2013 Audi RS4 Avant Revealed

Contradicting just about every claim that Audi has ever made after the last RS4, specifically that there would not under any circumstances ever be another one, the 2013 incarnation of the Audi RS4 has broken cover ahead of its official Geneva debut.

The previous generation RS4 takes a well-deserved place in the Audi hall of fame (and dare I say it the automotive hall of fame?), receiving international acclaim for its dynamic ability and sporting prowess. It’s fairly obvious then that this new model has a lot to live up to in maintaining the RS4 reputation.

The signs are good, however, as it seems Audi are attempting to preserve as much of the original soul of the car as possible. The 2013 RS4 is to be powered by the same 4.2L naturally aspirated V8 producing 331kW, up 22kW from the previous generation. That power is enough to propel the RS4 to 62mp/h (100km/h) in 4.7 seconds, two tenths quicker than the previous RS.

In terms of style, the RS4 is fittingly understated, and thankfully does not share the gaudy red tinged rims that so unfortunately adorn the RS3. Despite the understatement, distinguishing design features such as the mesh grille and enormous twin pipes clearly differentiate the RS from the standard A4 Avant.

It seems that Audi are trying to preserve the original character of the RS4 as much as possible, which in my mind is the correct approach, the safest approach in updating the RS4 after a four-year hiatus. It’s the Porsche 911 mentality at work here – refinement not revolution, an approach that bodes well for this RS4’s future.

The RS4 has made its debut in Avant form, with the RS4 “sedan” as it were now in the form of the RS5. We can only wait and see as to whether Audi are successful in preserving the revered character of the previous-gen RS4. Despite that nobody as of yet has driven it, the early signs are looking very, very good indeed.