calibrated Bosch Motronic engine management system. The modifications were enough to increase the engine's power output from the 195 kW and 400 newton metres (295 ft·lbf) of torque
on the S4; to 280 kW at 7,000 revolutions per minute
(rpm) and 440 newton metres (325 ft·lbf) at 6,000 rpm. Engine management is controlled via a Bosch
Motronic
ME 7.1 electronic engine control unit
(ECU), utilising a Bosch 'E-Gas' electronic drive by wire
throttle. Fuel is delivered via intake manifold-sited multipoint sequential indirect fuel injection
, with fueling rate assisted by air mass metering
. Ignition system
uses six individual single-spark coils
, utilising mapped direct ignition and NGK
longlife spark plug
s. This highly tuned engine must only be lubricated
with a very high quality, low-viscosity, fully synthetic oil
(and must meet VW standard 503.01 or newer), as average oil temperature
s can reach 135 °C (275 °F). Oil temperature is managed by a dual oil:water cooler, and an oil:air cooler.
A six-speed manual transmission
(parts code prefix: 01E, identification code: FDP) (gear ratio
s - 1st: 3.500, 2nd: 1.889, 3rd: 1.320, 4th: 1.034, 5th: 0.806, 6th: 0.684), cooled by a NACA duct
in the engine undertray, and Audi's Torsen
-based quattro permanent four-wheel drive
system, utilising the Torsen T-2 'automatic torque biasing' (ATB) center differential
, with a 50:50 default bias were standard. Final drive ratio is 4.111.
Even with a kerb weight
weight of 1620 kilograms (3,571 lb), the RS4's powerful engine gave it the performance of a sports car
. The 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.1 ) dash could be reached in just 4.9 seconds, 160 kilometres per hour (99.4 mph) could be achieved in just 11.3 seconds, and 200 kilometres per hour (124.3 mph) could be reached in just 17.0 seconds. Top speed was electronically governed to 250 kilometres per hour (155.3 mph).
s were also developed jointly in house by Audi's quattro GmbH and Cosworth Technologies, not by Porsche
as with its predecessor, the RS2. It has 360 millimetres (14.2 in) diameter by 32 millimetres (1.26 in) thick radially vented and floating cast iron
discs
at the front, with double-piston floating brake calipers, and 312 millimetres (12.3 in) by 22 millimetre (0.866141732283465 in) discs with a single-piston floating caliper at the rear, giving the RS4 braking to match, needing less than 50 metre to come to a full stop from a speed of 110 kilometres per hour (68 mph).
Standard roadwheels
are 18 inch alloys
(8½ x18" "9-spoke"), with 255/35 ZR18 high performance tyres
. Optional "winter" alloy wheels were also available, at 18 inch (7½Jx18"), with tyres.
between 2001 and 2005. However, after a long hiatus, the second Audi RS4 quattro (Typ 8E), built on Audi's "B7" A4 platform, by quattro GmbH
in Neckarsulm
, Germany
(a wholly owned private subsidiary of AUDI AG
), was unveiled in February 2005 at Audi's 'quattro Night' celebration at the company headquarters in Ingolstadt
, Germany
.
An Imola Yellow RS4 saloon came down a replica of a ski jump
, then rotated several times on an ice rink
, before coming to rest in the centre of the ice. After several minutes to allow the assembled media and guests to examine the car, the RS4 climbed the ski jump and parked near the top. The ski jump was a homage to an Audi commercial from 1986; where an Audi climbed a ski jump in Finland
to showcase its superior traction due to Audi's trademark quattro four-wheel drive
drivetrain.
The RS4 became available to Europe
an customers in mid 2006. It was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show
in January, and arrived in June 2006 in North America
. The production run of the B7 RS4 was 2006 to 2008 inclusive, although only 2007 and 2008 model year
were sold in the United States
. To date, approximately 10,000 B7 RS4s have been built, of which around 2,500 are in the USA.
The B7 RS4 Cabriolet, available in Europe from late 2006 to 2008, was made available as a model year 2008 vehicle in the USA.
Audi factory numbers indicate that the B7 RS4 saloon can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.1 ) in 4.8 seconds, and arrive at 0 to 200 km/h (0 to 124.3 ) in 16.6 seconds. Most European magazines recorded results in line with the November 2009 comparison of "ultimate sedans," in Road & Track
, which recorded a 0 to 60 time of 4.5 seconds. This is consistent with the pattern of conservatism that is usually found in Audi's official performance numbers. For the Avant, 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.1 ) is reached in 4.9 seconds. Top speed for all variants is 'officially' electronically limited to 250 kilometres per hour (155.3 mph), though some owners have reported that the speed limiter is rather 'liberal', conforming to the pattern of previous Audi "RS" cars, with genuine top speeds of 270 kilometre per hour being recorded.
, as it was initially available as a four-door
five-seat
saloon/sedan; with a five-door five-seat Avant (estate/wagon
), and two-door four-seat Cabriolet (convertible
) versions arriving later. Only the Audi RS6
had taken this similar route (saloon and Avant) before; the previous RS4 and RS2
were available exclusively as Avants.
Constructed from fully galvanised steel in a monocoque
(unitary/unibody) design, the B7 RS4 uses lightweight aluminium
for its front wings
(fenders) and bonnet
(hood). The saloon version features a drag coefficient
(Cd) of 0.31, from a frontal area of 2.17 m2.
Like its B5 predecessor, visually, the B7 RS4 differs from its related B7 S4, by having even wider flared front and rear wheel arches (fenders)
, to allow for a wider axle track
. Over the B7 A4, it also includes two larger frontal side air intakes (for the two additional side-mounted coolant radiator
s). The trim on the saloon and roof rails on the estate are chrome as standard but can also be found in black with the addition of the Optic Pack which includes black front grill, all exterior trim and black roof rails on the estate version. The B7 RS4 also includes an optional adaptive headlights to complement the standard "Xenon Plus" (Bi-Xenon arc
) High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, which swivel around corners in conjunction with steering wheel
movements. Also standard are daytime running lights
(DRLs), found within the main headlamp housings, identical to its related B7 A4 and S4, and use a conventional tungsten filament bulb. An acoustic parking system with front and rear sensors is also standard fitment. Unique carbon fibre
interior trims, along with a lap timer within the central Driver Information System (DIS), aluminium pedal caps and footrest, and RS4 logos complete the look.
In the saloon, luggage space, measured according to the VDA 'block method', is 460 litres (16.2 cu ft) with the rear seats in the upright position, and 720 to 833 l (25.4 to 29.4 cuft) with the seats folded flat (dependent on specification). For the Avant, 442 litres (15.6 cu ft) is available with the seats upright (under the retractable load cover), and 1354 litres (47.8 cu ft) being available with the rear seats folded flat (loaded to the roofline). Kerb weight
of the saloon variant starts at 1650 kilograms (3,638 lb) (dependent on specification).
A BOSE ten-speaker sound system, with 190 watt output and automatic dynamic noise compensation (which replaces the 'GALA' found on earlier units), with "Concert II" radio and single CD player
is standard in car entertainment
(ICE) equipment. Factory fitted ICE options to complement the standard BOSE include the "Symphony II" system which features twin radio tuners, a single-slot loading six-CD changer and a cassette
player all integrated into a double-DIN sized unit. Navigation option is the RNS-E "Audi Navigation System plus" DVD-ROM GPS satellite navigation, which includes a folding widescreen 6.5-inch screen, two SD
-memory card readers, and MMI
-like logic control.
s, the B7 RS4 features laser beam welding
of major seams of the high-strength steel body shell, which helps improve overall structural rigidity, particularly in the 'passenger cell', over traditional spot welding
methods.
Two-stage driver and front seat passenger frontal airbag
s are standard, as is Audi's "sideguard" head protection curtain airbag system. This latter system completely covers all of the side windows, from the front 'A pillar
' to the rear 'C-' or 'D pillars'. The body-hugging Recaro
shell-type RS race bucket seats (not available in North American markets), complete with electrically inflatable upper and lower side bolsters and adjustable lumbar support, are constructed so as not to need lower side airbags to comply with European crash safety standards. In North America, the only front seats available are the more traditional Recaro seats (identical to those in the B6 and B7 S4), which include lower side airbags; these were also available as a no-cost option in other markets. Lower side airbags are optional for the standard-fit Recaro rear seats. Front, and outer rear seatbelts include pyrotechnic belt pretensioners, whilst all belts include an excess load limit function.
is its unique internal combustion engine
. Started
by an "Engine Start" button on centre console
, motive
power
comes from a 4.2 litre – 4163 cc, V8 engine
. This is a 32-valve
(four valves per cylinder
) Fuel Stratified Injection
(FSI) all aluminium alloy
petrol engine
(parts code and version: 079.D, identification code: BNS). It is fundamentally based on the existing all-alloy 4.2 V8 from the B6 S4, and sharing many identical parts with the Audi Q7 4.2 FSI V8 engine. The RS4 engine has increased crankcase breathing, low-pressure fuel return system, and a baffled oil sump (to prevent engine lubricant cavitation at high engine speeds and high-G cornering). This new engine includes new cylinder block
construction, and is a highly reworked, high-revving variant (redline
at 8,000 rpm
, rev limit
of 8,250 rpm), having cylinder-direct injection (Fuel Stratified Injection), and four valves
per cylinder (instead of five on the earlier variant). It has two roller chain
-driven double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank
(2xDOHC, or 'quad cam'), and utilises variable valve timing
for both inlet and exhaust camshaft
s, along with a cast magnesium alloy fixed tract length intake manifold with adjustable tumble flaps (to improve low engine speed combustion). It produces a maximum output of 309 kW at 7,800 revolutions per minute
(rpm) whilst consuming 98 RON (93 AKI) Super-Unleaded petrol, giving it a specific power
output of 74.2 kW per litre. Based on a kerb weight of 1680 kilograms (3,704 lb), this results in a power-to-weight ratio
of just . Should the lower 95 RON (91 AKI) standard unleaded fuel be used, this will have an effect of slightly reducing engine output, and therefore performance, along with slightly worse fuel economy. This engine also produces 430 newton metres (317 ft·lbf) of torque
at 5,500 rpm, 90 percent of the total torque being available between 2,250 and 7,600 rpm. The engine's waste gases escape through two '4-into-2-into-1' fan-branch alloy steel exhaust manifolds
and four high-flow metallic sports catalytic converter
s, and exit via twin oval tail pipes with integral dynamic silencer/muffler
valves. Engine management is controlled via two Bosch
DI-Motronic
MED 9.1 electronic engine control unit
s (working on the 'master/slave' concept, due to the high-revving nature of the engine), and utilises Bosch 'E-Gas' electronic throttle control
(also known as drive by wire
), comprising throttle device, accelerator-pedal module, and ECU. The ignition system
uses eight individual single-spark coils
, utilising mapped direct ignition, with Bosch single iridium electrode or NGK
triple-electrode long-life spark plug
s. Ignition timing
is monitored with the aid of four knock
sensors. It is compliant with the Euro4 European emission standards
, with the saloon version producing a CO2
emissions output of 322-329 grams per kilometre (g/km), whilst the Avant starts from 324 g/km.
