Test Drive Audi RS4 Avant B8 since 2012 Universal
VORSPRUNG DURCH TECHNIK.
Six months ago, Audi AG has launched a RS4 universal. Universal by definition - family car. Gathered, say, in nature. Driver, four (better three) passenger, a picnic kit and a favorite dog in the luggage compartment. About the security of a dog The Audi RS4 owner will have to take care of particular - this family car is typing a hundred for 4.9 seconds.For the first time, the Universal Audi RS4 saw the light at the 1999 Frankfurt Motor Show. The company immediately announced that the car would go into production, and almost all of the alleged (very limited) issue was immediately burned to the root. In the UK, for example, orders for all 400 cars allocated for this country were decorated long before the start of production. And this at a price under 50,000 pounds.
Similar focus Audi AG once has already done. In 1994, a small series was released by the Audi RS2 universal with a 315-strong 2.2 liter engine equipped with two turbocharger. This car, created in collaboration with Porsche, visited us twice (Motor # 6, 1998 and # 6, 1999), producing a rather strong impression. Yes, and almost all other Audi products, we tried - from the smallest (so far) model A3 and to the elongated representation A8. Including modifications S4. Around Around Audi RS4 ...
A few words about the pedigree car. His immediate predecessor - RS2 - was at the heart of his body of the universal Audi 80/90, known in our people as a barrel. A 2 AVANT model came to replace the eighty, on which (more precisely - on S4) and RS4 is based. But if the RS2 from the original car is almost not different from the source car, you can't tell this about RS4.
The exterior of the car came out - the creators threw unnecessary modesty, due to which the S4 station was so similar to A4. First of all, we notice extended wheeled arches and large 18-inch wheels with small frequent spokes.
Bumpers new. The front is equipped with a low apron with enlarged air intake holes. The average will give air to the radiator of the cooling system, the side - to the intercolers. Gyebel gaps look original in front of the front wheels (the heated air from the intercoolers are given through them) - just like powerful ring racing machines. In the external decoration, the aluminum was visibly present, from which, in particular, rails on the roof were made ...
However, to end the description of the external differences, it is sufficient to say that only the hood and roof are used from the outer panels of the source car.
Under the hood - the V-shaped six-cylinder 2.7 l engine with two turbocharger. With the motor it is worth understanding in more detail. At first glance, this is the same V6 from the A6 2.7T model, which is used on the Version Audi S4. The same working volume, the same number of turbocharger. In fact ...
The head of the block actually developed the famous English company Cosworth Technology, which last year entered the Audi AG clip. Increased cross sections, camshafts, providing a longer opening of the valves, changed the shape of the combustion chambers. To facilitate the respiration of the engine, which requires about 1,000 cubic meters of air per hour, more powerful Cosworth KKK K04 turbochargers are used (superior pressure up to 2.2 atmospheric), as well as intercoolers with an increased cooling surface and an exhaust system with reduced resistance. Plus - a new engine control system. All this allows you to shoot with a motor 380 hp (6100-7000 rpm.) And 440 nm (2500-6000 rpm.). Power 142 hp With a liter of workstation and 235 hp On a ton weight of the car - there is something to be proud of.
The car's assembly of the car is produced at the Audi AG plant in Ingolstadt, on the same conveyor from which the A4 and S4 models come. Engines come from the UK, from the factory Cosworth Technology. As RS4 is a piece, for the final hand-made assembly and finishing the car, send to Nekcarisulm, at the Quattro GmbH plant, Audi AG subsidiary, established in 1983 to protect the Quattro trademark. (Audi AG insists that the name of the subsidiary should be written in this way, from the lower case. By the way, Quattro GmbH is considered the official RS4 manufacturer.) On the day there are only a few cars ...
QUATTRO times, it means there is a constant four-wheel drive. Transmission without any significant changes moved from the S4 model. Only electronic differential control systems (EDL) were subjected to some alteration, stabilization of stability (ESP), brake force distribution (EBD), and the like. - In connection with the modernization of the brake mechanisms.
The mechanical six-speed box is also taken from S4, but the gear ratios are somewhat changed. Pendant all wheels independent multi-dimensional and, judging by the way the car stands above the road, short-terrestrial. Brake mechanisms are now a floating type, and not hard brakes, the size of the disks (360 mm in front and 312 mm is rear) promises efficient braking.
