What:Â RS 4 Avant
Model Family:Â RS 4
Market / Zone: EU
Production Location: Two-stage, Ingolstadt + Neckarsulm by quattro GmbH, with engine production by Cosworth in Wellingborough, England
Auto Show Debut: 1999 Frankfurt IAA
Model Years:Â 2000, 2001
Production Span: June 2000 – November 2001
Number Produced:Â 6,046
Assembly:Â Ingolstadt, Germany (body) / Neckarsulm, Germany (final assembly by quattro GmbH)
Class:Â High-performance compact executive estate
Body style:Â 5-door Avant (wagon)
Layout:Â Front-engine, all-wheel drive
Model / Generation Code(s): Type 8D
Chassis / Matrix: B5, PL45
Engine:Â 2.7T V6 Biturbo (ASJ) with tuning by Cosworth
Power output:Â 280 kW (380 hp)
Torque:Â 440 Nm (325 lb-ft)
WHEEL / TIRE DETAILS
Wheel Size(s): 8.5Jx18 summer / 7.5Jx18 winter
Tire Size(s): 255/35 ZR18 summer / 225/40 R18 winter
Bolt Pattern: 5×112
Offset: ET24
RELATED
Concept Cars:Â Audi RS2 Avant
Road Cars:Â Audi S4 (B5), Audi A4 (B5)
Race Cars:Â Audi A4 touring car programs
OVERVIEW
Introduced in May 2000, the Audi RS 4 Avant marked the beginning of a new chapter in Audi’s performance history. Developed by quattro GmbH, Audi’s high-performance subsidiary, the RS 4 became the first model created independently by the division and established the template for what would become the modern RS model line.
Positioned as the successor to the Audi RS2 Avant, the RS 4 combined the practicality of Audi’s Avant wagon body style with the performance of a high-end sports car. Unlike the more understated S4 on which it was based, the RS 4 featured extensive mechanical upgrades, dramatically widened bodywork and a heavily modified twin-turbocharged V6 engine developed in collaboration with Cosworth Technology.
ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN
At the heart of the RS 4 was an extensively reworked version of the 2.7-liter V6 biturbo engine used in the Audi S4. For RS duty, Audi engineers collaborated with Cosworth Technology to redesign the cylinder heads and improve airflow through enlarged intake and exhaust ports.
The engine featured five valves per cylinder, revised turbochargers with increased boost pressure and larger intercoolers to improve charge-air cooling efficiency. Engine management was handled by the Bosch Motronic ME7 system, which monitored boost pressure, knock detection and exhaust gas temperature to optimize performance and reliability.
As a result of these upgrades, output rose dramatically from the S4’s 265 horsepower to 380 horsepower (280 kW) at 6,500 rpm, while torque increased to 440 Nm available from just 2,500 rpm.
Power was delivered through a six-speed manual gearbox and Audi’s permanent quattro all-wheel-drive system, enabling the RS 4 to accelerate from 0–100 km/h (0–62 mph) in approximately 4.9 seconds. Top speed was electronically limited to 250 km/h (155 mph).
CHASSIS AND PERFORMANCE
To cope with the increased performance, the RS 4 received extensive chassis modifications compared with the standard A4. The suspension was lowered by approximately 20 millimeters, while revised spring and damper settings were developed specifically for the RS model’s higher performance envelope.
The braking system was also substantially upgraded, featuring large ventilated brake discs measuring 360 mm at the front and 312 mm at the rear. These composite discs used a floating design in which the cast friction ring was connected to an aluminum hub via multiple pins, improving thermal stability during extreme braking conditions.
The RS 4 rode on 18-inch alloy wheels measuring 8.5 × 18 inches, fitted with 255/35 ZR18 tires at both front and rear.
DESIGN
Visually, the RS 4 distinguished itself clearly from the standard A4 and even the S4. The bodywork was extensively modified with flared wheel arches widened by approximately 35 millimeters on each side, allowing the car to accommodate its wider track and larger wheels.
The front fascia featured a redesigned bumper with three large air intake openings, including outer ducts that fed the intercoolers. Aerodynamically optimized honeycomb grilles and integrated fog lamps reinforced the car’s purposeful appearance.
