Spied: B8 Audi RS4 Avant caught testing in Austria

[quattroholic]

Spied: B8 Audi RS4 Avant caught testing in Austria
Originally posted to quattroholic.com (http://www.quattroholic.com/2011/07/spied-b8-audi-rs4-avant-caught-testing.html) at 5:50 PM EST. Monday, July 25, 2011

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3-F_QognncA/Ti3foBPuy4I/AAAAAAAAKLE/7RlX3hQjjB4/s500/Audi%2BRS4%2BAvant%2BSpy%2BHeader.jpg

As possibly the most exciting spy spotting this year, the new B8-bodied Audi RS4 Avant caused quite a stir when we posted our first spy shots back in March (http://www.quattroholic.com/2011/03/spied-new-audi-rs4-avant-caught-lapping.html). Since then though, this elusive test mule seemed to completely drop off of our radar - that is, until now. Caught high altitude testing at the Großglockner in the Austrian Alps, this test mule's unmistakable flared fenders, aggressive front fascia, big brakes and 20" wheels all give away its true RS4 identity.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZNZqkE3fiC8/Ti3foTpYMII/AAAAAAAAKLM/iX3KgJ0hlcg/s500/Audi%2BRS4%2BAvant%2BSpy%2B6.JPG

As we mentioned in our last spy report, the next generation RS4 will most likely debut next year, in-step with the A4/S4's mid-cycle face lift. And under the hood, we expect the new RS4 to share the same high-revving, 4.2-liter V8 as the RS5. While its still too early to know for sure, we desperately hope to see the next-gen RS4 (specifically the Avant) reach North American shores.

Check out the full hi-res photo gallery at quattroholic.com (http://www.quattroholic.com/2011/07/spied-b8-audi-rs4-avant-caught-testing.html)

[Adork4]

I'm in love.

[greg@dubaudi]

I'm in love. yup

[Slow4]

[drool]

[Turkish]

Please have 2 turbos...

[Anthony]

Please have 2 turbos...

Agreed!

*holds breath*
*crosses fingers*

[drglove10]

I want one <3 <3 <3

[biketsai]

Do want.

[CBRmatt600]

I'm gonna be real disappointed if it comes with an N/A 4.2

[edwardabodnar]

Were probably not even going to get it in the US

[CKS]

QH- what about starting an online petition to gather signatures to encourage Audi to bring it to the states, like was done with the TTRS?

[quattroholic]

QH- what about starting an online petition to gather signatures to encourage Audi to bring it to the states, like was done with the TTRS?

Good idea. Once the car is officially revealed by Audi AG, we'll definitely do that. Just a hunch, but I'm guessing we'll get lots of signatures [;)]

[richib86]

I'm gonna be real disappointed if it comes with an N/A 4.2

+1

[ENV²]

I'm gonna be real disappointed if it comes with an N/A 4.2

+2

[Sour]

QH- what about starting an online petition to gather signatures to encourage Audi to bring it to the states, like was done with the TTRS?

\

x2 thanks quattroholic

[Chestlock]

Uninspiring styling..... other than the fact it's a wagon. Thought it'd look a lot meaner than that.

[s4nAri]

Would you all agree that it will not be a manual? Pure conjecture of course but seeing as how the RS5 doesn't have the option, why would they give the option on the RS4 (especially if they share the same engine (more speculation). That being said, if the avant RS4 came to the states without a manual it would still be very tempting, but the RS4 sedan without a manual is probably a deal breaker. I'm just a huge fan of the sports wagon!

[helix139]

Uninspiring styling..... other than the fact it's a wagon. Thought it'd look a lot meaner than that.

You realize this is just a test mule and the real thing will be the facelifted body style, right?

[Turbavanttro]

I want one next to my B6.

Ready to sign the offer sheet...or petition, which ever comes first.

[TofuShop]

wow, those wide fenders look amazing

[CONTROL TWO]

why would the rs5 be n/a v8 and the rs4 be a twin turbo v8? sorry guys, but this thing is gonna have that boring 4.2l v8

[richib86]

why would the rs5 be n/a v8 and the rs4 be a twin turbo v8? sorry guys, but this thing is gonna have that boring 4.2l v8

sigh...

[oatzel]

yes please

[TofuShop]

what was the difference between the last gen S4 and RS4? suspension and bodywork only?

[vintagespin]

please bring an avant to the US. please please, pretty please?

[Shnab]

looks like an S4 avant to me

[vintagespin]

looks like an S4 avant to me

note the brakes, ride height and wide ass wheels

[jrclutch55]

why would the rs5 be n/a v8 and the rs4 be a twin turbo v8? sorry guys, but this thing is gonna have that boring 4.2l v8

good chance of the 4.0 single turbo in this and possibly the rs5, I know they are coming out with the motor and I heard its (potentially) going to be in the a6/a7/a8 as an option, as well as the rs5 and rs4. I know thw rs5 currently has the n/a 4.2 but rumor is the might make a switch to the 4.0t

[Anthony]

what was the difference between the last gen S4 and RS4? suspension and bodywork only?
The RS 4 had a tuned engine putting out more horses, wider fenders and wheels, different bumpers, sportier interior, and more.



please bring an avant to the US. please please, pretty please?
Not going to happen, unfortunately.