A six-speed Getrag
manual gearbox
(parts code: 0A3, identification codes: HLD, JHM) is the only transmission available (gear ratio
s - 1st: 3.667, 2nd: 2.211, 3rd: 1.520, 4th: 1.133, 5th: 0.919, 6th: 0.778).
The Audi B7 RS4 remained the only "RS" Audi powered by a naturally aspirated engine, until the Audi RS5 was presented at 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The RS5 shares the same engine but it is tuned for an additional 30 hp and it dropped the Getrag
6-speed manual in favor of a 7-speed "S tronic"
dual clutch semi-automatic
.
system. This utilised the 'third generation' asymmetric/dynamic Torsen
T-3 'automatic torque biasing' (ATB) centre differential
, featuring a 'default' 40:60 front-to-rear torque split under normal conditions. Audi stressed that this would result in a more neutral response in corners, and a more dynamic driving experience. Also, a more aggressive Torque Bias Ratio (TBR) was used, and set to 4:1, as opposed to 2:1 (and later variants 3:1 TBR) on standard A4. That means that one side of the differential can handle up to 80%, while the other side would have to only handle 20% of applied torque.
Front and rear axle
differentials are conventional "open" types, with a final drive ratio of 4.111.
Traction is assisted by way of Audi's "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL), which is a specific function of the Robert Bosch GmbH
ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme
system. EDL monitors the rotational speeds of the left and right wheels across an individual axle, and if one wheel should rotate faster than the other (exceeding the pre-defined parameters), indicating loss of traction, or "wheel spin" on one wheel, the EDL applies the brakes to that individual spinning wheel, and thus results in transferring torque across the open differential to the wheel on the other side deemed to have grip, hence traction. Also included in the ESP 8.0 is "Anti Slip Regulation" (ASR) - Audi's name for Traction Control System
.
The result of all these features is that under normal circumstances (driving straight on dry or even wet road surfaces) the car never loses traction, even when accelerating at full throttle in the first gear.
" mechanism. The dampers
(shock absorbers) are made for Audi by KW, and central reservoirs/valves made by KYB (Kayaba). In the RS4 suspension, a fluid hydraulic
linkage between diagonally opposing front and rear suspension dampers (left front to right rear, and vice-versa) is used to counteract vehicle pitch and roll. Lightweight magnesium
/aluminium
alloy multi-link suspension arms (four arm with virtual steering axis up front, and trapezoidal arm with unequal length track control arms at the rear) locate each hub/brake/roadwheel assembly in a controllable fashion, whilst minimising unsprung masses. Lightweight hollow tubular anti-roll bars
are standard front and rear. Compared to standard B7 A4 models, the RS4 features a 30 millimetres (1.2 in) lower ride height
. An optional "Sports Suspension Plus" lowers the car by a further 10 millimetre (0.393700787401575 in), and marginally further stiffens the damper rates.
Axle track
has also been increased over standard A4s; the front widened by 37 millimetres (1.5 in), to 1559 millimetres (61.4 in) and the rear by 47 millimetres (1.9 in) to 1569 millimetres (61.8 in).
Speed sensitive "servotronic" variable-assistance electro-hydraulic power assisted steering
(PAS) is controlled from a compact flat-bottomed steering wheel
, finished in perforated leather with mock-aluminium trim. The steering rack ratio is 13.1:1, and the turning circle
is 11.1 metres (36.42 ft).
s on the RS4 consist of two-piece, cross-drilled, radially ventilated and floating cast iron
brake discs
, secured to aluminium alloy
disc hubs. The two-piece disc construction, with its lightweight alloy disc hub helps reduce unsprung masses, and also helps to reduce the transmission of heat generated by the brakes to the wheel bearings.
The front discs are sized at 365 millimetres (14.4 in) in diameter by 34 millimetres (1.34 in) thick, and use gloss black Brembo
monoblock eight-opposed piston fixed calipers. These, along with the transmission, are supplied with a cooling airflow directed from NACA duct
s located in the engine front undertray.
A lighter, and higher performing "Audi ceramic" front brake system - consisting of cross-drilled, radially vented and floating Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) composite SGL Carbon
discs, sized at 380 millimetres (15 in) by 38 millimetres (1.5 in), with grey Brembo monoblock six-opposed piston fixed aluminium alloy calipers were an option from 2007 model year
onwards (and only with 19 inch roadwheels). These have a much greater tolerance to thermal differences, virtually eliminating brake fade
, and have a duration of five times greater than conventional iron discs. A further attribute of the Ceramic brakes is that they reduce unsprung mass by around 50%, and therefore improve steering response and overall handling as a result.
Rear brakes are drilled, vented and floating 324 millimetres (12.8 in) by 22 millimetre (0.866141732283465 in) iron discs, with gloss black Lucas
-Girling TRW
single piston floating calipers utilising an integrated mechanical handbrake
mechanism.
A specifically 'tuned' "sport-biased" Bosch
ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme
is standard, and includes Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
(EBD), and Brake Assist
(BA). This ESP system has three user-selectable settings – the standard default full protection mode, increased slip mode (which turns off the ASR and EDL), and ESP fully off. Another useful function of the ESP 8.0 is the inclusion of 'disc wiping', whereby the ESP system frequently but momentarilly applies the brakes during wet weather. This effectively removes water from the disc and pad surfaces, and helps maintain braking performance of dry weather. This operation is undetectable by the driver.
In the UK and Japan, standard roadwheels
are 19 inch alloy wheel
s with (eXtraLoad) high performance tyres
. This 19" wheel and tyre package was an option for the North America
n, and some Europe
an markets. Factory supplied tyres included Continental
SportContact 3, Michelin
Pilot Sport PS2, or Pirelli
P-Zero Rosso – although many owners have questioned the load-carrying abilities of the Pirellis (from unexplained sidewall failures and dubious dynamic stability), opting for the more durable Michelins at replacement time. A no-cost option of 18 inch alloy wheels with tyres was also available, and these are standard in North American markets. A 19" winter wheel and tyre package was also available as an option, and included Dunlop
SP WinterSport 3D tyres.
A direct-acting Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) is standard fitment. This system monitors the actual pressure in all four tyres every three seconds, and should any loss in pressure be detected, both an audible and visual warnings are given to alert the driver via the Driver Information System (DIS) in a timely manner.
(complete with "Sport" button), and the body-hugging Recaro
shell-type race bucket seats, complete with electrically inflatable upper and lower side bolsters.
(IIHS) crash tested the B7 RS4s sibling, the B7 A4, and awarded it "Double Best Pick" for frontal and side crashes - beating illustrious rivals such as the BMW 3 Series
, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class
, and even the Volvo S60
.
In 2007, the Audi RS4 was the winner in the "World Performance Car" category of the International World Car of the Year
(WCOTY). It beat illustrious rivals, including its larger sibling, the Audi C6 S6, the Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche 911 GT3
, Ferrari 599 GTB, and Jaguar XKR.
, but after Champion Racing had prepared the car, it was decided not to compete in the series, due to rule changes imposed by the Sports Car Club of America
(SCCA) on Audi concerning 4WD systems, wheels size, and engine power output. Rather than scrapping the fully built Speed World Challenge RS4, Champion and Audi used the car as a part of the American Le Mans Series Vitesse Program, which highlights the technology link between race cars
and conventional series production road cars.
won the 2007 and 2008 championships.
High performance vehicle
A high-performance vehicle is a vehicle that has been designed with specific performance capabilities, above and beyond those of normal vehicles. Enhancements such as higher engine output , enhanced braking and suspension systems, are all hallmarks of high-performance vehicles...
version of some specific generations of the Audi A4
Audi A4
The first generation Audi A4 debuted in 1994, with production starting November 1994. It was built on the Volkswagen Group B5 platform, which it shared with the fourth generation Volkswagen Passat . It had a front-mounted longitudinal engine and front-wheel drive...
range of automobile
Automobile
An automobile, autocar, motor car or car is a wheeled motor vehicle used for transporting passengers, which also carries its own engine or motor...
s. It is a sports-focused
Sports car
A sports car is a small, usually two seat, two door automobile designed for high speed driving and maneuverability....
compact executive car
Compact executive car
Compact executive car is a car classification term applied to premium cars smaller than executive cars. In European classification, compact executive cars are part of the D-segment. In North American terms, close equivalents are compact premium car, compact luxury car, entry-level luxury car and...
(often called sport compact
Sport compact
A sport compact is a high-performance version of a compact car or a subcompact car. They are typically are front engined, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive coupés, sedans, or hatchbacks driven by a straight-4 gasoline engine. Performance-oriented sport compacts generally focus on improving...
in some countries), produced
Automotive engineering
Modern automotive engineering, along with aerospace engineering and marine engineering, is a branch of vehicle engineering, incorporating elements of mechanical, electrical, electronic, software and safety engineering as applied to the design, manufacture and operation of motorcycles, automobiles,...
by Audi
Audi
Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer, from supermini to crossover SUVs in various body styles and price ranges that are marketed under the Audi brand , positioned as the premium brand within the Volkswagen Group....
's high-performance private subsidiary quattro GmbH
Quattro GmbH
quattro GmbH is a wholly owned private subsidiary of the German automobile manufacturer AUDI AG, part of the Volkswagen Group.Founded in October 1983, it primarily specialises in producing high performance Audi cars and components, along with purchaser specified customisations...
, in limited numbers, for German
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
car manufacturer
Automotive industry
The automotive industry designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells motor vehicles, and is one of the world's most important economic sectors by revenue....
AUDI AG, part of the larger Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen Group is a German multinational automobile manufacturing group. , Volkswagen was ranked as the world’s third largest motor vehicle manufacturer and Europe's largest....
. It slots distinctly above the Audi S4
Audi S4
The Audi S4 is the high performance variant of Audi's compact executive car A4. The original Audi S4, built from 1991 until 1994, was a performance-oriented version of Audi's 100 saloon/sedan...
