Audi RS 4

Audi RS4 quattro

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

The Audi RS4 quattro is the top tier and highest performing version of some specific generations of the Audi A4 range of automobiles. It is a sports-focused compact executive car (often called sport compact in some countries), produced by Audi's high-performance private subsidiary 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" automobile platform.

The original B5 version was only produced as a five-door five-seat "Avant", Audi's name for an estate car/station wagon. The second version, the B7, 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 unique internal combustion engines are all front-mounted, and are longitudinally oriented. Thetransmission is mounted immediately at the rear of the engine in a longitudinal orientation, in the form of a transaxle, and contains both a center and front differential.

The "RS" initials are taken from the German: RennSport – literally translated as "racing 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, the Cadillac CTS-V, and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG, and could also include the Lexus IS-F.

B5 (Type 8D, 2000–2001)

Audi B5 RS4 Avant quattro

Production	2000–2001
Predecessor	Audi RS2 Avant
Successor	Audi B7 RS4
Body style	5-door Avant (estate/wagon)
Platform	Volkswagen Group B5
Engine	2.7 L V6 'biturbo' 2x DOHC (ASJ/AZR)
Transmission	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)
Related	Audi B5 A4 Audi B5 S4

Audi B5 RS4 Avant rear ¾ view

Audi B5 RS4 showing the flared wheel arches

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 6,030 units between 1999 and 2001.

B5 bodywork and styling

Although related to the Audi B5 S4, many of the outer body panels are altered, with wider front and rear wheel arches, to allow for the wider axle 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 litres (44.1 cu ft) with the seats folded flat.

B5 powertrain

Carbon fiber cover of the Audi B5 RS4 2.7 V6 'biturbo' engine

Audi B5 RS4 engine power (red) andtorque (blue) curves

For the powertrain detail of the B5 RS4, its 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 percylinder) 90° V6 engine (parts code prefix: 078; identification codes: early version: 2000 ASJ, EU2 compliant, and later version: 2000-01 AZR, to EU3 standard). This engine was developed and manufactured in the UK by Cosworth Technology (now known as MAHLE Powertrain). It featured enlarged intake and smaller exhaust ports on the two Cosworth cast aluminium alloy ALSi7mg cylinder heads, two parallel turbochargers (one per cylinder bank), two larger side-mounted intercoolers (SMICs), dished piston crowns, stronger connecting rods, larger intake diameter hoses, enlarged exhaust system, and a re-calibrated Bosch Motronic 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 kilowatts (381 PS; 375 bhp) at 7,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) and 440 newton metres (325 ft·lbf) at 6,000 rpm. Engine management is controlled via a Bosch Motronic ME 7.1 electronic engine control unit (ECU), utilising a Bosch 'E-Gas' electronic drive by wire throttle. Fuel is delivered via intake manifold-sited multipoint sequential indirect fuel injection, with fueling rate assisted by air mass metering. Ignition system uses six individual single-spark coils, utilising mapped direct ignition and NGK longlife spark plugs. This highly tuned engine must only be lubricated with a very high quality, low-viscosity, fully synthetic oil (and must meet VW standard 503.01 or newer), as average 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-based quattro permanent four-wheel drive system, utilising the Torsen T-2 'automatic torque biasing' (ATB) center differential, with a 50:50 default bias 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 to 100 kilometres per hour (0 to 62.1 mph) dash could be reached in just 4.9 seconds, 160 kilometres per hour (99.4 mph) could be achieved in just 11.3 seconds, and 200 kilometres per hour (124.3 mph) could be reached in just 17.0 seconds. Top speed was electronically governed to 250 kilometres per hour (155.3 mph).

B5 brakes, wheels and tires

Brakes were also developed jointly in house by Audi's quattro GmbH and Cosworth Technologies, not by Porsche as with its predecessor, the RS2. It has 360 millimetres (14.2 in) diameter by 32 millimetres (1.26 in) thick radially vented and floating cast iron discs at the front, with double-piston floating brake calipers, and 312 millimetres (12.3 in) by 22 millimetres (0.87 in) discs with a single-piston floating caliper at the rear, giving the RS4 braking to match, needing less than 50 metres (160 ft) to come to a full stop from a speed of 110 kilometres per hour (68 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.