[OverSpun]

Agreed!

*holds breath*
*crosses fingers*

I'd be happy with a 5cyl turbo. ;)

[Amorphic]

needs to be more variety between regular models, S models and RS models. This looks good but Im not wowed by it.

[Auditude2.0T]

I'd be happy with a 5cyl turbo. ;)

x100,000

[basemntboy]

New RS4?....
Anyone want to buy a left nut???

[ChrisFarleyGuy]

New RS4?....
Anyone want to buy a left nut???

Keep it. Chances are it won't be imported to the US. It's too bad.

[OverSpun]

Don't worry yet: I'm sure audi will run a short 2 year run on the rs4 again but itll likely be a sedan again.

I wish they allowed avants for the s4, and the rs4 for ordering.

[theKB]

I would be willing to put a deposit down if the car was the V8 TFSI. If it was just the V8 FSI found in the RS5 in an avant body I would have to think about it.

[basemntboy]

Keep it. Chances are it won't be imported to the US. It's too bad.

Hmmmmm How bout both nuts? That way I can import one....

[azburnin]

I tell you what you can take one of mine and you'll have three, but i want dibs on the weekends

[speciale ed]

Count me in as well - I will sign an offer sheet.


I want one next to my B6.

Ready to sign the offer sheet...or petition, which ever comes first.

[hihosilver]

Am I the only one who thinks that both the front and rear valances are just too high off the ground for this car to have the truly aggressive stance of an RS body? Not that I'd kick it outta bed for eating crackers but the clearence just looks a little to off-road ready IMHO...

[Anthony]

Am I the only one who thinks that both the front and rear valances are just too high off the ground for this car to have the truly aggressive stance of an RS body? Not that I'd kick it outta bed for eating crackers but the clearence just looks a little to off-road ready IMHO...

This is not a production car, just a test mule. A lot can and will change before it's officially unveiled and then available for sale.

[titsavant32]

Were probably not even going to get it in the US

don't worry....it definitely won't be availble here in the states....ever. I'll keep dreaming though. :)

[MrPerfect]

Yeah, despite this evidence, I'm still sticking with it's going to be Euro only and the next refresh will see it hit our shores.

[salmjo1]

To me, it's tough to get a turbo motor to sound good. I have fallen in love with the supercharger on the V6. I'd love to see a hotter version of the S4 V6 (which would be lighter). And you could retain both transmissions. And it would be easier to get past the EPA.

To be quite honest, a chipped S4 has more than enough power (Audi could easily build a 425 hp version) I am more interested in the flared fenders and the lower wider stance than anything else. The thing I miss most from the old RS4 is the look.

[A4.Rob]

those shots are of an euro spec s4 avant. The fenders are no more flared then the regular car, the rear is the same, and the front is the same except for there is some sort of shinny mesh in place of the foglight inserts.

Even look in the high res photos. YOU CAN SEE THE S4 BADGE!!

[A4.Rob]

to be honest the photos of the said "RS4 Avant" back in march are no more likely to be an RS4. Family friends of ours have an S4 avant and it looks the exact same as both of these said rs4's.

[Anthony]

those shots are of an euro spec s4 avant. The fenders are no more flared then the regular car, the rear is the same, and the front is the same except for there is some sort of shinny mesh in place of the foglight inserts.

Even look in the high res photos. YOU CAN SEE THE S4 BADGE!!

It's running a wider track than a typical production S4, and there is definitely something going on with those fenders.

[billyp7718]

what was the difference between the last gen S4 and RS4? suspension and bodywork only?

Tsfi engine with additional 80 horses
Upgraded suspension, wheels, and brakes
Wider fenders and other monor cosmetics

[SilverShark]

No surprise...that thing is BaaadAsss! I'll take 1 please.

[GiacGRs4]

i think its just a regular S4 avant or a modded one. The license plates tells me its a registered car that some one owns

[sleeperwagon]

Dear Audi North America, this is just one audi site and I think you have gathered enough interest to at least bring a low quantity of these to the states. We are already seeing B7 RS4's hit Stateside at great expense to the owners. come on. Lets face it, how many males actually buy your "Cute-Ute Q5's? Can't be that high, I would consider a white one for my daughters and maybe my wife when we replace the Q7 but it looks like a bloated egg in my opinion. Nothing "sport" about it.
Yes, North America is the SUV, fuel sucking consumer market and I do like our 4.2 Q7. I can tell you the Q7 sits in the garage more since buying the Avant.