, as the fastest, most sports-focused model based on the A4's "B" automobile platform.
The original B5 version was only produced as a five-door
Vehicle door
A vehicle door is a partition, typically hinged, but sometimes attached by other mechanisms such as tracks, in front of an opening which is used for entering and exiting a vehicle. A vehicle door can be opened to provide access to the opening, or closed to secure it. These doors are similar to...
five-seat
Car seat
A car seat is the chair used in automobiles. Most car seats are made from inexpensive but durable material in order to withstand as much use as possible.-Ergonomy: Lumbar and thigh support:...
"Avant", Audi's name for an estate car/station wagon
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
. The second version, the B7, was released initially as a four-door five-seat saloon/sedan, with the Avant following a short while later. A two-door four-seat Cabriolet version was subsequently added. Furthermore, their unique internal combustion engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
s are all front-mounted
Front-engine design
A front-mounted engine describes the placement of an automobile engine in front of the vehicle passenger compartment.Historically, this designation was used regardless of whether or not the entire engine was behind the front axle line...
, and are longitudinally
Longitudinal engine
In automotive engineering, a longitudinal engine is an internal combustion engine in which the crankshaft is oriented along the long axis of the vehicle, front to back....
oriented. The transmission
Transmission (mechanics)
A machine consists of a power source and a power transmission system, which provides controlled application of the power. Merriam-Webster defines transmission as: an assembly of parts including the speed-changing gears and the propeller shaft by which the power is transmitted from an engine to a...
is mounted immediately at the rear of the engine in a longitudinal orientation, in the form of a transaxle
Transaxle
In the automotive field, a transaxle is a major mechanical component that combines the functionality of the transmission, the differential, and associated components of the driven axle into one integrated assembly....
, and contains both a center and front differential
Differential (mechanics)
A differential is a device, usually, but not necessarily, employing gears, capable of transmitting torque and rotation through three shafts, almost always used in one of two ways: in one way, it receives one input and provides two outputs—this is found in most automobiles—and in the other way, it...
.
The "RS" initials are taken from the – literally translated as "racing sport", and is the Audi marque's highest trim level, positioned above the "S" model specification of Audi's regular model line-up. Like all Audi "RS" cars, the RS4 pioneers some of Audi's latest advanced technology, and could therefore be described as a "halo vehicle". Furthermore, it is only available with Audi's Torsen
Torsen
Torsen is a type of differential used in automobiles. It was invented by American Vernon Gleasman and manufactured by the Gleason Corporation. Torsen is a contraction of Torque-Sensing...
-based 'trademark' quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
system.
Its main market competitors initially included the BMW M3
BMW M3
The BMW M3 is a high-performance version of the BMW 3 Series, developed by BMW's in-house motorsport division, BMW M. M3 models have been derived from the E30, E36, E46 and E90/E92/E93 3-series, and sold with coupé, sedan and convertible body styles...
, and the Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks. Mercedes-Benz is a division of its parent company, Daimler AG...
C63 AMG
Mercedes-AMG
Mercedes-AMG GmbH, commonly known as AMG, is a subsidiary of the Mercedes-Benz car company specializing in high-performance luxury cars....
, and could also include the Lexus IS-F.
B5 (Type 8D, 2000–2001)
The original B5 Audi RS4 Avant quattro (Typ 8D) was introduced by AUDI AGAudi
Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer, from supermini to crossover SUVs in various body styles and price ranges that are marketed under the Audi brand , positioned as the premium brand within the Volkswagen Group....
in late 1999, for main production and sale from 2000, as the successor to the Porsche
Porsche
Porsche Automobil Holding SE, usually shortened to Porsche SE a Societas Europaea or European Public Company, is a German based holding company with investments in the automotive industry....
/ quattro GmbH
Quattro GmbH
quattro GmbH is a wholly owned private subsidiary of the German automobile manufacturer AUDI AG, part of the Volkswagen Group.Founded in October 1983, it primarily specialises in producing high performance Audi cars and components, along with purchaser specified customisations...
joint venture
Joint venture
A joint venture is a business agreement in which parties agree to develop, for a finite time, a new entity and new assets by contributing equity. They exercise control over the enterprise and consequently share revenues, expenses and assets...
-developed Audi RS2 Avant
Audi RS2 Avant
The Audi RS2 Avant was a limited edition, high-performance Audi five-door, five-seat estate car , manufactured from March 1994 to July 1995...
. The vehicle, like its RS2 predecessor, was available only as an Avant (Audi's name for an estate car/station wagon
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
), and was built on an existing platform, in this case the Volkswagen Group B5 platform shared with the A4 and S4. Retail price was around Deutsche Mark 103,584. The RS4 was available for sale in most of Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
, parts of Asia and in some Latin America
Latin America
Latin America is a region of the Americas where Romance languages – particularly Spanish and Portuguese, and variably French – are primarily spoken. Latin America has an area of approximately 21,069,500 km² , almost 3.9% of the Earth's surface or 14.1% of its land surface area...
n countries.
Audi produced 6,030 units between 1999 and 2001.
B5 bodywork and styling
Although related to the Audi B5 S4, many of the outer body panels are altered, with wider front and rear wheel archesFender (vehicle)
Fender is the US English term for the part of an automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle body that frames a wheel well . Its primary purpose is to prevent sand, mud, rocks, liquids, and other road spray from being thrown into the air by the rotating tire. Fenders are typically rigid and can be...
, to allow for the wider axle track
Axle track
The axle track in automobiles and other wheeled vehicles which have two or more wheels on an axle, is the distance between the centreline of two roadwheels on the same axle, each on the other side of the vehicle...
on the RS4. With unique front and rear bumpers, and side sills, and sharing the rear spoiler
Spoiler (automotive)
A spoiler is an automotive aerodynamic device whose intended design function is to 'spoil' unfavorable air movement across a body of a vehicle in motion. Spoilers on the front of a vehicle are often called air dams, because in addition to directing air flow they also reduce the amount of air...
from the S4 Avant, the aerodynamic
Automotive aerodynamics
Automotive aerodynamics is the study of the aerodynamics of road vehicles. The main concerns of automotive aerodynamics are reducing drag , reducing wind noise, minimizing noise emission, and preventing undesired lift forces and other causes of aerodynamic instability at high speeds...
modifications achieved a drag coefficient
Automobile drag coefficient
The drag coefficient is a common metric in automotive design pertaining to aerodynamic effects. As aerodynamic drag increases as the square of speed, a low value is preferable to a high one...
of Cd 0.34. Although the B5 S4 came in a saloon car body style
Car body style
Automobiles' body styles are highly variable. Some body styles remain in production, while others become less common or obsolete. They may or may not correlate to a car's price, size or intended market classification. The same car model might be available in multiple body styles comprising a...
, the B5 RS4 was only available in the Avant version.
Luggage space, measured according to the industry standard VDA method is 390 litres (13.8 cu ft) with the rear seats in the upright position, and 1250 litres (44.1 cu ft) with the seats folded flat.
B5 powertrain
For the powertrainPowertrain
In a motor vehicle, the term powertrain or powerplant refers to the group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, water, or air. This includes the engine, transmission, drive shafts, differentials, and the final drive...
detail of the B5 RS4, its motive
Motive power
In thermodynamics, motive power is an agency, as water or steam, used to impart motion. Generally, motive power is defined as a natural agent, as water, steam, wind, electricity, etc., used to impart motion to machinery; a motor; a mover. The term may also define something, as a locomotive or a...
power
Power (physics)
In physics, power is the rate at which energy is transferred, used, or transformed. For example, the rate at which a light bulb transforms electrical energy into heat and light is measured in watts—the more wattage, the more power, or equivalently the more electrical energy is used per unit...
came from a modified version of the B5 S4's 2.7 litre V6 'biturbo'
Twin-turbo
Twin-turbo refers to a turbocharged engine, in which two turbochargers compress the intake charge. There are two commonly used twin turbo configurations: parallel twin-turbo and sequential twin-turbo...
—a 2671 cc, 30 valve
Multi-valve
In automotive engineering a multi-valve or multivalve engine is one where each cylinder has more than two valves. A multi-valve engine has better breathing and can operate at higher revolutions per minute than a two-valve engine, delivering more power.- Multi-valve rationale :A multi-valve design...
(five valves per cylinder
Cylinder (engine)
A cylinder is the central working part of a reciprocating engine or pump, the space in which a piston travels. Multiple cylinders are commonly arranged side by side in a bank, or engine block, which is typically cast from aluminum or cast iron before receiving precision machine work...
) 90° V6 engine
V6 engine
A V6 engine is a V engine with six cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of three cylinders, usually set at either a right angle or an acute angle to each other, with all six pistons driving a common crankshaft...
(parts code prefix: 078; identification codes: early version: 2000 ASJ, EU2 compliant, and later version: 2000-01 AZR, to EU3 standard). This engine was developed and manufactured in the UK by Cosworth Technology
Cosworth
Cosworth is a high performance engineering company founded in London in 1958, specialising in engines and electronics for automobile racing , mainstream automotive and defence industries...
(now known as MAHLE Powertrain
MAHLE Powertrain
MAHLE Powertrain Ltd is the wholly owned engineering services division of MAHLE GmbH. With its headquarters in Northampton, UK and sister company in Novi, Michigan, USA the company specialises in the design, development, testing and production of internal combustion engines and provides a broad...
). It featured enlarged intake and smaller exhaust ports on the two Cosworth cast aluminium alloy ALSi7mg cylinder head
Cylinder head
In an internal combustion engine, the cylinder head sits above the cylinders on top of the cylinder block. It closes in the top of the cylinder, forming the combustion chamber. This joint is sealed by a head gasket...
s, two parallel turbocharger
Turbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
s (one per cylinder bank
Cylinder bank
Internal combustion piston engines are usually arranged so that the cylinders are in lines parallel to the crankshaft. Where they are in a single line, this is referred to as an inline or straight engine....
), two larger side-mounted intercooler
Intercooler
An intercooler , or charge air cooler, is an air-to-air or air-to-liquid heat exchange device used on turbocharged and supercharged internal combustion engines to improve their volumetric efficiency by increasing intake air charge density through nearly isobaric cooling, which removes...
s (SMICs), dished piston crowns, stronger connecting rods, larger intake diameter hoses, enlarged exhaust system
Exhaust system
An exhaust system is usually tubing used to guide reaction exhaust gases away from a controlled combustion inside an engine or stove. The entire system conveys burnt gases from the engine and includes one or more exhaust pipes...
