Audi RS4

Audi RS4 quattro (B7)
	; Audi B7 RS4 quattro saloon
Also called	Typ 8E
Production	2006 - 2008
Predecessor	Audi B5 RS4
Body style(s)	4-dr saloon/sedan,; 5-door Avant (estate/wagon); ,2-door Cabriolet
Platform	Volkswagen Group B7 platform
Engine(s)	4.2 L V8 FSI 2xDOHC
Transmission(s)	6-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,648 mm (104.3 in),; Cabrio: 2,650 mm (104.3 in)
Length	4,589 mm (180.7 in),; Cabrio: 4,555 mm (179.3 in)
Width	1,816 mm (71.5 in),; Cabrio: 1,814 mm (71.4 in)
Height	1,415 mm (55.7 in),; Cabrio: 1,391 mm (54.8 in)
Kerb weight	1,680 kg (3,704 lb),; Cabrio: 1,845 kg (4,068 lb)
Fuel capacity	63 L (13.9 imp gal; 16.6 US gal)
Related	Audi A4 (B7),; Audi S4 (B7)

Audi RS4 Avant quattro (B5)
	; Audi B5 RS4 Avant quattro
Also called	Typ 8D
Production	2000 - 2001
Predecessor	Audi RS2 Avant
Successor	Audi B7 RS4
Body style(s)	5-dr Avant (estate/wagon)
Platform	Volkswagen Group B5 platform
Engine(s)	2.7 L V6 'biturbo' 2xDOHC (ASJ/AZR)
Transmission(s)	6-speed manual
Wheelbase	2,607 mm (102.6 in)
Length	4,525 mm (178.1 in)
Width	1,799 mm (70.8 in)
Height	1,386 mm (54.6 in)
Kerb weight	1,620 kg (3,571 lb)
Fuel capacity	62 L (13.6 imp gal; 16.4 US gal)
Related	Audi A4 (B5); Audi S4 (B5)

Audi RS4 quattro
Manufacturer	quattro GmbH,; (a private subsidiary of Audi AG)
Parent company	Volkswagen Group
Production	B5: 2000-2001,; B7: 2006-2008
Assembly	Neckarsulm, Germany
Class	Compact executive car,; Sports car,; Halo vehicle
Layout	Longitudinal front engine,; quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Platform	Volkswagen Group B platform series
Related	Audi A4; Audi S4

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The Audi RS4 quattro is the top tier and highest performing version of the Audi A4 range of cars. It is a sports-focused compact executive car, produced by quattro GmbH, in limited numbers, for German car manufacturer - Audi AG, part of the larger Volkswagen Group. It slots distinctly above the Audi S4 as the fastest, most sports-focused model based on the A4's "B" chassis.

The original (B5) version was only produced as a five-door five-seat "Avant", Audi's name for a estate car/station wagon. The second (B7) version was released initially as a four-door five-seat saloon/sedan, with the Avant following a short while later. A two-door four-seat Cabriolet version was subsequently added. Furthermore, their internal combustion engines are all front-mounted, and are longitudinally orientated. The transmission is mounted immediately at the rear of the engine in a longitudinal orentation, in the form of a transaxle.

"RS" initials stand for RennSport (from (German), literally translated to "racing sport", actually meaning "motor sport"), and is the Audi marque's highest trim level, positioned above the "S" model specification of Audi's regular model line-up. Like all Audi RS cars, the RS4 pioneers some of Audi's latest advanced technology, and could therefore be described as a halo vehicle. Furthermore, it is only available with Audi's Torsen-based 'trademark' quattro permanent four-wheel drive system.

Its main market competitors initially included the BMW M3, and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, and could also currently include the Lexus IS-F.