At the rear, the RS 4 featured a redesigned apron with dual oval exhaust outlets and a subtle roof spoiler integrated into the tailgate to improve aerodynamic stability. 2026-03-08 18-21
Six exterior paint colors were offered at launch, including Nogaro Blue, Imola Yellow, Misano Red, Avus Silver, Goodwood Green and Brilliant Black. Exterior trim such as the mirror housings, roof rails and grille surround were finished in matte aluminum, reinforcing the RS model’s distinctive identity.
INTERIOR
Inside, the RS 4 emphasized a combination of sporting character and everyday usability. Recaro sport seats were standard equipment, providing enhanced lateral support during dynamic driving.
Buyers could choose between several upholstery options, including black natural leather, silver satin-finish Nappa leather or a leather-and-fabric combination with aluminum-thread accents. Interior trim elements were available in black varnish or carbon fiber, while the steering wheel and gear selector were trimmed in perforated leather.
Standard equipment included heated seats and a Concert audio system paired with a 170-watt Bose sound system, highlighting the model’s blend of performance and long-distance comfort.
PRODUCTION
Production of the RS 4 began in June 2000, with vehicles assembled using a combination of Audi’s Ingolstadt and Neckarsulm facilities. Partially completed bodies were produced in Ingolstadt before being transferred to quattro GmbH’s workshop in Neckarsulm, where a small team completed final assembly.
Because of the specialized nature of the vehicle, production was relatively limited. Audi built approximately 6,046 examples during the model’s 18-month production run, making the B5 RS 4 one of the most exclusive models of the A4 generation.
With its combination of extreme performance and everyday practicality, the RS 4 Avant quickly became a defining model for Audi’s performance lineup and remains one of the most celebrated RS vehicles among enthusiasts and collectors today.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Model designation: Audi RS 4 Avant
Internal designation: B5 RS 4 (type 8D)
Development: quattro GmbH in cooperation with Audi AG
Platform: Volkswagen Group B5 (Audi A4 architecture)
Body style: 5-door Avant (estate)
Construction: Steel monocoque
Layout: Front engine, quattro all-wheel drive
Assembly: Neckarsulm, Germany (quattro GmbH)
Engine type:Â Audi/Cosworth 2.7-liter V6 biturbo
Engine code:Â ASJ / AZR
Displacement:Â 2,671 cc
Configuration:Â 90-degree V6, aluminum cylinder heads
Valvetrain:Â DOHC, 5 valves per cylinder (30 valves total)
Induction:Â Two turbochargers with intercoolers
Fuel system:Â Bosch Motronic ME7 electronic engine management
Maximum power:Â 280 kW (380 hp) at 6,500 rpm
Maximum torque: 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) at 2,500–6,000 rpm
Exhaust system:Â Dual-branch performance exhaust with large-section piping and metal catalytic converters
Transmission: 6-speed manual gearbox
Drivetrain: Permanent quattro all-wheel drive
Center differential: Torsen type
Final drive ratio: performance-optimized for RS application
Front suspension:Â Independent four-link suspension with aluminum control arms
Rear suspension:Â Independent double wishbone arrangement
Ride height:Â approx. 20 mm lower than A4 (B5)
Steering:Â Rack-and-pinion with direct ratio
Front brakes:Â 360 mm ventilated composite discs with dual-piston floating calipers
Rear brakes:Â 312 mm ventilated discs with single-piston floating calipers
ABS / EBD:Â electronically calibrated for RS braking system
Wheels: 8.5J × 18 alloy wheels
Tires:Â 255/35 ZR18 front and rear
Length: approx. 4,520 mm
Width: approx. 1,840 mm
Height: approx. 1,410 mm
Wheelbase: 2,617 mm
Curb weight: approx. 1,620 kg
Performance
0–100 km/h (0–62 mph): 4.9 seconds
0–200 km/h: approx. 17.7 seconds
Top speed:Â 250 km/h (electronically limited)
Exterior colours
Available colours:Â Nogaro Blue, Imola Yellow, Misano Red, Avus Silver, Goodwood Green, Brilliant Black
Interior
Seats:Â Recaro sport seats standard
Upholstery options:Â black natural leather, silver Nappa leather, leather/fabric combination
Trim options:Â black varnish or carbon fiber inserts
Audio:Â Concert radio with optional 170-watt Bose sound system
Production
Production start: June 2000
Production end: November 2001
Total production: 6,046 units
Production method: partially assembled bodies from Ingolstadt completed at quattro GmbH workshop in Neckarsulm
PHOTO GALLERY
PRESS RELEASE
The RS4 by quattro GmbH: The high-performance Avant
The RS4, a high-performance vehicle with uncompromiÂsing sports character in terms of both technology and visual appearance, is being launched onto the market by quattro GmbH, a wholly owned subsidiary of Audi AG.
quattro GmbH has designed the RS4 on the basis of the Audi S4 as the supreme model in the A4 series and developed it in conjunction with AUDI AG.