, and a re-calibrated Bosch Motronic engine management system. The modifications were enough to increase the engine's power output from the 195 kW and 400 newton metres (295 ft·lbf) of torque
Torque
Torque, moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....
on the S4; to 280 kW at 7,000 revolutions per minute
Revolutions per minute
Revolutions per minute is a measure of the frequency of a rotation. It annotates the number of full rotations completed in one minute around a fixed axis...
(rpm) and 440 newton metres (325 ft·lbf) at 6,000 rpm. Engine management is controlled via a Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
Motronic
Motronic
Motronic is the trade name given to a range of digital engine-management systems developed by Robert Bosch GmbH, commonly known as Bosch.-Motronic ML1.x:Motronic ML1.x was one of the first digital engine-management systems developed by Bosch...
ME 7.1 electronic engine control unit
Engine control unit
An engine control unit is a type of electronic control unit that determines the amount of fuel, ignition timing and other parameters an internal combustion engine needs to keep running...
(ECU), utilising a Bosch 'E-Gas' electronic drive by wire
Drive by wire
Drive-by-wire, DbW, by-wire, or x-by-wire technology in the automotive industry replaces the traditional mechanical control systems with electronic control systems using electromechanical actuators and human-machine interfaces such as pedal and steering feel emulators...
throttle. Fuel is delivered via intake manifold-sited multipoint sequential indirect fuel injection
Fuel injection
Fuel injection is a system for admitting fuel into an internal combustion engine. It has become the primary fuel delivery system used in automotive petrol engines, having almost completely replaced carburetors in the late 1980s....
, with fueling rate assisted by air mass metering
Mass flow sensor
A mass air flow sensor is used to find out the mass flowrate of air entering a fuel-injected internal combustion engine. The air mass information is necessary for the engine control unit to balance and deliver the correct fuel mass to the engine. Air changes its density as it expands and contracts...
. Ignition system
Ignition system
An ignition system is a system for igniting a fuel-air mixture. Ignition systems are well known in the field of internal combustion engines such as those used in petrol engines used to power the majority of motor vehicles, but they are also used in many other applications such as in oil-fired and...
uses six individual single-spark coils
Ignition coil
An ignition coil is an induction coil in an automobile's ignition system which transforms the battery's 12 volts to the thousands of volts needed to create an electric spark in the spark plugs to ignite the fuel...
, utilising mapped direct ignition and NGK
NGK
is a Public Company established in 1936 and based in Nagoya, Japan. NGK is involved in the manufacture and sale of spark plugs and related products for internal-combustion engines and new ceramics and applicable products.-Organization:...
longlife spark plug
Spark plug
A spark plug is an electrical device that fits into the cylinder head of some internal combustion engines and ignites compressed fuels such as aerosol, gasoline, ethanol, and liquefied petroleum gas by means of an electric spark.Spark plugs have an insulated central electrode which is connected by...
s. This highly tuned engine must only be lubricated
Motor oil
Motor oil or engine oil is an oil used for lubrication of various internal combustion engines. The main function is to lubricate moving parts; it also cleans, inhibits corrosion, improves sealing, and cools the engine by carrying heat away from moving parts.Motor oils are derived from...
with a very high quality, low-viscosity, fully synthetic oil
Synthetic oil
Synthetic oil is a lubricant consisting of chemical compounds that are artificially made . Synthetic lubricants can be manufactured using chemically modified petroleum components rather than whole crude oil, but can also be synthesized from other raw materials...
(and must meet VW standard 503.01 or newer), as average oil temperature
Temperature
Temperature is a physical property of matter that quantitatively expresses the common notions of hot and cold. Objects of low temperature are cold, while various degrees of higher temperatures are referred to as warm or hot...
s can reach 135 °C (275 °F). Oil temperature is managed by a dual oil:water cooler, and an oil:air cooler.
A six-speed manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
(parts code prefix: 01E, identification code: FDP) (gear ratio
Gear ratio
The gear ratio of a gear train is the ratio of the angular velocity of the input gear to the angular velocity of the output gear, also known as the speed ratio of the gear train. The gear ratio can be computed directly from the numbers of teeth of the various gears that engage to form the gear...
s - 1st: 3.500, 2nd: 1.889, 3rd: 1.320, 4th: 1.034, 5th: 0.806, 6th: 0.684), cooled by a NACA duct
NACA duct
A NACA duct also sometimes called a NACA scoop or NACA Inlet, is a common form of low-drag air inlet design, originally developed by the U.S. National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics , the precursor to NASA, in 1945....
in the engine undertray, and Audi's Torsen
Torsen
Torsen is a type of differential used in automobiles. It was invented by American Vernon Gleasman and manufactured by the Gleason Corporation. Torsen is a contraction of Torque-Sensing...
-based quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
system, utilising the Torsen T-2 'automatic torque biasing' (ATB) center differential
Differential (mechanics)
A differential is a device, usually, but not necessarily, employing gears, capable of transmitting torque and rotation through three shafts, almost always used in one of two ways: in one way, it receives one input and provides two outputs—this is found in most automobiles—and in the other way, it...
, with a 50:50 default bias were standard. Final drive ratio is 4.111.
Even with a kerb weight
Curb weight
Curb weight or kerb weight is the total weight of a vehicle with standard equipment, all necessary operating consumables , a full tank of fuel, while not loaded with either passengers or cargo.This definition may differ from definitions used by governmental regulatory agencies or other...
weight of 1620 kilograms (3,571 lb), the RS4's powerful engine gave it the performance of a sports car
Sports car
A sports car is a small, usually two seat, two door automobile designed for high speed driving and maneuverability....
. The 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.1 ) dash could be reached in just 4.9 seconds, 160 kilometres per hour (99.4 mph) could be achieved in just 11.3 seconds, and 200 kilometres per hour (124.3 mph) could be reached in just 17.0 seconds. Top speed was electronically governed to 250 kilometres per hour (155.3 mph).
B5 brakes, wheels and tyres
BrakeBrake
A brake is a mechanical device which inhibits motion. Its opposite component is a clutch. The rest of this article is dedicated to various types of vehicular brakes....
s were also developed jointly in house by Audi's quattro GmbH and Cosworth Technologies, not by Porsche
Porsche
Porsche Automobil Holding SE, usually shortened to Porsche SE a Societas Europaea or European Public Company, is a German based holding company with investments in the automotive industry....
as with its predecessor, the RS2. It has 360 millimetres (14.2 in) diameter by 32 millimetres (1.26 in) thick radially vented and floating cast iron
Cast iron
Cast iron is derived from pig iron, and while it usually refers to gray iron, it also identifies a large group of ferrous alloys which solidify with a eutectic. The color of a fractured surface can be used to identify an alloy. White cast iron is named after its white surface when fractured, due...
discs
Disc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
at the front, with double-piston floating brake calipers, and 312 millimetres (12.3 in) by 22 millimetre (0.866141732283465 in) discs with a single-piston floating caliper at the rear, giving the RS4 braking to match, needing less than 50 metre to come to a full stop from a speed of 110 kilometres per hour (68 mph).
Standard roadwheels
Wheel
A wheel is a device that allows heavy objects to be moved easily through rotating on an axle through its center, facilitating movement or transportation while supporting a load, or performing labor in machines. Common examples found in transport applications. A wheel, together with an axle,...
are 18 inch alloys
Alloy wheel
Alloy wheels are automobile wheels which are made from an alloy of aluminium or magnesium. They are typically lighter for the same strength...
(8½ x18" "9-spoke"), with 255/35 ZR18 high performance tyres
Tire
A tire or tyre is a ring-shaped covering that fits around a wheel rim to protect it and enable better vehicle performance by providing a flexible cushion that absorbs shock while keeping the wheel in close contact with the ground...
. Optional "winter" alloy wheels were also available, at 18 inch (7½Jx18"), with tyres.
Other B5 notable features
- "Sideguard", Audi's curtain airbagAirbagAn Airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision, to prevent occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window...
system. - Xenon High-Intensity DischargeHigh-intensity discharge lampHigh-intensity discharge lamps are a type of electrical lamp which produces light by means of an electric arc between tungsten electrodes housed inside a translucent or transparent fused quartz or fused alumina arc tube. This tube is filled with both gas and metal salts. The gas facilitates the...
(HID) headlamps.
B7 (Type 8E, 2006–2008)
There was no RS4 built on the Audi "B6" platform which served as the basis for the Audi A4Audi A4
The first generation Audi A4 debuted in 1994, with production starting November 1994. It was built on the Volkswagen Group B5 platform, which it shared with the fourth generation Volkswagen Passat . It had a front-mounted longitudinal engine and front-wheel drive...
between 2001 and 2005. However, after a long hiatus, the second Audi RS4 quattro (Typ 8E), built on Audi's "B7" A4 platform, by quattro GmbH
Quattro GmbH
quattro GmbH is a wholly owned private subsidiary of the German automobile manufacturer AUDI AG, part of the Volkswagen Group.Founded in October 1983, it primarily specialises in producing high performance Audi cars and components, along with purchaser specified customisations...
in Neckarsulm
Neckarsulm
Neckarsulm is a city in northern Baden-Württemberg, Germany, near Stuttgart, and part of the district Heilbronn. As of 2004, Neckarsulm had 27,296 inhabitants....
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
(a wholly owned private subsidiary of AUDI AG
Audi
Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer, from supermini to crossover SUVs in various body styles and price ranges that are marketed under the Audi brand , positioned as the premium brand within the Volkswagen Group....
), was unveiled in February 2005 at Audi's 'quattro Night' celebration at the company headquarters in Ingolstadt
Ingolstadt
Ingolstadt is a city in the Free State of Bavaria, in the Federal Republic of Germany. It is located along the banks of the Danube River, in the center of Bavaria. As at 31 March 2011, Ingolstadt had 125.407 residents...
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
.
An Imola Yellow RS4 saloon came down a replica of a ski jump
Ski jumping
Ski jumping is a sport in which skiers go down a take-off ramp, jump and attempt to land as far as possible down the hill below. In addition to the length of the jump, judges give points for style. The skis used for ski jumping are wide and long...
, then rotated several times on an ice rink
Ice rink
An ice rink is a frozen body of water and/or hardened chemicals where people can skate or play winter sports. Besides recreational ice skating, some of its uses include ice hockey, figure skating and curling as well as exhibitions, contests and ice shows...
