- Powerful 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6 engine delivers without lag
- quattro traction makes for excellent dynamics
- High standard of interior fit and finish
- Suspension lacks compliance
- High maintenance costs
Overview
Released in November 2000, the Audi B5 Series II (B5.II) RS4 Avant was a high-performance wagon. Manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany, the Audi RS4 Avant was powered by a 2.7-litre twin-turbocharged V6 petrol engine that was mated to a six-speed manual transmission and drove all four wheels via Audi’s quattro system.
ASJ/AZR 2.7 biturbo V6 engine
The B5 RS 4 Avant was powered by Audi’s ASJ and AZR engines which were related to the AZB and AGB engines which powered the Audi B5 S4 . The ASJ and AZR engines had a cast iron block, die-forged steel crankshaft, forged pistons, cast aluminium alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts, five valves per cylinder actuated by hydraulic tappets, variable intake camshaft timing (over a range of 22 crank angle degrees), a compression ratio of 9.0:1 and a maximum engine speed of 7200 rpm. Significantly, the ASJ and AZR engines were fitted with parallel Borg Warner K04 turbochargers which provided peak boost pressure of 1.2 bar; side-mounted air-to-air intercoolers were also used to condense the intake air.
While the ASJ engine complied with Euro II emissions standards, the AZR engine complied with Euro III emissions standards and was fitted with Euro On-Board Diagnosis (EOBD).
| Engine | Trans. | Peak power | Peak torque | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS4 Avant | 2.7-litre ASJ/AZR twin turbo petrol V6 | 6sp man. | 280 kW at 6100-7000 rpm | 440 Nm at 2500-6000 rpm |
Dimensions and suspension
Compared to the related Audi B5 S4 Avant , the RS4 Avant was 37 mm longer (at 4525 mm), 66 mm wider (1799 mm), 4 mm taller (1400 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2607 mm); the drag coefficient was 0.34 Cd.
The B5 RS4 had four-link front suspension and double wishbone rear suspension.
quattro
The B5 RS4 Avant was fitted with a fourth generation permanent four-wheel drive quattro system which utilised a T-2 Torsen centre differential. In normal conditions, the system provided a 50:50 front:rear torque split. However, the front and rear axles were fitted with electronic differential locks which could apply the brakes to spinning wheels – at speeds of up to 80 km/h – with the effect of locking the differential and transferring torque to the opposing axle.
Safety equipment
Standard safety equipment for the Audi RS4 Avant included dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain airbags for front occupants, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelt pretensioners.
Brakes
The Audi B5 RS4 had 360 mm by 32 mm radially vented front brake discs with double-piston floating calipers and 312 mm by 22 mm rear discs with single piston floating calipers.
Features
Standard features for the Audi B5 RS4 Avant included 18-inch alloy wheels with 255/35 ZR18 high performance tyres, a six speaker Bose stereo with a six-disc CD changer, climate control air conditioning, combination leather/Alcantara Recaro front seats, cruise control, front fog lights, xenon headlights, rear parking sensors, split and folding rear seats, a combination leather/Alcantara steering wheel, remote central locking, powered front windows, power mirrors, a height and reach adjustable steering wheel, Alcantara roof lining, a powered sunroof, trip computer, an alarm and immobiliser
For Australia, all RS4 Avants featured a ‘Brilliant Black’ paint finish with a silver leather and Alcantara interior combination. Only fifty vehicles were delivered to Australia.
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