I get acquainted with Audi RS4, we unwittingly compared the car with RS2, then with A / S4 - all these models can be found to predecessors. The interior of the RS2 was richer and luxurious - it is enough to mention the recreational seats of a sports type with inserts from Alcantra in the body color, and a more strict shape of the torpedo tuned on a sporty way. Torpedo RS4 moved from A4, but it looks less pop. To give a sports charm, it was embarrassed by stylish things - carbon fiber inserts and chrome rims of instruments.
On the central console, many space occupies a multifunctional liquid crystal display, which can be adjusted under the desired angle of view - both for the driver and the passenger. It shows information about the operation of musical accompaniment and navigation systems. Similar we met on Audi A8.
The seats this time also carry the RECARO logo, but look more restrained in terms of the development of sports forms and fully separated by one-color skin. Driving comfortable. The seat is moderately rigid and tightly holds the sitting, and the adjustable range enlarged compared to S4 allows you to get the desired and convenient position behind the wheel drivers of any growth. The steering column is not forgotten - it is adjustable in two dimensions.
On the inner panels of the door there is also a carbon fiber and skin, and in general the salon looks good, solid and stylish.
It is possible, but very long. On the other hand, no one complains about the tightness of the rear seats in Ferrari or Porsche ...
The clutch pedal did not seem unnecessarily tight, the course of it is slightly larger than on RS2, the moment of inclusion of the clutch is well. Transfer switches quite clearly, the lever is conveniently located, but the moves seemed to be long. The accelerator pedal has good sensitivity and pleasant elastic effort.
Movement at low speed, including in traffic, nothing displays the essence of Audi RS4. The car behaves like an ordinary urban car with a manual box, the engine is easily and almost sweatily on low revs. Everything like S4. But there was a lumen ahead, and the car literally flew into it, demonstrating and stunning accelerant temperament, and excellent braking dynamics.
It is better not to look at the devices, and there is no time: all attention is on the surrounding environment varying with dizzying speed. Unlike RS2, the motor of which worked as it were in two separate modes - a leisure and explosive, with a noticeable failure between them, the RS4 engine that inherited the S4 motor's character is gaining momentum quickly, smoothly and confidently, without a hint of the turboyam.
Acceleration in a straight line is just mad, up to 6000 revolutions, then the limiter works, and is soft enough, not as on other machines, which, at the same time, be restricted. Even with the sharpest acceleration in the cabin, it is relatively quiet - sound insulation at the height.
The smoothness of the stroke leaves much to be desired. On a good level, RS4 asphalt behaves unmatched, but it begins bad, and its charms are transferred to the body with tangible blows. Shakes, chips, patch and other trifles low-profile tires practically do not swallow. For rigid suspension, the most well-known rule: more gas - less holes. Tires sing almost on any coating.
With the speed passage of turns, the car copes perfectly, however, it did not become a surprise. RS4 - The best controlled model Audi among all we have met. The car with cat chain is kept behind the road and will demonstrate the diligent obedience when turning the steering wheel and pressing the gas pedal (the side support of the front seats has shown well. If the speed is exceeded, RS4 turns smoothly into slipping by all wheels, as it seemed, with some tendency to insufficient turning, while to adjust the trajectory to run a slight steel and gas.
In extreme modes, some detachment of the car from the driver begins to be felt, in particular, the work of numerous electronic systems. But this is an inevitable safety fee behind the wheel. After all, most drivers are not professional rallists, and RS4, however, is considered a family car.
It seems that this road rocket with a trunk of decent dimensions was made specifically for German autobahn - overclocking dynamics, the course stability at high speed and brakes are impressive more than the handling or chassis response on the snake. If you are a racer in the shower, you can probably find another machine that would be more suitable for the specified spiritual property. But will it be good for such a daily ride to work?
Audi RS4 - for more solid people who are ultimately more important and comfortable to get to the right place than to feel the nuances of the chassis. Practical, comfortable all-weather car. Quite harmonious. At the same time, the speed is so much that adrenaline is enough. And he will be not shuffled, and smoothly ...
Text: Ivan Sergeev
A source: Motor magazine