, before coming to rest in the centre of the ice. After several minutes to allow the assembled media and guests to examine the car, the RS4 climbed the ski jump and parked near the top. The ski jump was a homage to an Audi commercial from 1986; where an Audi climbed a ski jump in Finland
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
to showcase its superior traction due to Audi's trademark quattro four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
drivetrain.
The RS4 became available to Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an customers in mid 2006. It was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show
North American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
in January, and arrived in June 2006 in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
. The production run of the B7 RS4 was 2006 to 2008 inclusive, although only 2007 and 2008 model year
Model year
The model year of a product is a number used worldwide, but with a high level of prominence in North America, to describe approximately when a product was produced, and indicates the coinciding base specification of that product....
were sold in the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
. To date, approximately 10,000 B7 RS4s have been built, of which around 2,500 are in the USA.
The B7 RS4 Cabriolet, available in Europe from late 2006 to 2008, was made available as a model year 2008 vehicle in the USA.
Audi factory numbers indicate that the B7 RS4 saloon can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.1 ) in 4.8 seconds, and arrive at 0 to 200 km/h (0 to 124.3 ) in 16.6 seconds. Most European magazines recorded results in line with the November 2009 comparison of "ultimate sedans," in Road & Track
Road & Track
Road & Track is an American automotive enthusiast magazine. It is owned by Hearst Magazines, and is published monthly. The editorial offices are located in Newport Beach, California.-History:...
, which recorded a 0 to 60 time of 4.5 seconds. This is consistent with the pattern of conservatism that is usually found in Audi's official performance numbers. For the Avant, 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62.1 ) is reached in 4.9 seconds. Top speed for all variants is 'officially' electronically limited to 250 kilometres per hour (155.3 mph), though some owners have reported that the speed limiter is rather 'liberal', conforming to the pattern of previous Audi "RS" cars, with genuine top speeds of 270 kilometre per hour being recorded.
B7 bodywork and styling
The B7 RS4 is an almost complete departure from previous Audi "RS" carsAudi S and RS models
Audi S and RS models are a range of high performance cars of certain model ranges from the German automotive company AUDI AG. These cars are original equipment manufacturer factory "upgraded" versions of specific cars, from within Audi's standard range of vehicles, primarily focusing in enhanced...
, as it was initially available as a four-door
Vehicle door
A vehicle door is a partition, typically hinged, but sometimes attached by other mechanisms such as tracks, in front of an opening which is used for entering and exiting a vehicle. A vehicle door can be opened to provide access to the opening, or closed to secure it. These doors are similar to...
five-seat
Car seat
A car seat is the chair used in automobiles. Most car seats are made from inexpensive but durable material in order to withstand as much use as possible.-Ergonomy: Lumbar and thigh support:...
saloon/sedan; with a five-door five-seat Avant (estate/wagon
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
), and two-door four-seat Cabriolet (convertible
Convertible
A convertible is a type of automobile in which the roof can retract and fold away having windows which wind-down inside the doors, converting it from an enclosed to an open-air vehicle...
) versions arriving later. Only the Audi RS6
Audi RS6
The Audi RS6 quattro, commonly referred to as the RS6, is the highest performing version, and top-of-the-line specification of the Audi A6, positioned above the Audi S6...
had taken this similar route (saloon and Avant) before; the previous RS4 and RS2
Audi RS2 Avant
The Audi RS2 Avant was a limited edition, high-performance Audi five-door, five-seat estate car , manufactured from March 1994 to July 1995...
were available exclusively as Avants.
Constructed from fully galvanised steel in a monocoque
Monocoque
Monocoque is a construction technique that supports structural load by using an object's external skin, as opposed to using an internal frame or truss that is then covered with a non-load-bearing skin or coachwork...
(unitary/unibody) design, the B7 RS4 uses lightweight aluminium
Aluminium
Aluminium or aluminum is a silvery white member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has the symbol Al, and its atomic number is 13. It is not soluble in water under normal circumstances....
for its front wings
Fender (vehicle)
Fender is the US English term for the part of an automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle body that frames a wheel well . Its primary purpose is to prevent sand, mud, rocks, liquids, and other road spray from being thrown into the air by the rotating tire. Fenders are typically rigid and can be...
(fenders) and bonnet
Hood (vehicle)
The hood or bonnet is the hinged cover over the engine of motor vehicles that allows access to the engine compartment for maintenance and repair. In British terminology, hood refers to a fabric cover over the passenger compartment of the car...
(hood). The saloon version features a drag coefficient
Drag coefficient
In fluid dynamics, the drag coefficient is a dimensionless quantity that is used to quantify the drag or resistance of an object in a fluid environment such as air or water. It is used in the drag equation, where a lower drag coefficient indicates the object will have less aerodynamic or...
(Cd) of 0.31, from a frontal area of 2.17 m2.
Like its B5 predecessor, visually, the B7 RS4 differs from its related B7 S4, by having even wider flared front and rear wheel arches (fenders)
Fender (vehicle)
Fender is the US English term for the part of an automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle body that frames a wheel well . Its primary purpose is to prevent sand, mud, rocks, liquids, and other road spray from being thrown into the air by the rotating tire. Fenders are typically rigid and can be...
, to allow for a wider axle track
Axle track
The axle track in automobiles and other wheeled vehicles which have two or more wheels on an axle, is the distance between the centreline of two roadwheels on the same axle, each on the other side of the vehicle...
. Over the B7 A4, it also includes two larger frontal side air intakes (for the two additional side-mounted coolant radiator
Radiator (engine cooling)
Radiators are used for cooling internal combustion engines, mainly in automobiles but also in piston-engined aircraft, railway locomotives, motorcycles, stationary generating plant or any similar use of such an engine....
s). The trim on the saloon and roof rails on the estate are chrome as standard but can also be found in black with the addition of the Optic Pack which includes black front grill, all exterior trim and black roof rails on the estate version. The B7 RS4 also includes an optional adaptive headlights to complement the standard "Xenon Plus" (Bi-Xenon arc
Xenon arc lamp
A xenon arc lamp is a specialized type of gas discharge lamp, an electric light that produces light by passing electricity through ionized xenon gas at high pressure to produce a bright white light that closely mimics natural sunlight...
) High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, which swivel around corners in conjunction with steering wheel
Steering wheel
A steering wheel is a type of steering control in vehicles and vessels ....
movements. Also standard are daytime running lights
Daytime running lamp
A daytime running lamp is an automotive lighting device on the front of a roadgoing motor vehicle, installed in pairs, automatically switched on when the vehicle is moving forward, emitting white, yellow, or amber light to increase the conspicuity of the vehicle during daylight...
(DRLs), found within the main headlamp housings, identical to its related B7 A4 and S4, and use a conventional tungsten filament bulb. An acoustic parking system with front and rear sensors is also standard fitment. Unique carbon fibre
Carbon fiber
Carbon fiber, alternatively graphite fiber, carbon graphite or CF, is a material consisting of fibers about 5–10 μm in diameter and composed mostly of carbon atoms. The carbon atoms are bonded together in crystals that are more or less aligned parallel to the long axis of the fiber...
interior trims, along with a lap timer within the central Driver Information System (DIS), aluminium pedal caps and footrest, and RS4 logos complete the look.
In the saloon, luggage space, measured according to the VDA 'block method', is 460 litres (16.2 cu ft) with the rear seats in the upright position, and 720 to 833 l (25.4 to 29.4 cuft) with the seats folded flat (dependent on specification). For the Avant, 442 litres (15.6 cu ft) is available with the seats upright (under the retractable load cover), and 1354 litres (47.8 cu ft) being available with the rear seats folded flat (loaded to the roofline). Kerb weight
Curb weight
Curb weight or kerb weight is the total weight of a vehicle with standard equipment, all necessary operating consumables , a full tank of fuel, while not loaded with either passengers or cargo.This definition may differ from definitions used by governmental regulatory agencies or other...
of the saloon variant starts at 1650 kilograms (3,638 lb) (dependent on specification).
A BOSE ten-speaker sound system, with 190 watt output and automatic dynamic noise compensation (which replaces the 'GALA' found on earlier units), with "Concert II" radio and single CD player
Compact disc player
A Compact Disc player , or CD player, is an electronic device that plays audio Compact Discs. CD players are often a part of home stereo systems, car audio systems, and personal computers. They are also manufactured as portable devices...
is standard in car entertainment
In car entertainment
In-Car Entertainment, , is a collection of hardware devices installed into automobiles, or other forms of transportation, to provide audio and/or audio/visual entertainment, as well as automotive navigation systems...
(ICE) equipment. Factory fitted ICE options to complement the standard BOSE include the "Symphony II" system which features twin radio tuners, a single-slot loading six-CD changer and a cassette
Compact Cassette
The Compact Cassette, often referred to as audio cassette, cassette tape, cassette, or simply tape, is a magnetic tape sound recording format. It was designed originally for dictation, but improvements in fidelity led the Compact Cassette to supplant the Stereo 8-track cartridge and reel-to-reel...
player all integrated into a double-DIN sized unit. Navigation option is the RNS-E "Audi Navigation System plus" DVD-ROM GPS satellite navigation, which includes a folding widescreen 6.5-inch screen, two SD
Secure Digital
Secure Digital is a non-volatile memory card format developed by the SD Card Association for use in portable devices. The SD technology is used by more than 400 brands across dozens of product categories and more than 8,000 models, and is considered the de-facto industry standard.Secure Digital...
-memory card readers, and MMI
Multi Media Interface
The Audi MMI system, is an in-car user interface media system developed by Audi, and implemented in most of its latest series of cars/automobiles since 2004.-Concept:...
-like logic control.
B7 interior safety
To achieve maximum body stiffness with controlled deformation crumple zoneCrumple zone
The crumple zone is a structural feature mainly of automobiles. Crumple zones have also been incorporated into railcars in recent years.They are designed to absorb the energy from the impact during an accident by controlled deformation. This energy is much higher than is commonly recognized...
s, the B7 RS4 features laser beam welding
Laser beam welding
Laser beam welding is a welding technique used to join multiple pieces of metal through the use of a laser. The beam provides a concentrated heat source, allowing for narrow, deep welds and high welding rates...
of major seams of the high-strength steel body shell, which helps improve overall structural rigidity, particularly in the 'passenger cell', over traditional spot welding
Spot welding
Spot welding is a process in which contacting metal surfaces are joined by the heat obtained from resistance to electric current flow. Work-pieces are held together under pressure exerted by electrodes. Typically the sheets are in the thickness range...
methods.
