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2006 Audi RS 4 Preview

Audi tackles BMW at the five-yard line…again

Christian Wardlaw
by Christian Wardlaw
April 22, 2005
2 min. Reading Time
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When 340 horsepower in a compact all-wheel-drive sedan just won’t do, Audi rides to the rescue with the 2006 RS 4. The new RS 4 tops the 340-horse Audi S4 by 80 ponies, bringing the total to 420 thundering hooves. Imagine how that’ll get the blood boiling, especially since the current S4 is already the darling of the North American automotive press. ‘Course, it’ll empty a wallet pretty quickly, too. But with a slate of impressive advancements, the cost might just be worthwhile. Arriving in the U.S. in the middle of the 2006 model year, the Audi RS 4’s technical achievements are solidly rooted in the German automaker’s LeMans-winning motorsports experience, including a new Quattro all-wheel-drive system, direct-injection fuel delivery, higher engine speeds, and other features that make the RS 4 the greatest performance Audi ever sold in North America. When the 2006 Audi RS 4 arrives in the middle of 2006, it will be sold only as a sedan. An Avant station wagon version won’t be offered, leaving performance junkies who need to carry extra stuff with the 340-horsepower S4 Avant.

Powertrain

Wedged under the 2006 Audi RS 4’s hood is a 420-horsepower V8 engine equipped with direct fuel injection. Able to rev to 8,250 rpm, this 4.2-liter powerplant makes 90 percent of its maximum 317 lb.-ft. of torque between 2,250 and 7,600 rpm, promising an astoundingly flat powerband with plentiful response throughout the rev range.

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Performance

Power flows to all four wheels through a new quattro all-wheel-drive system with a self-locking Torsen center differential. What makes it different, according to Audi, is that is splits engine torque dynamically and symmetrically. Audi also says that the new 2006 RS 4 will accelerate to 60 mph in about 4.6 seconds. Other performance goodies include a sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC – a variable damper control system) and a significantly improved braking system. The 18-inch brake discs are cross-drilled and inner-vented, with underfloor Naca cooling jets helping to eliminate brake fade. In wet weather, a new feature automatically dries the brake pads for optimum performance.

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Design

Audi differentiates the new RS 4 with a diamond-pattern grille, added air intake scoops in the front, unique wheels, and a special lower rear air dam with larger exhaust outlets. A discreet lip spoiler and a suspension lowered by 30mm complete the exterior revisions. The appearance is definitely low-key, just the way real driving machines should look. Why flaunt your speed?

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Interior

Inside, the 2006 Audi RS 4 blends luxury and sport in equal parts. Serious sports seats with inflatable bolsters conform exactly to the driver’s body. And, just like in motorsports, the steering column tapers, aluminum foot pedals are included, and a starter button in the center console fires the RS 4. A special button on the steering wheel modifies the software controlling the accelerator, allowing the driver to reprogram the RS 4 for sharper engine response. Leather, aluminum, and carbon fiber decorate the cabin.

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Features

For the 2006 Audi RS 4, the standard stability control system is revised to intervene later and for shorter periods of time, giving the driver a greater handling envelope with which to play. Other features of the new RS 4 include standard automatic climate control, power front windows, premium audio system, and sonar park assist in both bumpers. Options include a navigation system and dynamic adaptive headlights that can illuminate around corners. Photos courtesy of Audi AG

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