The RS4, which, like its predecessor the RS2, is to be produced exclusively as an Avant model, will impress discerning customers who favour sports-style driving, thanks to its superlative performance. Such qualities are assured by a 280 kW (380 bhp) V6 biturbo engine, permanent four-wheel drive , overtly sporty suspension tuning and a high-tech brake stem of a rating that reflects the engine’s high performance.
The RS4 has cast off the visual understatement which typifies the S4: the strikingly flared wheel arches, the 18-inch light alloy wheels, the front apron extending well down, with its large air inlets, the aerodynamically styled tail and the side sills harmoniously integrated into the body line unmistakably emphasise the character and performance of the RS4. The RS4 is entirely geared up for sheer sports performance, without losing sight of the need for everyday suitability.
Engine and transmission
As on the S4, a 2.7-litre biturbo V6 engine with five valves per cylinder gets to work under the hood of the Audi RS4. Audi’s engineering experts have taken what was already a very high-perÂformance engine and given even more power and torque to the evolutionary version used on the RS4.
Instead of 195 kW (265 bhp) in the S4, the RS4 engine develops 280 kW (380 bhp) at 6,500 rpm. The V6 biturbo reaches its peak torque of 440 newtonmeters as low down the engine speed scale as 2,500 rpm.
The 2.7 litre six-cylinder engine has all the trappings of an out-and-out powerhouse: the separate turbochargers on each bank of cylinÂders, the hydraulically adjustable Intake camÂshafts, the sl ng le-spark ig n ltlon coils, and the modern engine management system – the Bosch Motronic ME 7, with boost pressure, knock and exhaust-gas temperature control.
In conjunction with Cosworth Technology, the cylinder head has been redesigned and produced using a casting technique specially developed by Cosworth Technology. The intake and exhaust ports have been modified in line with the engine’s higher performance, and the crosssection of the air ducts at both the intake and thrust side enlarged. The turbochargers have moreover been enlarged. The boost pressure has been increased compared with the S4. Thanks to the use of larger charge-air coolers with less pressure loss, efficiency has been further enhanced.
The engine’s efficiency is also boosted by the new dual-branch exhaust system developed by quattro GmbH, with backpressure-optimized middle and rear silencers, larger-section pipes, and primary and main catalytic converters with a metal base.
Road behaviour
The six-speed manual gearbox with ratios chosen to suit the car’s sports character, together with permanent four-wheel drive, converts the high torque of the biturbo V6 into propulsion and traction effectively and with excellent directional stability. In the discipline of the 0 – 100 km/h sprint, the RS4 achieves a time of 4.9 seconds; it takes 17.7 seconds to reach a speed of 200 km/h from a standstill. Its electronically governed top speed is 250 km/h.
In keeping with these superior performance data, the RS4’s brake system has been completely redeveloped. Much larger composite-type brake discs have been fitted on both the front and rear wheels. This technology, adopted from the world of motor sport, involves fixing the cast friction ring together with an aluminium brake-disc chamber by means of 14 pins. This “floating” arrangement significantly improves the stability and shielding of the brake discs, particularly when exposed to extreme loads and at high disc temperatures. The weight reduction is a further advantage.
The diameter of the ventilated brake discs is 360 mm on the front axle and 312 millimetres at the rear. There Is a dual-piston floating caliper on the front axle, and a single-piston floating caliper on the rear axle. The parameters of the ABS system and the electronic brake-force distribuÂtion system have been specifically modified to reflect the increased dimensions of the brake components.
The 18-inch wheels provide space for the RS4’s more voluminous brake system. The 8.5 J x 18 cast aluminium wheels with a new spoke design have 255/35 ZR 18 tyres at front and rear.
The vehicle body has been lowered by around 20 millimetres compared with the A4. The control arms of the four-link front suspension and the swivel bearings are of aluminium. The spring/ shock absorber units and elastokinematics have been retuned to suit the modified axle weights and axle geometry. Rack-and-pinion steering with a direct ratio also contributes towards the vehicle’s distinctly sporty handling.
