Audi · 1999–2025

Audi RS4

The Audi RS 4 is the high-performance variant of the Audi A4 range produced by Audi Sport GmbH for AUDI AG, a division of the Volkswagen Group. It sits above the Audi S4 as the fastest, most sports-focused car based on the A4's "B" automobile platform. The RS 4 was reintroduced in 2012, based on the A4 Avant instead of the sedan as did the original model. The original B5 version was produced only as an 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. The "RS" initials are taken from the German RennSport—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 other Audi "RS" cars, the RS 4 pioneers some of Audi's latest advanced technology. It is only available with Audi's Torsen-based "trademark" quattro permanent four-wheel drive system. RS4 models have been produced for every generation of the A4 since 1999, with occasional gaps in production (2001-2006, 2008-2012 and 2015-2018) Its main market competitors include the BMW M3, Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG, Lexus IS-F (formerly) and Cadillac ATS-V (now Cadillac CT4-V Blackwing).

Text from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Predecessor: Audi RS 2 Avant

All Audi RS4 data: UK builds, safety, recalls, model years → + Compare

B5 (Typ 8D, 1999–2001)

The original B5 Audi RS 4 Avant quattro (Typ 8D) was introduced by Audi in late 1999, for main production and sale from 2000, as the successor to the Porsche / Quattro GmbH joint venture-developed Audi RS2 Avant. Like its predecessor, the RS 4 was available only as an Avant 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 DM 103,584. The RS 4 was available for sale in most of Europe, parts of Asia and in some Latin American countries. Audi produced 6,030 units between 1999 and 2001. B5 bodywork and styling. Although related to the B5 S4, many of the outer body panels were altered, with wider front and rear wheel arches to allow for the wider axle track on the RS 4. With unique front and rear bumpers and side sills, and 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 RS 4 was only available in the Avant version. Luggage space, measured according to the industry standard VDA method was 390 litres (13.8 cu ft) with the rear seats in the upright position, and 1,250 litres (44.1 cu ft) with the seats folded flat. B5 powertrain. The engine was developed from the 2.7 litre 90° V6 'biturbo' used in the B5 S4. It displaced 2,671 cubic centimetres (163.0 cu in) and had five valves per cylinder. The engine was developed and manufactured in the UK by Cosworth Technology. It featured aluminium alloy ALSi7Mg cylinder heads, cast by Cosworth, with enlarged intake ports and smaller exhaust ports, two parallel BorgWarner K04-series turbochargers, two larger side-mounted intercoolers, dished piston crowns, stronger connecting rods, larger intake ducting, an enlarged exhaust system, and

B7 (Typ 8E, 2006–2008)

There was no RS 4 built on the Audi "B6" platform, which served as the basis for the Audi A4 between 2001 and 2005. However, the second Audi RS 4 quattro (Typ 8E) was built on Audi's "B7" platform, by quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm, Germany. It was unveiled in February 2005 at Audi's 'quattro Night' celebration at the company headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany. The RS 4 became available to European 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 RS 4 was 2006 to 2008 inclusive, although only 2007 and 2008 model year were sold in the United States. Approximately 10,000 B7 RS 4s were built, of which around 2,000 are in the USA. The B7 RS 4 Cabriolet was sold in Europe from late 2006 to 2008. It was also available in the US in limited numbers per year and sold at a premium of $2000 over the list. Audi factory numbers indicate that the B7 RS 4 saloon can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and arrive at 0 to 200 km/h (0 to 124 mph) 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 mph (97 km/h) time of 4.5 seconds. For the Avant, 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) is reached in 4.9 seconds. Top speed for all variants is "officially" electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph). B7 bodywork and styling. The B7 RS 4 is an almost complete departure from previous Audi "RS" cars, as it was initially available as a four-door five-seat saloon/sedan; with a five-door five-seat Avant, and two-door four-seat Cabriolet versions arriving later. Only the Audi RS 6 had taken this similar route (saloon and Avant) before, unlike the prev

B8 (Typ 8K, 2012–2015)