Other B5 notable features

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

B7 (Type 8E, 2006–2008)

Audi B7 RS4 quattro

Production	2006–2008
Predecessor	Audi B5 RS4
Body style	4-door saloon/sedan, 5-door Avant (estate/wagon), 2-door Cabriolet
Platform	Volkswagen Group B7
Engine	4.2 L V8 FSI 2x DOHC
Transmission	6-speed Getrag 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	saloon: 1,650–1,680 kg (3,638–3,704 lb), Avant: 1,710 kg (3,770 lb), Cabrio: 1,845 kg (4,068 lb)
Related	Audi B7 A4 Audi B7 S4 SEAT Exeo

Audi B7 RS4 quattro Avant in Phantom Black pearl

Audi B7 RS4 quattro Avant in Sprint Blue pearl, with optional anthracite-finished 19" alloy wheels

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.

An Imola Yellow RS4 saloon 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 a 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 Showin January, and arrived in June 2006 in North America. 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 to 100 kilometres per hour (0 to 62.1 mph) in 4.8 seconds, and arrive at 0 to 200 kilometres per hour (0 to 124.3 mph) in 16.6 seconds.Most European magazines recorded results in line with the November 2009 comparison of "ultimate sedans," in Road & Track, which recorded a 0 to 60 time of 4.5 seconds.This is consistent with the pattern of conservatism that is usually found in Audi's official performance numbers. For the Avant, 0 to 100 kilometres per hour (0 to 62.1 mph) is reached in 4.9 seconds. Top speed for all variants is 'officially' electronically limited to 250 kilometres per hour (155.3 mph), though some owners have reported that the speed limiter is rather 'liberal', conforming to the pattern of previous Audi "RS" cars, with genuine top speeds of 270 kilometres per hour (170 mph) being recorded.

B7 bodywork and styling

The B7 RS4 is an almost complete departure from previous Audi "RS" cars, as it was initially available as a four-door five-seatsaloon/sedan;with a five-door five-seat Avant (estate/wagon), and two-door four-seat 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.

Constructed from fully galvanised steel in a monocoque (unitary/unibody) design, the B7 RS4 uses lightweight aluminium for its front wings (fenders) and bonnet (hood). The saloon version features a drag coefficient (C_d) of 0.31, from a frontal area of 2.17 m².

Like its B5 predecessor, visually, the B7 RS4 differs from its related B7 S4, by having even wider flared front and rear wheel arches (fenders), to allow for a wider axle track. Over the B7 A4, it also includes two larger frontal side air intakes (for the two additional side-mounted coolant radiators). The trim on the saloon and roof rails on the estate are chrome as standard but can also be found in black with the addition of the Optic Pack which includes black front grill, all exterior trim and black roof rails on the estate version. The B7 RS4 also includes an optional adaptive headlights to complement the standard "Xenon Plus" (Bi-Xenon arc) High Intensity Discharge (HID) headlamps, which swivel around corners in conjunction with steering wheel movements. Also standard are daytime running lights (DRLs), found within the main headlamp housings, identical to its related B7 A4 and S4, and use a conventional tungsten filament bulb. An acoustic parking system with front and rear sensors is also standard fitment. Unique carbon fibre interior trims, along with a lap timer within the central Driver Information System (DIS), aluminium pedal caps and footrest, and RS4 logos complete the look.

In the saloon, luggage space, measured according to the VDA 'block method', is 460 litres (16.2 cu ft) with the rear seats in the upright position, and 720 to 833 litres (25.4 to 29.4 cu ft) with the seats folded flat(dependent on specification). For the Avant, 442 litres (15.6 cu ft) is available with the seats upright (under the retractable load cover), and 1,354 litres (47.8 cu ft) being available with the rear seats folded flat (loaded to the roofline). Kerb weight of the saloon variant starts at 1,650 kilograms (3,638 lb) (dependent on specification).

A BOSE ten-speaker sound system, with 190 watt output and automatic dynamic noise compensation (which replaces the 'GALA' found on earlier units), with "Concert II" radio and single CD player is standard in car entertainment (ICE) equipment. Factory fitted ICE options to complement the standard BOSE include the "Symphony II" system which features twin radio tuners, a single-slot loading six-CD changer and a cassette player all integrated into a double-DIN sized unit. Navigation option is the RNS-E "Audi Navigation System plus"DVD-ROM GPS satellite navigation, which includes a folding widescreen 6.5-inch screen, two SD-memory card readers, and MMI-like logic control.

B7 interior safety

To achieve maximum body stiffness with controlled deformation crumple zones, the B7 RS4 features laser beam welding of major seams of the high-strength steel body shell, which helps improve overall structural rigidity, particularly in the 'passenger cell', over traditional spot welding methods.