[edit] B5 (Typ 8D, 2000-2001)

The original B5 Audi RS4 Avant quattro (Typ 8D) was introduced by Audi AG in late 1999, for main production and sale from 2000, as the successor to the Porsche / quattro GmbH joint venture-developed Audi RS2 Avant. The vehicle, like its RS2 predecessor, was available only as an Avant (Audi's name for an estate car/station wagon), and was built on an existing platform, in this case the Volkswagen Group B5 platform shared with the A4 and S4. Retail price was around Deutsche Mark 103,584. The RS4 was available for sale in most of Europe, parts of Asia and in some Latin American countries.

Audi produced 6030 units between 1999 and 2001.

[edit] B5 bodywork and styling

Although related to the B5 Audi S4, many of the outer body panels are altered, with wider front and rear wheel arches, to allow for the wider track on the RS4. With unique front and rear bumpers, and side sills, and sharing the rear spoiler from the S4 Avant, the aerodynamic modifications achieved a drag coefficient of C_d 0.34. Although the B5 S4 came in a saloon car body style, the B5 RS4 was only available in the Avant version.

Luggage space, measured according to the industry standard VDA method is 390 litres (13.8 cu ft) with the rear seats in the upright position, and 1,250 L (44.1 cu ft) with the seats folded flat.

[edit] B5 powertrain

For the powertrain detail of the B5 RS4, it's motive power came from a modified version of the B5 S4's 2.7 litre V6 'biturbo' - a 2,671 cubic centimetres (163.0 cu in), 30 valve (five valves per cylinder) 90° V6 engine (parts code prefix: 078; identification codes: early version: ASJ, EU2 compliant, and later version: AZR, to EU3 standard). This was tuned by Cosworth Technologies, and featuring enlarged intake/exhaust ports on the cylinder heads, two parallel turbochargers, and two side-mounted intercoolers (SMICs), together with new induction and exhaust systems, and a re-calibrated engine management system. The modifications were enough to increase the engine's power output from the 195 kilowatts (265 PS; 261 bhp) and 400 newton metres (295 ft·lbf) of torque on the S4 - to 280 kW (381 PS; 375 bhp) at 7,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) and 440 N·m (325 ft·lbf) at 6,000 rpm. Engine management is controlled via a Bosch Motronic^[1] ME 7.1 engine control unit, utilising a Bosch 'E-Gas'^[2] drive by wire throttle. Fuel is delivered via manifold-sited multipoint sequential fuel injection, with fueling rate assisted by air mass metering. Ignition system uses six individual spark coils, utilising mapped direct ignition and NGK longlife spark plugs. This highly tuned engine must only be lubricated with a very high qualiity, low-viscosity, fully-synthetic oil (and must meet VW standard 503.01 or newer), as oil temperatures can reach 135 °C (275 °F). Oil temperature is managed by a dual oil:water cooler, and an oil:air cooler.

A six-speed manual transmission (parts code prefix: 01E, identification code: FDP) (gear ratios - 1st: 3.500, 2nd: 1.889, 3rd: 1.320, 4th: 1.034, 5th: 0.806, 6th: 0.684), cooled by a NACA duct in the engine undertray, and Audi's Torsen T-2 quattro permanent four-wheel drive system were standard. Final drive ratio is 4.111.

Even with a kerb weight weight of 1,620 kilograms (3,571 lb), the RS4's powerful engine gave it the performance of a sports car. The 0-100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) dash could be reached in just 4.9 seconds (s), 160 km/h (99.4 mph) could be achieved in just 11.3 s, and 200 km/h (124.3 mph) could be reached in just 17.0 s. Top speed was electronically governed to 250 km/h (155.3 mph).

[edit] B5 brakes, wheels & tyres

Brakes were also developed jointly in house by Audi and Cosworth Technologies, not by Porsche as with its' predecessor, the RS2. It has 360 millimetres (14.17 in) diameter by 32 mm (1.260 in) thick radially vented and floating cast iron discs at the front, with double-piston floating brake calipers, and 312 mm (12.28 in) by 22 mm (0.866 in) discs with a single-piston floating caliper at the rear, giving the RS4 braking to match, needing less than 50 metres (164 ft) to come to a full stop from a speed of 110 km/h (68.4 mph).