Two-stage driver and front seat passenger frontal airbag
Airbag
An Airbag is a vehicle safety device. It is an occupant restraint consisting of a flexible envelope designed to inflate rapidly during an automobile collision, to prevent occupants from striking interior objects such as the steering wheel or a window...
s are standard, as is Audi's "sideguard" head protection curtain airbag system. This latter system completely covers all of the side windows, from the front 'A pillar
Pillar (car)
Pillars are the vertical supports of the greenhouse of an automobile — known respectively as the A, B, C or D-pillar moving in profile view from the front to rear....
' to the rear 'C-' or 'D pillars'. The body-hugging Recaro
Recaro
RECARO GmbH & Co. KG, commonly known as Recaro, is a German company based in Kirchheim unter Teck in the vicinity of Stuttgart, known for their automobile bucket seats...
shell-type RS race bucket seats (not available in North American markets), complete with electrically inflatable upper and lower side bolsters and adjustable lumbar support, are constructed so as not to need lower side airbags to comply with European crash safety standards. In North America, the only front seats available are the more traditional Recaro seats (identical to those in the B6 and B7 S4), which include lower side airbags; these were also available as a no-cost option in other markets. Lower side airbags are optional for the standard-fit Recaro rear seats. Front, and outer rear seatbelts include pyrotechnic belt pretensioners, whilst all belts include an excess load limit function.
B7 powertrain
At the heart of the B7 RS4 powertrainPowertrain
In a motor vehicle, the term powertrain or powerplant refers to the group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, water, or air. This includes the engine, transmission, drive shafts, differentials, and the final drive...
is its unique internal combustion engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
. Started
Automobile self starter
A starter motor is an electric motor for rotating an internal-combustion engine so as to initiate the engine's operation under its own power.- History :...
by an "Engine Start" button on centre console
Center console (automobile)
The center console in an automobile refers to the control-bearing surfaces in the center of the front of the vehicle interior...
, motive
Motive power
In thermodynamics, motive power is an agency, as water or steam, used to impart motion. Generally, motive power is defined as a natural agent, as water, steam, wind, electricity, etc., used to impart motion to machinery; a motor; a mover. The term may also define something, as a locomotive or a...
power
Power (physics)
In physics, power is the rate at which energy is transferred, used, or transformed. For example, the rate at which a light bulb transforms electrical energy into heat and light is measured in watts—the more wattage, the more power, or equivalently the more electrical energy is used per unit...
comes from a 4.2 litre – 4163 cc, V8 engine
V8 engine
A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
. This is a 32-valve
Multi-valve
In automotive engineering a multi-valve or multivalve engine is one where each cylinder has more than two valves. A multi-valve engine has better breathing and can operate at higher revolutions per minute than a two-valve engine, delivering more power.- Multi-valve rationale :A multi-valve design...
(four valves per cylinder
Cylinder (engine)
A cylinder is the central working part of a reciprocating engine or pump, the space in which a piston travels. Multiple cylinders are commonly arranged side by side in a bank, or engine block, which is typically cast from aluminum or cast iron before receiving precision machine work...
) Fuel Stratified Injection
Gasoline direct injection
In internal combustion engines, gasoline direct injection , also known as petrol direct injection or direct petrol injection, is a variant of fuel injection employed in modern two-stroke and four-stroke gasoline engines...
(FSI) all aluminium alloy
Aluminium alloy
Aluminium alloys are alloys in which aluminium is the predominant metal. The typical alloying elements are copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon and zinc. There are two principal classifications, namely casting alloys and wrought alloys, both of which are further subdivided into the categories...
petrol engine
Petrol engine
A petrol engine is an internal combustion engine with spark-ignition, designed to run on petrol and similar volatile fuels....
(parts code and version: 079.D, identification code: BNS). It is fundamentally based on the existing all-alloy 4.2 V8 from the B6 S4, and sharing many identical parts with the Audi Q7 4.2 FSI V8 engine. The RS4 engine has increased crankcase breathing, low-pressure fuel return system, and a baffled oil sump (to prevent engine lubricant cavitation at high engine speeds and high-G cornering). This new engine includes new cylinder block
Cylinder block
A cylinder block is an integrated structure comprising the cylinder of a reciprocating engine and often some or all of their associated surrounding structures...
construction, and is a highly reworked, high-revving variant (redline
Redline
Redline refers to the maximum engine speed at which an internal combustion engine or traction motor and its components are designed to operate without causing damage to the components themselves or other parts of the engine...
at 8,000 rpm
Revolutions per minute
Revolutions per minute is a measure of the frequency of a rotation. It annotates the number of full rotations completed in one minute around a fixed axis...
, rev limit
Rev limiter
A rev limiter is a device fitted to an internal combustion engine to restrict its maximum rotational speed. This is usually carried out to prevent damage to the engine, however sometimes these devices are fitted to prevent an engine reaching the point at which it develops maximum power...
of 8,250 rpm), having cylinder-direct injection (Fuel Stratified Injection), and four valves
Multi-valve
In automotive engineering a multi-valve or multivalve engine is one where each cylinder has more than two valves. A multi-valve engine has better breathing and can operate at higher revolutions per minute than a two-valve engine, delivering more power.- Multi-valve rationale :A multi-valve design...
per cylinder (instead of five on the earlier variant). It has two roller chain
Roller chain
Roller chain or bush roller chain is the type of chain drive most commonly used for transmission of mechanical power on many kinds of domestic, industrial and agricultural machinery, including conveyors, wire and tube drawing machines, printing presses, cars, motorcycles, and simple machines like...
-driven double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank
Cylinder bank
Internal combustion piston engines are usually arranged so that the cylinders are in lines parallel to the crankshaft. Where they are in a single line, this is referred to as an inline or straight engine....
(2xDOHC, or 'quad cam'), and utilises variable valve timing
Variable valve timing
In internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine...
for both inlet and exhaust camshaft
Camshaft
A camshaft is a shaft to which a cam is fastened or of which a cam forms an integral part.-History:An early cam was built into Hellenistic water-driven automata from the 3rd century BC. The camshaft was later described in Iraq by Al-Jazari in 1206. He employed it as part of his automata,...
s, along with a cast magnesium alloy fixed tract length intake manifold with adjustable tumble flaps (to improve low engine speed combustion). It produces a maximum output of 309 kW at 7,800 revolutions per minute
Revolutions per minute
Revolutions per minute is a measure of the frequency of a rotation. It annotates the number of full rotations completed in one minute around a fixed axis...
(rpm) whilst consuming 98 RON (93 AKI) Super-Unleaded petrol, giving it a specific power
Power density
Power density is the amount of power per unit volume....
output of 74.2 kW per litre. Based on a kerb weight of 1680 kilograms (3,704 lb), this results in a power-to-weight ratio
Power-to-weight ratio
Power-to-weight ratio is a calculation commonly applied to engines and mobile power sources to enable the comparison of one unit or design to another. Power-to-weight ratio is a measurement of actual performance of any engine or power sources...
of just . Should the lower 95 RON (91 AKI) standard unleaded fuel be used, this will have an effect of slightly reducing engine output, and therefore performance, along with slightly worse fuel economy. This engine also produces 430 newton metres (317 ft·lbf) of torque
Torque
Torque, moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....
at 5,500 rpm, 90 percent of the total torque being available between 2,250 and 7,600 rpm. The engine's waste gases escape through two '4-into-2-into-1' fan-branch alloy steel exhaust manifolds
Exhaust manifold
In automotive engineering, an exhaust manifold collects the exhaust gases from multiple cylinders into one pipe. The word manifold comes from the Old English word manigfeald and refers to the folding together of multiple inputs and outputs.In contrast, an inlet manifold is the part of an engine...
and four high-flow metallic sports catalytic converter
Catalytic converter
A catalytic converter is a device used to convert toxic exhaust emissions from an internal combustion engine into non-toxic substances. Inside a catalytic converter, a catalyst stimulates a chemical reaction in which noxious byproducts of combustion are converted to less toxic substances by dint...
s, and exit via twin oval tail pipes with integral dynamic silencer/muffler
Muffler
A muffler is a device for reducing the amount of noise emitted by the exhaust of an internal combustion engine. A US Patent for an Exhaust muffler for engines was granted to Milton and Marshall Reeves in 1897....
valves. Engine management is controlled via two Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
DI-Motronic
Motronic
Motronic is the trade name given to a range of digital engine-management systems developed by Robert Bosch GmbH, commonly known as Bosch.-Motronic ML1.x:Motronic ML1.x was one of the first digital engine-management systems developed by Bosch...
MED 9.1 electronic engine control unit
Engine control unit
An engine control unit is a type of electronic control unit that determines the amount of fuel, ignition timing and other parameters an internal combustion engine needs to keep running...
s (working on the 'master/slave' concept, due to the high-revving nature of the engine), and utilises Bosch 'E-Gas' electronic throttle control
Electronic throttle control
Electronic throttle control is an automobile technology which severs the mechanical link between the accelerator pedal and the throttle. Most automobiles already use a throttle position sensor to provide input to traction control, antilock brakes, fuel injection, and other systems, but use a...
(also known as drive by wire
Drive by wire
Drive-by-wire, DbW, by-wire, or x-by-wire technology in the automotive industry replaces the traditional mechanical control systems with electronic control systems using electromechanical actuators and human-machine interfaces such as pedal and steering feel emulators...
), comprising throttle device, accelerator-pedal module, and ECU. The ignition system
Ignition system
An ignition system is a system for igniting a fuel-air mixture. Ignition systems are well known in the field of internal combustion engines such as those used in petrol engines used to power the majority of motor vehicles, but they are also used in many other applications such as in oil-fired and...
uses eight individual single-spark coils
Ignition coil
An ignition coil is an induction coil in an automobile's ignition system which transforms the battery's 12 volts to the thousands of volts needed to create an electric spark in the spark plugs to ignite the fuel...
, utilising mapped direct ignition, with Bosch single iridium electrode or NGK
NGK
is a Public Company established in 1936 and based in Nagoya, Japan. NGK is involved in the manufacture and sale of spark plugs and related products for internal-combustion engines and new ceramics and applicable products.-Organization:...
triple-electrode long-life spark plug
Spark plug
A spark plug is an electrical device that fits into the cylinder head of some internal combustion engines and ignites compressed fuels such as aerosol, gasoline, ethanol, and liquefied petroleum gas by means of an electric spark.Spark plugs have an insulated central electrode which is connected by...
s. Ignition timing
Ignition timing
Ignition timing, in a spark ignition internal combustion engine , is the process of setting the angle relative to piston position and crankshaft angular velocity that a spark will occur in the combustion chamber near the end of the compression stroke...
is monitored with the aid of four knock
Engine knocking
Knocking in spark-ignition internal combustion engines occurs when combustion of the air/fuel mixture in the cylinder starts off correctly in response to ignition by the spark plug, but one or more pockets of air/fuel mixture explode outside the envelope of the normal combustion front.The...
sensors. It is compliant with the Euro4 European emission standards
European emission standards
European emission standards define the acceptable limits for exhaust emissions of new vehicles sold in EU member states. The emission standards are defined in a series of European Union directives staging the progressive introduction of increasingly stringent standards.Currently, emissions of...