Two-stage driver and front seat passenger frontal airbags are standard, as is Audi's "sideguard" head protection curtain airbag system.This latter system completely covers all of the side windows, from the front 'A pillar' to the rear 'C-' or 'D pillars'. The body-hugging Recaro shell-type RS race bucket seats (not available in North American markets), complete with electrically inflatable upper and lower side bolsters and adjustable lumbar support, are constructed so as not to need lower side airbags to comply with European crash safety standards. In North America, the only front seats available are the more traditional Recaro seats (identical to those in the B6 and B7 S4), which include lower side airbags; these were also available as a no-cost option in other markets. Lower side airbags are optional for the standard-fit Recaro rear seats. Front, and outer rear seatbelts include pyrotechnic belt pretensioners, whilst all belts include an excess load limit function.

B7 powertrain

At the heart of the B7 RS4 powertrain is its unique internal combustion engine. Started by an "Engine Start" button on centre console,motive power comes from a 4.2 litre – 4,163 cubic centimetres (254.0 cu in), V8 engine. This is a 32-valve (four valves per cylinder) Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) all aluminium alloy petrol engine (parts code and version: 079.D, identification code: BNS). It is fundamentally based on the existing all-alloy 4.2 V8 from the B6 S4, and sharing many identical parts with the Audi Q7 4.2 FSI V8 engine. The RS4 engine has increased crankcase breathing, low-pressure fuel return system, and a baffled oil sump (to prevent engine lubricant cavitation at high engine speeds and high-G cornering). This new engine includes new cylinder block construction, and is a highly reworked, high-revving variant (redline at 8,000 rpm, rev limit of 8,250 rpm), having cylinder-direct injection (Fuel Stratified Injection), and four valves per cylinder (instead of five on the earlier variant). It has two roller chain-driven double overhead camshafts per cylinder bank (2xDOHC, or 'quad cam'), and utilises variable valve timing for both inlet and exhaust camshafts, along with a cast magnesium alloy fixed tract lengthintake manifold with adjustable tumble flaps (to improve low engine speed combustion). It produces a maximum output of 309 kilowatts(420 PS; 414 bhp) at 7,800 revolutions per minute (rpm) whilst consuming 98 RON (93 AKI) Super-Unleaded petrol, giving it a specific power output of 74.2 kW (100.9 PS; 99.5 bhp) per litre. Based on a kerb weight of 1,680 kilograms (3,704 lb), this results in a power-to-weight ratio of just 3.93 kilos per bhp. Should the lower 95 RON (91 AKI) standard unleaded fuel be used, this will have an effect of slightly reducing engine output, and therefore performance, along with slightly worse fuel economy. This engine also produces 430 newton metres(317 ft·lbf) of torque at 5,500 rpm, 90 percent of the total torque being available between 2,250 and 7,600 rpm.The engine's waste gases escape through two '4-into-2-into-1' fan-branch alloy steel exhaust manifolds and four high-flow metallic sports catalytic converters,and exit via twin oval tail pipes with integral dynamic silencer/muffler valves. Engine management is controlled via two Bosch DI-Motronic MED 9.1 electronic engine control units (working on the 'master/slave' concept, due to the high-revving nature of the engine), and utilises Bosch 'E-Gas' electronic throttle control (also known as drive by wire), comprising throttle device, accelerator-pedal module, and ECU. Theignition system uses eight individual single-spark coils, utilising mapped direct ignition, with Bosch single iridium electrode or NGK triple-electrode long-life spark plugs. Ignition timing is monitored with the aid of four knock sensors. It is compliant with the Euro4 European emission standards, with the saloon version producing a CO₂ emissions output of 322-329 grams per kilometre (g/km), whilst the Avant starts from 324 g/km.

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).

The Audi B7 RS4 remained the only "RS" Audi powered by a naturally aspirated engine, until the Audi RS5 was presented at 2010 Geneva Motor Show. The RS5 shares the same engine but it is tuned for an additional 30 hp and it dropped the Getrag 6-speed manual in favor of a 7-speed "S tronic" dual clutch semi-automatic.

quattro

Another focus of the B7 RS4 was on the introduction of the latest development of Audi's 'trademark' quattro permanent four-wheel drivesystem. This utilised the 'third generation' asymmetric/dynamic Torsen T-3 'automatic torque biasing' (ATB) centre differential, featuring a 'default' 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, a 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. 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 assisted by way of Audi's "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL), which is a specific function of the Robert Bosch GmbH ESP 8.0Electronic Stability Programme system. EDL monitors the rotational speeds of the left and right wheels across 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 results in transferring torque across the open differential to the wheel on the other side deemed to have grip, hence traction. Also included in the ESP 8.0 is "Anti Slip Regulation" (ASR) - Audi's name for Traction Control System.

The result of all these features is that under normal circumstances (driving straight on dry or even wet road surfaces) the car never loses traction, even when accelerating at full throttle in the first gear.