The vehicle body has been lowered by around 20 millimetres compared with the A4. The control arms of the four-link front suspension and the swivel bearings are of aluminium. The spring/ shock absorber units and elastokinematics have been retuned to suit the modified axle weights and axle geometry. Rack-and-pinion steering with a direct ratio also contributes towards the vehicle’s distinctly sporty handling.
Appearance
The Audi RS4 is outwardly very different from the A4 on which it is based. The suspension tuning and the wide 18-inch tyres are not the only evidence of this Avant model’s sporting constiô€€† tution. The RS4’s body has undergone a whole range of specific modifications, r suiting In shapes where the principle of “form follows function” invariably applies and giving this highÂperformance estate car the dynamic charisma of a top athlete.
On the RS4, the 18-inch wheels are housed inside redesigned wheel arches, flared at both their front and rear edge by 35 millimetres. The broadening of the rear side section continues in the contours of the rear doors. The decision to omit side rubbing strips has also resulted in clearly distinct driver and front-passenger doors. Side sills accentuate the sporty side-on appeaÂrance.
The front end of the RS4 is dominated by three large air intake ducts: the central aperture is for the radiator, and those on the left and right are for the charge-air cooling. The exhaust air from the intercooler escapes through two vents in the sides of the front apron. The trim grilles on the air intake apertures and radiator are aerodynamiÂcally optimised, of a honeycomb pattern. The fog lights are integrated into the two outer air intake shafts.
The rear apron echoes the design principle of the front end with its three small, visually identiÂcal grille inserts. The exhaust gas emerges through two oval tailpipes beneath the left-hand “aperture”. There Is a spoiler on the roof edge of the tailgate, for additional downforce. All add-on components are of plastic.
Six exclusive paint colours underline the RS4’s sporting flair: customers can choose from Avus Silver, Misano Red, lmola Yellow, Nogaro Blue, Goodwood Green and Brilliant Black. The roof rails, roof trim strips, window capping strips, door mirrors and radiator grille frame have a matt aluminium finish, and as such are among the more restrained external features of this, the most powerful A4; the RS4 logo on the radiator grille, tailgate and sill strips also have this finish.
Interior
The interior of the Audi RS4 is characterised by sports appeal combined with individuality and exclusivity. The individual interior equipment features, made from choice materials, are visualÂly coordinated to produce a harmonised overall appearance in which the colour Onyx predomiÂnates.
The Recaro seats for driver and front passenÂger are a standard feature, providing stability, optimum lateral support and ample comfort, however long the journey may e. Three different types of seat upholstery are available, again as standard: black natural leather, sliver satin-effect nappa leather and a leather/fabric combination.
With this latter option, the side sections and the head restraints are in black pearl nappa, whereas the centre panel of the seat is in textile with a woven-in aluminium thread.
The range of door panel inserts reflects the options for the seat upholstery. The trim strips
in the doors, centre console and instrument panel are available in a choice of black varnish or carbon. The steering wheel rim and gear lever knob are trimmed with perforated leather. As an option, the rim of the sports steering wheel and the gear lever knob can also be supplied in black or silver Alcantara, to match the leather seats.
An eye-catching aluminium ring adorns both the airbag unit in the steering wheel and the knob of the redesigned gear lever. Instead of chrome, the inside door handles, the release button on the handbrake, the gearbox gate ring and the glove box lock are made from matt black anodised material.
The standard equipment specification of the RS4 includes significantly more features than
that of the S4: In addition to the Recaro seats and the leather seat upholstery, heated seats and the “concert” radio with a 170 Watt Bose sound system are available at no extra charge.
The safety equipment of the RS4 includes driver and passenger airbags, side airbags at the front, and Audi’s SIDEGUARD head airbag system.
Product line
The Audi RS4 is the first model to have been created by quattro GmbH and developed in conjunction with Audi AG. Together with its special model series, the customisation range, exclusive accessories and lifestyle articles, the RS model series is a further significant product range of this Audi subsidiary.
The RS4 is to be built jointly by the lngolstadt plant and quattro GmbH in Neckarsulm. It will be assembled and finished at quattro GmbH, at the rate of no more than a handful of cars each day, in the best handicraft tradition.
The Audi RS4 is scheduled for market launch in early 2000.