Standard roadwheels are 18 inch alloys (8½ x18" "9-spoke"), with 255/35 ZR18 high performance tyres. Optional "winter" alloy wheels were also available, at 18 inch (7½Jx18"), with 225/40 R18 92V tyres.

[edit] Other B5 notable features

"Sideguard", Audi's curtain airbag system.
Xenon High-Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps.

[edit] B7 (Typ 8E, 2006-2008)

Audi B7 RS4 quattro Avant in Sprint Blue pearl

Audi B7 RS4 quattro Cabriolet in Phantom Black pearl

There was no RS4 built on the Audi "B6" platform which served as the basis for the Audi A4 between 2001 and 2005. However, after a long hiatus, the second Audi RS4 quattro (Typ 8E), built on Audi's "B7" A4 platform, by quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm, Germany (a wholly owned private subsidiary of Audi AG), was unveiled in February 2005 at Audi's 'quattro Night' celebration at the company headquarters in Ingolstadt, Germany.^[3] The RS4 came down a replica of a ski jump, then rotated several times on an ice rink, before coming to rest in the centre of the ice. After several minutes to allow the assembled media and guests to examine the car, the RS4 climbed the ski jump and parked near the top. The ski jump was an homage to an Audi commercial from 1986 where an Audi climbed a ski jump in Finland to showcase its superior traction due to Audi's 'trademark' quattro four-wheel drive drivetrain.

The RS4 became available to European customers in mid 2006. It was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January, and arrived in June 2006 North America.

The B7 RS4 is an almost complete departure from previous Audi RS cars, as it was initially available as a saloon/sedan; with an Avant (estate/wagon), and Cabriolet (convertible) versions arriving later. Only the Audi RS6 had taken this similar route (saloon and Avant) before; the previous RS4 and RS2 were available exclusively as Avants. The production run of the B7 RS4 was 2006 to 2008 inclusive, although only 2007 and 2008 model year were sold in the United States. To date, approximately 10,000 B7 RS4s have been built of which around 2,500 are in the USA.

The B7 RS4 Cabriolet, available in Europe from late 2006 to 2008, was made available as a model year 2008 vehicle in the USA.

Audi factory numbers indicate that the B7 RS4 saloon can accelerate from 0-100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and arrive at 200 km/h (124.3 mph) in 16.6 seconds. Many independent tests have shown that a standard B7 RS4 can readily achieve 0-60 mph (97 km/h) times around 4.0 seconds. The August 2006 edition of Road and Track has achieved 4.3 seconds. This is consistent with the pattern of conservatism that is usually found in Audi's official performance numbers.

In the saloon, luggage space is 460 litres (16.2 cu ft) with the rear seats in the upright position, and 833 L (29.4 cu ft) with the seats folded flat. Kerb weight of the saloon variant starts at 1,680 kilograms (3,704 lb) (dependent on specification). This results in a power-to-weight ratio of just 3.93 kilos per bhp.