The Audi RS 4 Avant quattro was unveiled at the 2012 Geneva Motor Show and was based on the B8 A4 Avant. The RS 4 Avant uses the Volkswagen MLB platform, and shares the same powertrain as the RS 5 Coupé. B8 bodywork and styling. Compared to the related B8 S4, the RS 4 features larger bumper air dams and features double exhaust tailpipes compared to the S4's double twin (quadruple) exhaust tailpipes. Wider arches allow for a wider axle and wheels. It also features a completely remodelled front bumper cover with honeycomb grille compared to the standard A4 and S4, as well as a remodelled rear bumper with honeycomb detailing and minor air diffuser. This generation also reverts to only being offered as an Avant. The interior is largely the same but the flat-bottom steering wheel is covered entirely in perforated leather with RS badging on the steering wheel and gear stick. The interior dashboard and door liners are also detailed with carbon fibre inserts as standard although there were options to change this to aluminium or piano black. SuperSport seats covered partly with leather part Alcantara were standard in the B8 RS 4 but as with the B7, there was a winged backed bucket seat option. It was also an option to order the seats covered entirely with leather. B8 powertrain. The RS 4 is powered by a 4.2L FSI V8 engine producing 450 PS (331 kW; 444 hp) and 430 N⋅m (317 lbf⋅ft), allowing the car to accelerate from 0–60 mph (0–97 km/h) in 4.2 seconds. The RS 4 Avant is available with a 7-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic transmission. B8 brakes, wheels and tires. New for the B8 are 'wavy' vented and floating cast iron discs, 365 mm (14.4 in) diameter and 345 mm (13.58 in) thick, with 6-piston Brembo floating calipers, and at the rear 330 mm (13.0 in) by 22 mm (0.87 in) discs with a si

B9 (Typ 8W, 2018–2026)

The B9 RS 4 Avant was unveiled at the 2017 Frankfurt Motor Show. Noticeable changes include a more angular exterior and newly designed wheels. The B9 RS 4 Avant is powered by a 2.9 TFSI V6 twin-turbo engine producing 450 PS (331 kW; 444 bhp) and 600 N⋅m (443 lbf⋅ft) of torque. This means that the RS4 B9 produces the same power as the previous model (B8) while making more torque (extra 170 Nm) from a smaller displacement engine, resulting in better fuel efficiency and acceleration. This 2.9TT V6, (known as the EA839; the DECA variant), is also shared with the Porsche Panamera lineup. The highest trim available of Panamera with this engine is the Panamera 4S. Unlike the B8 RS 4, which had a 7-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic transmission, the new RS 4 Avant is available with an 8-speed 'Tiptronic' automatic transmission.

Motorsport

=== Speed World Challenge === The B7 RS 4 was planned to replace the C5 RS6 in the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) Speed World Challenge, but after Champion Racing had prepared the car, it was decided not to compete in the series, due to rule changes imposed by the SCCA on Audi concerning 4WD systems, wheel size, and engine power output. Rather than scrapping the fully built Speed World Challenge RS 4, Champion Racing 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. Euro Superstars. Six RS 4s are openly campaigned in the Superstars Series by Audi Sport Italia. Audi RS 4 Quattro driver Gianni Morbidelli won the 2007 and 2008 championships.

Sections adapted from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0); text is shortened. Read the full article for the complete history and citations.

Specifications

name

Audi RS 4

Manufacturer

Audi Sport GmbH, (a private subsidiary of AUDI AG)

Production

1999–2001, 2006–2008, 2012–2015, 2018–2025

Class

Compact executive car (D)

Platform

Volkswagen Group B platform series

Layout

Longitudinal F4 layout (quattro)

Related

Audi A4, Audi S4

sp

uk

Specification summary from Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0). Check the linked sources for citations.

More photos

Sources

• Wikidata — https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q568870CC0 1.0 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audi_RS_4CC BY-SA 4.0 · Text © Wikipedia contributors; revision 1375299286 · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Wikimedia Commons — https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Audi_RS4_B5.jpgPublic domain · Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Manufacturer website (link only) — https://www.audi.de/de/brand/de/neuwagen/a4/rs-4-avant.htmlLink only; no content copied · retrieved 2026-10-01
• Car Model Index — https://models.autoculturesociety.com/Compiled record. Sources that do not permit reuse are not copied; this index is credited instead.

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