- Free-revving V8 engine
- quattro system provides immense traction and stability
- Excellent dynamics
- Direct, accurate steering
- FSI engine susceptible to carbon deposits on intake valves
- High maintenance costs
Overview
Released in May 2006, the Audi B7 RS4 was initially available as sedan, with Avant (wagon) models following in October 2006. Manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany, the Audi RS4 was powered by a 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed manual transmission and drove all four wheels via Audi’s quattro system.
4.2 FSI V8 engine
The B7 RS4 was powered by Audi’s BNS engine which had a two-piece, closed-deck cylinder block, die-forged crankshaft, split connecting rods, forged aluminium pistons, chain-driven double overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder actuated by roller rocker arms, variable intake and exhaust valve timing (over a range of 42 crank angle degrees), direct fuel injection (Audi’s ‘Fuel Stratified Injection’, or FSI) and a compression ratio of 12.5:1.
| Engine | Trans. | Drive | Peak power | Peak torque |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.2-litre BNS petrol V8 | 6sp man. | quattro | 309 kW at 7800 rpm | 430 Nm at 5500 rpm |
Dimensions and body
Compared to the related Audi B7 S4 , the RS4 was 3 mm longer (at 4589 mm), 35 mm wider (1816 mm), the same height (1415 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2648 mm). To increase body stiffness over the standard Audi B7 A4 and B7 S4 , the RS4 had laser beam welding of the major seams within the steel body shell.
Suspension
The Audi RS4 had four-link front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension, but also featured Audi’s Dynamic Ride Control (‘DRC’) suspension system which used a fluid hydraulic linkage between diagonally opposed front and rear suspension dampers to minimise body roll and pitch.
quattro
The B7 RS4’s quattro system utilised a third-generation Torsen T-3 centre differential which provided a default front to rear torque split of 40:60. If traction was lost, however, up to 80 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to the front or rear axle. Furthermore, the RS4 was also fitted with front and rear electronic differential locks which could brake individual wheels to transfer torque across the open differential to the opposing wheel.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Audi B7 RS4 included dual front airbags, front side airbags, full-length curtain airbags, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.
Brakes
The Audi B7 RS4 had two-piece, cross-drilled, radially ventilated and floating cast iron brake discs secured to aluminium alloy disc hubs. Furthermore, the 365 mm by 34 mm front discs were fitted with Brembo eight-opposed-piston calipers and 324 mm by 22 mm rear discs with Lucas-Girling TRW single-piston floating calipers.
Features
Standard features for the Audi B7 RS4 included 19-inch alloy wheels, a ten speaker stereo with six-stack CD player and MP3-compatibility, dual zone climate control air conditioning, DVD-based satellite navigation system with TV tuner, Recaro front seats, leather seats, front seats with active bolsters, cruise control, directional bi-xenon headlights with washers, front and rear fog lamps, front and rear parking sensors, automatic headlights, rain-sensing wipers, split and folding rear seats, leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and heated mirrors, tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, height adjustable front seats, courtesy lamps, trip computer, tyre pressure monitoring, an alarm and immobiliser.
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