[edit] B7 powertrain

At the heart of the B7 RS4 powertrain is its internal combustion engine. Motive power comes from a 4.2 litre - 4,163 cc (254 cu in), V8 32-valve (four valves per cylinder) Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) all aluminium alloy petrol engine (parts code and version: 079.D, identification code: BNS). This is a highly reworked, high-revving variant from the existing 4.2 litre V8, having cylinder-direct fuel injection (Fuel Stratified Injection), and four valves per cylinder, instead of five. It has two chain-driven double overhead camshafts (2xDOHC) per cylinder bank, and utilises variable valve timing^[4] for both inlet and exhaust camshafts, along with a variable tract-length intake manifold. It produces a DIN rated maximum output of 309 kilowatts (420 PS; 414 bhp) at 7,800 revolutions per minute (rpm) whilst consuming 98 RON unleaded petrol, over 100 PS (74 kW; 99 bhp) per litre. The engine also produces 430 N·m (317 ft·lbf) of torque, 90 percent of the total torque being available between 2,250 and 7,600 rpm. The engine breathes through four high-flow metallic sports catalytic converters, and exits via twin oval tail pipes with integral dynamic silencer/muffler valves. Engine management is controlled via two Bosch DI-Motronic^[5] MED 9.1 engine control units (working on the 'master/slave' concept), utilising Bosch 'E-Gas'^[6] electronic throttle control (also known as drive-by-wire), comprises throttle device, accelerator-pedal module, and ECU. The ignition system uses eight individual spark coils, utilising mapped direct ignition, with long-life triple-electrode spark plugs. Ignition timing is monitored with the aid of four knock sensors.

A six-speed Getrag manual gearbox (parts code: 0A3, identification codes: HLD, JHM) is the only transmission available (gear ratios - 1st: 3.667, 2nd: 2.211, 3rd: 1.520, 4th: 1.133, 5th: 0.919, 6th: 0.778).

Another focus of the B7 RS4 was on the latest development of Audi's 'trademark' quattro permanent four-wheel drive system, utilising the 'third generation' asymmetric/dynamic Torsen T-3 'automatic torque biasing' (ATB) centre differential, featuring a 40:60 front-to-rear torque split under normal conditions. Audi stressed that this would result in a more neutral response in corners, and a more dynamic driving experience. Also more aggressive Torque Bias Ratio (TBR) was used and set to 4:1, as opposed to 2:1 (and later variants 3:1 TBR) on standard A4.^{[citation needed]} That means that one side of the differential can handle up to 80% while the other side would have to only handle 20% of applied torque.

Front and rear axle differentials are conventional "open" types, with a final drive ratio of 4.111. Traction is further assisted by way of Audis "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL), which is a specific function of the ABS/ESP system. EDL monitors the rotational speeds of the left and right wheels on an individual axle, and if one wheel should rotate faster than the other (exceeding the pre-defined parameters), indicating loss of traction, or "wheel spin" on one wheel, the EDL applies the brakes to that individual spinning wheel, and thus transfers torque across the open differential to the wheel on the other side deemed to have grip, hence traction.

The result of all these features is, that under normal circumstances (driving straight on dry or even rainy asphalt) the car is never losing traction, even when accelerating in the first gear and full throttle.

[edit] B7 suspension & steering

The B7 RS4 also incorporates Audi's "Dynamic Ride Control" (DRC) sports suspension mechanism, made for Audi by KW, and central reservoirs/valves made by KYB. In the RS4 suspension, a fluid mechanical linkage between diagonally opposing front and rear suspension dampers (shock absorbers) is used to counteract vehicle pitch and roll. Lightweight magnesium/aluminium alloy multi-link suspension arms locate each wheel/brake assembly in a controllable fashion, whilst minimising unsprung masses.

Speed sensitive "servotronic" variable electro-hydraulic power assisted steering is controlled from a compact flat-bottomed steering wheel, finished in perforated leather with mock-aluminium trim.

[edit] B7 brakes, wheels & tyres

Standard brakes on the RS4 consist of cross-drilled, radially ventilated and floating cast iron brake discs. The fronts are sized at 365 millimetres (14.37 in) in diameter by 34 mm (1.339 in) thick, and use gloss black Brembo monoblock eight-opposed piston fixed calipers. These, along with the transmission, are supplied with a cooling airflow directed from NACA ducts located in the engine front undertray. A lighter, and higher performing "Audi ceramic" front brake system - consisting of cross-drilled, radially vented and floating Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) composite SGL Carbon discs, sized at 380 mm (14.96 in) by 38 mm (1.496 in), with grey Brembo monobloc six-opposed piston fixed aluminium alloy calipers were an option from 2007 model year onwards (and only with 19 inch wheels). These have a greater tolerance to thermal differences, thus reducing the potential for brake fade, and have a duration of five times greater than conventional iron discs. A further attribute of the Ceramic brakes is that they reduce unsprung weight by around 50%, and therefore improve steering response and handling as a result.