, with the saloon version producing a CO2
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring chemical compound composed of two oxygen atoms covalently bonded to a single carbon atom...
emissions output of 322-329 grams per kilometre (g/km), whilst the Avant starts from 324 g/km.
A six-speed Getrag
Getrag
Getrag is a leading manufacturer of automobile manual transmissions. The company was founded on 1 May 1935, in Ludwigsburg, Germany, by Hermann Hagenmeyer; as the Getriebe und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG...
manual gearbox
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
(parts code: 0A3, identification codes: HLD, JHM) is the only transmission available (gear ratio
Gear ratio
The gear ratio of a gear train is the ratio of the angular velocity of the input gear to the angular velocity of the output gear, also known as the speed ratio of the gear train. The gear ratio can be computed directly from the numbers of teeth of the various gears that engage to form the gear...
s - 1st: 3.667, 2nd: 2.211, 3rd: 1.520, 4th: 1.133, 5th: 0.919, 6th: 0.778).
The Audi B7 RS4 remained the only "RS" Audi powered by a naturally aspirated engine, until the Audi RS5 was presented at 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The RS5 shares the same engine but it is tuned for an additional 30 hp and it dropped the Getrag
Getrag
Getrag is a leading manufacturer of automobile manual transmissions. The company was founded on 1 May 1935, in Ludwigsburg, Germany, by Hermann Hagenmeyer; as the Getriebe und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH & Cie KG...
6-speed manual in favor of a 7-speed "S tronic"
Direct-Shift Gearbox
The Direct-Shift Gearbox , commonly abbreviated to DSG, is an electronically controlled dual clutch multiple-shaft manual gearbox, in a transaxle design - without a conventional clutch pedal, and with full automatic, or semi-manual control...
dual clutch semi-automatic
Dual clutch transmission
A dual clutch transmission, commonly abbreviated to DCT , is a differing type of semi-automatic or automated manual automotive transmission. It utilises two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets...
.
quattro
Another focus of the B7 RS4 was on the introduction of the latest development of Audi's 'trademark' quattro permanent four-wheel driveFour-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
system. This utilised the 'third generation' asymmetric/dynamic Torsen
Torsen
Torsen is a type of differential used in automobiles. It was invented by American Vernon Gleasman and manufactured by the Gleason Corporation. Torsen is a contraction of Torque-Sensing...
T-3 'automatic torque biasing' (ATB) centre differential
Differential (mechanics)
A differential is a device, usually, but not necessarily, employing gears, capable of transmitting torque and rotation through three shafts, almost always used in one of two ways: in one way, it receives one input and provides two outputs—this is found in most automobiles—and in the other way, it...
, featuring a 'default' 40:60 front-to-rear torque split under normal conditions. Audi stressed that this would result in a more neutral response in corners, and a more dynamic driving experience. Also, a more aggressive Torque Bias Ratio (TBR) was used, and set to 4:1, as opposed to 2:1 (and later variants 3:1 TBR) on standard A4. That means that one side of the differential can handle up to 80%, while the other side would have to only handle 20% of applied torque.
Front and rear axle
Axle
An axle is a central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear. On wheeled vehicles, the axle may be fixed to the wheels, rotating with them, or fixed to its surroundings, with the wheels rotating around the axle. In the former case, bearings or bushings are provided at the mounting points where the axle...
differentials are conventional "open" types, with a final drive ratio of 4.111.
Traction is assisted by way of Audi's "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL), which is a specific function of the Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
system. EDL monitors the rotational speeds of the left and right wheels across an individual axle, and if one wheel should rotate faster than the other (exceeding the pre-defined parameters), indicating loss of traction, or "wheel spin" on one wheel, the EDL applies the brakes to that individual spinning wheel, and thus results in transferring torque across the open differential to the wheel on the other side deemed to have grip, hence traction. Also included in the ESP 8.0 is "Anti Slip Regulation" (ASR) - Audi's name for Traction Control System
Traction control system
A traction control system , also known as anti-slip regulation , is typically a secondary function of the anti-lock braking system on production motor vehicles, designed to prevent loss of traction of driven road wheels...
.
The result of all these features is that under normal circumstances (driving straight on dry or even wet road surfaces) the car never loses traction, even when accelerating at full throttle in the first gear.
B7 suspension and steering
The B7 RS4 also incorporates Audi's "Dynamic Ride Control" (DRC) "Sports SuspensionSuspension (vehicle)
Suspension is the term given to the system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. Suspension systems serve a dual purpose — contributing to the car's roadholding/handling and braking for good active safety and driving pleasure, and keeping vehicle occupants...
" mechanism. The dampers
Shock absorber
A shock absorber is a mechanical device designed to smooth out or damp shock impulse, and dissipate kinetic energy. It is a type of dashpot.-Nomenclature:...
(shock absorbers) are made for Audi by KW, and central reservoirs/valves made by KYB (Kayaba). In the RS4 suspension, a fluid hydraulic
Hydraulics
Hydraulics is a topic in applied science and engineering dealing with the mechanical properties of liquids. Fluid mechanics provides the theoretical foundation for hydraulics, which focuses on the engineering uses of fluid properties. In fluid power, hydraulics is used for the generation, control,...
linkage between diagonally opposing front and rear suspension dampers (left front to right rear, and vice-versa) is used to counteract vehicle pitch and roll. Lightweight magnesium
Magnesium
Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol Mg, atomic number 12, and common oxidation number +2. It is an alkaline earth metal and the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust and ninth in the known universe as a whole...
/aluminium
Aluminium
Aluminium or aluminum is a silvery white member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has the symbol Al, and its atomic number is 13. It is not soluble in water under normal circumstances....
alloy multi-link suspension arms (four arm with virtual steering axis up front, and trapezoidal arm with unequal length track control arms at the rear) locate each hub/brake/roadwheel assembly in a controllable fashion, whilst minimising unsprung masses. Lightweight hollow tubular anti-roll bars
Sway bar
A sway bar or anti-roll bar or stabilizer bar is a part of an automobile suspension that helps reduce the roll of a vehicle that is induced by cornering or road irregularities. It connects opposite wheels together through short lever arms linked by a torsion spring...
are standard front and rear. Compared to standard B7 A4 models, the RS4 features a 30 millimetres (1.2 in) lower ride height
Ride height
Ride height is the amount of space between the base of an automobile tire and the underside of the chassis; or, more properly, to the shortest distance between a flat, level surface, and any part of a vehicle other than those parts designed to contact the ground...
. An optional "Sports Suspension Plus" lowers the car by a further 10 millimetre (0.393700787401575 in), and marginally further stiffens the damper rates.
Axle track
Axle track
The axle track in automobiles and other wheeled vehicles which have two or more wheels on an axle, is the distance between the centreline of two roadwheels on the same axle, each on the other side of the vehicle...
has also been increased over standard A4s; the front widened by 37 millimetres (1.5 in), to 1559 millimetres (61.4 in) and the rear by 47 millimetres (1.9 in) to 1569 millimetres (61.8 in).
Speed sensitive "servotronic" variable-assistance electro-hydraulic power assisted steering
Power steering
Power steering helps drivers steer vehicles by augmenting steering effort of the steering wheel.Hydraulic or electric actuators add controlled energy to the steering mechanism, so the driver needs to provide only modest effort regardless of conditions. Power steering helps considerably when a...
(PAS) is controlled from a compact flat-bottomed steering wheel
Steering wheel
A steering wheel is a type of steering control in vehicles and vessels ....
, finished in perforated leather with mock-aluminium trim. The steering rack ratio is 13.1:1, and the turning circle
Turning radius
The turning radius or turning circle of a vehicle is the size of the smallest circular turn that the vehicle is capable of making. The term turning radius is actually a misnomer, since the size of a circle is actually its diameter, not its radius. The less ambiguous term turning circle is preferred...
is 11.1 metres (36.42 ft).
B7 brakes, wheels and tyres
Standard brakeBrake
A brake is a mechanical device which inhibits motion. Its opposite component is a clutch. The rest of this article is dedicated to various types of vehicular brakes....
s on the RS4 consist of two-piece, cross-drilled, radially ventilated and floating cast iron
Cast iron
Cast iron is derived from pig iron, and while it usually refers to gray iron, it also identifies a large group of ferrous alloys which solidify with a eutectic. The color of a fractured surface can be used to identify an alloy. White cast iron is named after its white surface when fractured, due...
brake discs
Disc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
, secured to aluminium alloy
Aluminium alloy
Aluminium alloys are alloys in which aluminium is the predominant metal. The typical alloying elements are copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon and zinc. There are two principal classifications, namely casting alloys and wrought alloys, both of which are further subdivided into the categories...
disc hubs. The two-piece disc construction, with its lightweight alloy disc hub helps reduce unsprung masses, and also helps to reduce the transmission of heat generated by the brakes to the wheel bearings.
The front discs are sized at 365 millimetres (14.4 in) in diameter by 34 millimetres (1.34 in) thick, and use gloss black Brembo
Brembo
Brembo S.p.A. is a manufacturer of automotive brake systems, especially for high-performance cars and motorcycles. It was established in Bergamo, Italy in 1961. Soon after the company was formed, it specialised in disc brakes, which were exclusively imported from the United Kingdom at the time...
monoblock eight-opposed piston fixed calipers. These, along with the transmission, are supplied with a cooling airflow directed from NACA duct
NACA duct
A NACA duct also sometimes called a NACA scoop or NACA Inlet, is a common form of low-drag air inlet design, originally developed by the U.S. National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics , the precursor to NASA, in 1945....
s located in the engine front undertray.