We continue to see the RS4 Avant and RS6 Avants do very well in Europe, give us a limited production run PLEASE!!!!

[A4.Rob]

just to confirm that this is a regular s4. Take a look at these two pics. Both are S4's, the first being the said RS4 avant.

Wheel arches are the same. Front facia is the same, etc. Only difference is whoevers s4 this is they put some mesh in place of the flog lights and have the titanium package with blackout grille and trim.

This is no spy shot of the RS4 avant. You can even see the S4 badge.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vcdmOXkrbaU/Ti3gGLjFNSI/AAAAAAAAKLU/xrlTyNZOJww/s1600/Audi%2BRS4%2BAvant%2BSpy%2B1.JPG

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/Bild031.jpg

[Anthony]

just to confirm that this is a regular s4. Take a look at these two pics. Both are S4's, the first being the said RS4 avant.

Wheel arches are the same. Front facia is the same, etc. Only difference is whoevers s4 this is they put some mesh in place of the flog lights and have the titanium package with blackout grille and trim.

This is no spy shot of the RS4 avant. You can even see the S4 badge.


The top one (the supposed RS 4) has much bigger brakes as well.

[UkuRiSh]

4.2 v8 comon give to us some more fun like 4.0 twin turbo

[Saracen]

i think its just a regular S4 avant or a modded one. The license plates tells me its a registered car that some one owns

Every Audi mule or prototype has a license plate. Nothing special there.

If it were a regular Audi mule it would have a license plate that starts with "IN" for Ingolstadt. This mule has an "HN" plate, indicating it's from Helibronn where quattro gmbh is located.

So yes, it's an RS4 mule.

[audifirst]

here is more info
http://www.caradvice.com.au/137858/audi-rs4-spy-photos/audi-rs4-8/

[JohnCash]

Nice. Looks like a highwayman's dream. I was just looking at the A2 concept and imagined if they applied that look to the S4 RS4 it would be nice. Oh and yes please boost her.

[russcul boi]

Am I the only one who thinks that both the front and rear valances are just too high off the ground for this car to have the truly aggressive stance of an RS body? Not that I'd kick it outta bed for eating crackers but the clearence just looks a little to off-road ready IMHO...

Agree

[madmadS4]

Am I the only one who wants this to be a sedan???

[Bonger]

The US needs an RS4 avant, because we all want one, but wagons don't sell well stateside. Wagon versions of all the other german "tuned" sedans we love here (i.e., C63) exist outside of the US. Personally, I find the standard NA V8 in Audi's suped-up RS line offensive. Its stale and not comparable to the engines and numbers competitors are putting out. IMO they need a 4.0 TT or comparable in the new line. And I agree that I would expect more aggressive body lines throughout the new RS4 but this is not the production RS4 (yet). We'll have to wait and see. But while I am hoping we get this in avant form in the US I highly doubt it will come over :(

[Saracen]

Am I the only one who wants this to be a sedan???

Yes.

Not happening though....the RS5 occupies that slot.

[Dave-B8S4]

I will never understand how this happens to be an RS4 Spy shot.
If you ask me it just looks like a slightly modded s4 avant.
I should throw some 20" titanium wheels Throw on a BBK and change my fog grills maybe i'll be spotted as an Rs4. Lol..

[A4Turbo04]

nice, but not too thrilled about it....B7 body was the best

[OverSpun]

nice, but not too thrilled about it....B7 body was the best

I must disagree- The B5 RS4 or the B4 RS2 can't be topped.

[Turbwhistle]

I think i prefer every other body style(a4/s4/rs4) car better then b8, the dont look mean, they look weak, and to sleek, i would much rather have a wb b5 s4 or a b7 s4 any day(avant of course). If i would buy a new car, i would go a3 over a4 since the new a4 body types are large. just my .02.

[Saracen]

The latest spy photos show an "HN" license plate and oval exhaust pipes. Definitely an RS4 Avant.

[jamerican1]

Yes please!!!! [drool]

[Joey0918]

x2 along with everybody else

[speciale ed]

Dear Audi North America, this is just one audi site and I think you have gathered enough interest to at least bring a low quantity of these to the states. We are already seeing B7 RS4's hit Stateside at great expense to the owners. come on. Lets face it, how many males actually buy your "Cute-Ute Q5's? Can't be that high, I would consider a white one for my daughters and maybe my wife when we replace the Q7 but it looks like a bloated egg in my opinion. Nothing "sport" about it.
Yes, North America is the SUV, fuel sucking consumer market and I do like our 4.2 Q7. I can tell you the Q7 sits in the garage more since buying the Avant.

We continue to see the RS4 Avant and RS6 Avants do very well in Europe, give us a limited production run PLEASE!!!!

Amen!!! I actually just broke down and bought a black/black Avant w/ titanium/ sport package (arrived last evening). I can at least de-badge it, order some APR goodies and pretend!