Rear brakes are drilled, vented and floating 320 mm (12.60 in) by 22 mm (0.866 in) iron discs, with gloss black Lucas-Girling TRW single piston floating calipers utilising an integrated mechanical handbrake mechanism.

A specifically 'tuned' "sport-biased" Bosch^[7] ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme is standard, and includes Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD), and Brake Assist (BA). This ESP system has three user-selectable settings - the standard default full protection mode, increased slip mode (which turns off the ASR and EDL), and ESP fully off.

Standard roadwheels are 19 inch alloy wheels (9Jx19" ET29 "7-arm double spoke") with 255/35 ZR19 96Y XL (eXtraLoad) high performance tyres. Factory supplied tyres included Continental SportContact 3, Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, or Pirelli P-Zero Rosso - although many owners have questioned the load-carrying abilities of the Pirellis (from unexplained sidewall failures and dubious dynamic stability), opting for the more durable Michelins at replacement time. A no-cost option of 18 inch alloy wheels (8½Jx18" "5-spoke design") with 255/40 ZR18 Y XL tyres was also available. A 19" winter wheel and tyre package was also available as an option, and included 255/35 R19 96V Dunlop SP WinterSport 3D tyres. A direct-acting Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is standard fitment.

[edit] Other B7 notable features

Lightweight aluminium front wings (fenders) and bonnet (hood).
A BOSE 10-speaker sound system, with 190 Watt output and automatic dynamic noise compensation.
"Xenon Plus" high-intensity discharge (HID) headlamps, with daytime running lamps.
Engine starter button on centre console.

Other notable features to be found as standard equipment on cars for the European, South African and Australia/New Zealand markets - which are not available in the North American market - are the smaller, flat bottomed steering wheel (complete with "Sport" button), and the body-hugging Recaro shell-type race bucket seats, complete with electrically inflatable upper and lower side bolsters.

[edit] B7 awards

In 2007, the Audi RS4 was the winner in the "World Performance Car" category of the International World Car of the Year (WCOTY). It beat illustrious rivals, including its larger sibling, the Audi S6, the Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche 911 GT3, Ferrari 599 GTB, and Jaguar XKR.

[edit] Motorsport

[edit] Speed World Challenge

The RS4 was planned to replace the RS6 in the SCCA Speed World Challenge, but after Champion had prepared the car, it was decided not to compete in the series.^[why?] The car was used as a part of the American LeMans Series Vitesse program highlighting the technology link between race cars and street cars.

[edit] Euro Superstars

Steven Goldstein at the wheel of a race-prepared RS4

Six RS4's are openly campaigned in the Italian and European Superstars Championships by Audi Sport Italia. Audi RS4 quattro driver Gianni Morbidelli won the 2008 Italian Superstars championship.

[edit] See also

Wikimedia Commons has media related to: Audi RS4

Audi S and RS models
Audi A4 (includes information on the A4 DTM race car)
Audi S4

[edit] References

Audi Self-Study Programme SSP245 - Audi RS4 (B5)

^ Bosch Automotive Technology Motronic for manifold injection
^ Bosch Automotive Technology Electronic throttle control (ETC/EGAS) for manifold injection
^ AudiWorld.com B7 RS4 world introduction at 'quattro Night', 27 Feb 2005
^ Bosch Automotive Technology Variable valve timing
^ Bosch Automotive Technology DI-Motronic for direct gasoline injection
^ Bosch Automotive Technology Electronic throttle control (ETC/EGAS) for direct gasoline injection
^ Bosch Automotive Technology Electronic Stability Programme ESP®

[edit] External links