A lighter, and higher performing "Audi ceramic" front brake system - consisting of cross-drilled, radially vented and floating Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) composite SGL Carbon
SGL Carbon
SGL Carbon is one of the world's leading manufacturers of products from carbon. The company portfolio ranges from carbon and graphite materials to carbon fibers and composites...
discs, sized at 380 millimetres (15 in) by 38 millimetres (1.5 in), with grey Brembo monoblock six-opposed piston fixed aluminium alloy calipers were an option from 2007 model year
Model year
The model year of a product is a number used worldwide, but with a high level of prominence in North America, to describe approximately when a product was produced, and indicates the coinciding base specification of that product....
onwards (and only with 19 inch roadwheels). These have a much greater tolerance to thermal differences, virtually eliminating brake fade
Brake fade
Vehicle braking system fade, or brake fade, is the reduction in stopping power that can occur after repeated or sustained application of the brakes, especially in high load or high speed conditions...
, and have a duration of five times greater than conventional iron discs. A further attribute of the Ceramic brakes is that they reduce unsprung mass by around 50%, and therefore improve steering response and overall handling as a result.
Rear brakes are drilled, vented and floating 324 millimetres (12.8 in) by 22 millimetre (0.866141732283465 in) iron discs, with gloss black Lucas
LucasVarity
LucasVarity plc was a UK automotive parts manufacturer, created by a merger of the British Lucas Industries plc, and the North American Varity Corporation in August 1996.-Foundation:...
-Girling TRW
TRW Automotive
TRW Automotive , headquartered in Livonia, Michigan, USA, is a major global supplier of automotive systems, modules and components to automotive original equipment manufacturers and related aftermarkets....
single piston floating calipers utilising an integrated mechanical handbrake
HandBrake
HandBrake is a general-purpose, open-source, cross-platform, multithreaded video transcoder software application. HandBrake was originally developed by titer in 2003 as a general-purpose video transcoder to make ripping a film from a DVD to a data storage device easier...
mechanism.
A specifically 'tuned' "sport-biased" Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
is standard, and includes Anti-lock Braking System
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
(ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution ', Electronic brakeforce limitation ' is an automobile brake technology that automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle's brakes, based on road conditions, speed, loading, etc...
(EBD), and Brake Assist
Brake assist
Brake Assist is a generic term for an automobile braking technology that increases braking pressure in an emergency situation. The first application was developed jointly by Daimler-Benz and TRW/LucasVarity...
(BA). This ESP system has three user-selectable settings – the standard default full protection mode, increased slip mode (which turns off the ASR and EDL), and ESP fully off. Another useful function of the ESP 8.0 is the inclusion of 'disc wiping', whereby the ESP system frequently but momentarilly applies the brakes during wet weather. This effectively removes water from the disc and pad surfaces, and helps maintain braking performance of dry weather. This operation is undetectable by the driver.
In the UK and Japan, standard roadwheels
Wheel
A wheel is a device that allows heavy objects to be moved easily through rotating on an axle through its center, facilitating movement or transportation while supporting a load, or performing labor in machines. Common examples found in transport applications. A wheel, together with an axle,...
are 19 inch alloy wheel
Alloy wheel
Alloy wheels are automobile wheels which are made from an alloy of aluminium or magnesium. They are typically lighter for the same strength...
s with (eXtraLoad) high performance tyres
Tire
A tire or tyre is a ring-shaped covering that fits around a wheel rim to protect it and enable better vehicle performance by providing a flexible cushion that absorbs shock while keeping the wheel in close contact with the ground...
. This 19" wheel and tyre package was an option for the North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
n, and some Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an markets. Factory supplied tyres included Continental
Continental AG
Continental AG, internally often called Conti for short, is a worldwide leading German manufacturer of tires, brake systems, vehicle stability control systems, engine injection systems, tachographs and other parts for the automotive and transport industries. The company is based in Hanover, Germany...
SportContact 3, Michelin
Michelin
Michelin is a tyre manufacturer based in Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne région of France. It is one of the two largest tyre manufacturers in the world along with Bridgestone. In addition to the Michelin brand, it also owns the BFGoodrich, Kleber, Riken, Kormoran and Uniroyal tyre brands...
Pilot Sport PS2, or Pirelli
Pirelli
Pirelli & C. SpA is a diverse multinational company based in Milan, Italy. The company, the world’s fifth largest tyre manufacturer, is present in over 160 countries, has 20 manufacturing sites around the world and a network of around 10,000 distributors and retailers.Founded in Milan in 1872,...
P-Zero Rosso – although many owners have questioned the load-carrying abilities of the Pirellis (from unexplained sidewall failures and dubious dynamic stability), opting for the more durable Michelins at replacement time. A no-cost option of 18 inch alloy wheels with tyres was also available, and these are standard in North American markets. A 19" winter wheel and tyre package was also available as an option, and included Dunlop
Dunlop Tyres
Dunlop Tyres is a British company owned 75% by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and 25% by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which bought the right to sell Dunlop-branded road tyres....
SP WinterSport 3D tyres.
A direct-acting Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Tire pressure monitoring system
-General:A Tire Pressure Monitoring System is a system designed to monitor the air pressure inside the pneumatic tires on various types of vehicles...
(TPMS) is standard fitment. This system monitors the actual pressure in all four tyres every three seconds, and should any loss in pressure be detected, both an audible and visual warnings are given to alert the driver via the Driver Information System (DIS) in a timely manner.
Other B7 notable features
Other notable features to be found as standard equipment on cars for non-North American markets are the smaller, flat bottomed steering wheelSteering wheel
A steering wheel is a type of steering control in vehicles and vessels ....
(complete with "Sport" button), and the body-hugging Recaro
Recaro
RECARO GmbH & Co. KG, commonly known as Recaro, is a German company based in Kirchheim unter Teck in the vicinity of Stuttgart, known for their automobile bucket seats...
shell-type race bucket seats, complete with electrically inflatable upper and lower side bolsters.
B7 crash testing
The North American Insurance Institute for Highway SafetyInsurance Institute for Highway Safety
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety is a U.S. non-profit organization funded by auto insurers, established in 1959 and headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. It works to reduce the number of motor vehicle crashes, and the rate of injuries and amount of property damage in the crashes that...
(IIHS) crash tested the B7 RS4s sibling, the B7 A4, and awarded it "Double Best Pick" for frontal and side crashes - beating illustrious rivals such as the BMW 3 Series
BMW 3 Series
The BMW 3 Series is a compact executive car manufactured by the German automaker BMW since May 1975. Successor to the BMW New Class, it has been produced in five different generations and in no less than five different body styles. It is BMW's best-selling model, accounting for around 30% of the...
, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class
Mercedes-Benz C-Class
The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is a compact executive car produced by the Mercedes-Benz division of Daimler AG. First introduced in 1993 as a replacement for the 190 range , the C-Class was the smallest model in the marque's lineup until the 1997 arrival of the A-Class...
, and even the Volvo S60
Volvo S60
The Volvo S60 is a compact executive sedan produced by the Swedish automaker Volvo from 2000. Two generations of the sedan have been produced to date.-First generation :...
.
B7 awards
The Audi B7 RS4 won the Top Gear 'Car of the Year Award 2005', and the Ward's '2005 Auto Interior of the Year' award.In 2007, the Audi RS4 was the winner in the "World Performance Car" category of the International World Car of the Year
World Car of the Year
The World Car of the Year is an automobile award selected by a jury of 48 international automotive journalists from 22 countries. Cars considered must be sold in at least five countries on at least two continents prior to January 1 of the year of the award...
(WCOTY). It beat illustrious rivals, including its larger sibling, the Audi C6 S6, the Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche 911 GT3
Porsche 911 GT3
The Porsche 911 GT3 is a higher performance version of the Porsche 911 sports car. It is the latest in a line of high performance models, beginning with the 1973 911 RS...
, Ferrari 599 GTB, and Jaguar XKR.
Speed World Challenge
The B7 RS4 was planned to replace the C5 RS6 in the SCCA Speed World ChallengeSPEED World Challenge
The Pirelli World Challenge is a North American auto racing series that is sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America . Founded in 1985, it consists of four classes: grand touring, touring car, a "GTS" class since 2010, and a "touring car B-spec" since 2012...
, but after Champion Racing had prepared the car, it was decided not to compete in the series, due to rule changes imposed by the Sports Car Club of America
Sports Car Club of America
The Sports Car Club of America is a club and sanctioning body supporting road racing, rallying, and autocross in the United States. Formed in 1944, it runs many programs for both amateur and professional racers.-History:...
(SCCA) on Audi concerning 4WD systems, wheels size, and engine power output. Rather than scrapping the fully built Speed World Challenge RS4, Champion and Audi used the car as a part of the American Le Mans Series Vitesse Program, which highlights the technology link between race cars
Auto racing
Auto racing is a motorsport involving the racing of cars for competition. It is one of the world's most watched televised sports.-The beginning of racing:...
and conventional series production road cars.
Euro Superstars
Six RS4s are openly campaigned in the Superstars Series by Audi Sport Italia. Audi RS4 quattro driver Gianni MorbidelliGianni Morbidelli
Gianni Morbidelli is a racing driver from Italy. He is the son of Giancarlo Morbidelli, the founder of Morbidelli motorcycle company which had success in Grand Prix motorcycle racing. Morbidelli participated in 70 Formula One Grands Prix, debuting on March 11, 1990. He achieved one podium, and...
won the 2007 and 2008 championships.
See also
- Audi S and RS modelsAudi S and RS modelsAudi S and RS models are a range of high performance cars of certain model ranges from the German automotive company AUDI AG. These cars are original equipment manufacturer factory "upgraded" versions of specific cars, from within Audi's standard range of vehicles, primarily focusing in enhanced...
- Audi A4Audi A4The first generation Audi A4 debuted in 1994, with production starting November 1994. It was built on the Volkswagen Group B5 platform, which it shared with the fourth generation Volkswagen Passat . It had a front-mounted longitudinal engine and front-wheel drive...
(includes information on the factory-developed V8-powered A4 DTM race cars) - Audi S4Audi S4The Audi S4 is the high performance variant of Audi's compact executive car A4. The original Audi S4, built from 1991 until 1994, was a performance-oriented version of Audi's 100 saloon/sedan...
- Audi S6Audi S6The Audi S6 is a high-performance version of the Audi A6, an executive car produced by German automaker Audi. It went on sale in 1994, shortly after the "A6" designation was introduced, replacing the "100" nameplate...
- Audi RS6Audi RS6The Audi RS6 quattro, commonly referred to as the RS6, is the highest performing version, and top-of-the-line specification of the Audi A6, positioned above the Audi S6...
External links
- Audi.com official corporate website
- "Sinister Beauty" an official Audi UK microsite
- Audi B7 RS4 test drive and review at AudiWorld.com