B7 suspension and steering

The B7 RS4 also incorporates Audi's "Dynamic Ride Control" (DRC) "Sports Suspension"mechanism. The dampers (shock absorbers) are made for Audi by KW, and central reservoirs/valves made by KYB (Kayaba). In the RS4 suspension, a fluid hydraulic linkage between diagonally opposing front and rear suspension dampers (left front to right rear, and vice-versa) is used to counteract vehicle pitch and roll.Lightweight magnesium/aluminium alloy multi-link suspension arms (four arm with virtual steering axis up front, and trapezoidal arm with unequal length track control arms at the rear) locate each hub/brake/roadwheel assembly in a controllable fashion, whilst minimising unsprung masses. Lightweight hollow tubular anti-roll bars are standard front and rear. Compared to standard B7 A4 models, the RS4 features a 30 millimetres (1.2 in) lower ride height. An optional "Sports Suspension Plus" lowers the car by a further 10 millimetres (0.4 in), and marginally further stiffens the damper rates.

Axle track has also been increased over standard A4s; the front widened by 37 millimetres (1.5 in), to 1,559 millimetres (61.4 in) and the rear by 47 millimetres (1.9 in) to 1,569 millimetres (61.8 in).

Speed sensitive "servotronic" variable-assistance electro-hydraulic power assisted steering (PAS) is controlled from a compact flat-bottomed steering wheel, finished in perforated leather with mock-aluminium trim. The steering rack ratio is 13.1:1, and the turning circleis 11.1 metres (36.42 ft).

B7 brakes, wheels and tyres

Standard brakes on the RS4 consist of two-piece, cross-drilled, radially ventilated and floating cast iron brake discs, secured to aluminium alloy disc hubs. The two-piece disc construction, with its lightweight alloy disc hub helps reduce unsprung masses, and also helps to reduce the transmission of heat generated by the brakes to the wheel bearings.

The front discs are sized at 365 millimetres (14.4 in) in diameter by 34 millimetres (1.34 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 millimetres (15.0 in) by 38 millimetres (1.50 in), with grey Brembo monoblock six-opposed piston fixed aluminium alloy calipers were an option from 2007 model year onwards (and only with 19 inch roadwheels). These have a much greater tolerance to thermal differences, virtually eliminating 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 mass by around 50%, and therefore improve steering response and overall handling as a result.

Rear brakes are drilled, vented and floating 324 millimetres (12.8 in) by 22 millimetres (0.87 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 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. Another useful function of the ESP 8.0 is the inclusion of 'disc wiping', whereby the ESP system frequently but momentarilly applies the brakes during wet weather. This effectively removes water from the disc and pad surfaces, and helps maintain braking performance of dry weather. This operation is undetectable by the driver.

In the UK and Japan, standard roadwheels are 19 inch alloy wheels (9Jx19" ET29 "7-arm double spoke") with 255/35 ZR19 96Y XL(eXtraLoad) high performance tyres. This 19" wheel and tyre package was an option for the North American, and some European markets. 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" ET24 "5-spoke design") with 255/40 ZR18 Y XLtyres was also available, and these are standard in North American markets. 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. This system monitors the actual pressure in all four tyres every three seconds, and should any loss in pressure be detected, both an audible and visual warnings are given to alert the driver via the Driver Information System (DIS) in a timely manner.

Other B7 notable features

Other notable features to be found as standard equipment on cars for non-North American markets 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.

B7 crash testing

The North American Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) crash tested the B7 RS4s sibling, the B7 A4, and awarded it "Double Best Pick" for frontal and side crashes - beating illustrious rivals such as the BMW 3 Series, the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, and even the Volvo S60.

B7 awards

The Audi B7 RS4 won the Top Gear 'Car of the Year Award 2005', and the Ward's '2005 Auto Interior of the Year' award.

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 C6 S6, the Porsche 911 Turbo, Porsche 911 GT3, Ferrari 599 GTB, and Jaguar XKR.

Motorsport

Speed World Challenge

The B7 RS4 was planned to replace the C5 RS6 in the SCCA Speed World Challenge, but after Champion Racing had prepared the car, it was decided not to compete in the series, due to rule changes imposed by the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA) on Audi concerning 4WD systems, wheels size, and engine power output. Rather than scrapping the fully built Speed World Challenge RS4, Champion and Audi used the car as a part of the American Le Mans Series Vitesse Program, which highlights the technology link between race cars and conventional series production road cars.

Euro Superstars

Steven Goldstein at the wheel of a race-prepared RS4

Six RS4s are openly campaigned in the Superstars Series by Audi Sport Italia. Audi RS4 quattro driver Gianni Morbidelli won the 2007 and 2008 championships.