Improved looks and weight savings? Yes, please
Fresh from its world debut at the Frankfurt Motor Show, the all-new Audi RS 4 Avant has already received its first special version, called the Carbon Edition.
Available for both the RS 4 Avant and the RS 5 Coupé, the Carbon Edition package brings both weight savings and more aggressive looks. The Carbon Edition's highlight is the motorsport-inspired Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) detailing, which includes a fully exposed CFRP roof for the RS 5 Coupé only.
Both the RS 5 and the RS 4 gain a Carbon Matt Aluminum Styling Pack consisting of a CFRP finish for the front spoiler (and the rear in RS 5), pumped-up door sills, a diffuser insert, CFRP mirror caps, and interior inlays.
Other styling upgrades include a matt aluminum finish for the radiator grille with an integral matt titanium "quattro" logo, for the window surrounds, and for the front horizontal under-grille bar. Tinted windows, red brake calipers, and larger 20-inch alloy wheels with an anthracite matt black finish round off the design changes.
As for weight savings, the one-piece milled wheel design alone brings a weight saving of 2 kg per wheel versus the standard forged alloys. The carbon roof fitted to the RS 5 Coupé Carbon Edition shaves an additional 3 kg.
Both Carbon Edition models get a CFRP engine cover, but other than that, the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 remains unchanged. It pushes 450 hp and 600 Nm (442 lb-ft) of torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed tiptronic automatic gearbox. However, the RS 4 and RS 5 Carbon Edition do get an upgraded sports exhaust system for a louder soundtrack.
Standard features for the upgraded Audi Sport models include the RS matrix LED headlamps with dynamic indicators, as well as an array of safety and driving assistance systems.
Both models can already be ordered in the UK, with prices starting at £71,625 for the RS 4 Avant Carbon Edition and £75,400 for the RS 5 Carbon Edition, respectively. First deliveries are scheduled for December 2017 (RS 5) and March 2018 (RS 4).
Curious what other RS models Audi Sport is plotting? Check out these renderings of the Q2 and Q5 dressed in RS kit.