Frankfurt Motor Show: 2018 Audi RS4 Avant revealed

The latest iteration from the inventor of the fast wagon genre is here – meet the new Audi RS4 Avant.

We’ve seen its mechanical package already, tucked underneath the equally new Audi RS5 coupe, but here’s a quick recap in case you missed it.

Under the bonnet is a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 developing 331kW/600Nm, the same power but a useful 170Nm increase in torque over the previous 4.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8 and delivered over a much wider range. Handy when it needs to shift 1790kg.

Fed through an eight-speed automatic to all four wheels the RS4 Avant hits 100km/h in just 4.1sec and powers on to a top speed of 250km/h, or 280km/h when optioned with the RS dynamic package.

Wider tracks are covered by the trademark pumped guards – 30mm wider than a standard A4 Avant – while the standard RS4 suspension setup sits 7mm lower than the regular A4 sports setup.

A number of chassis options are available, which could have a dramatic effect on the RS4’s handling. These include adaptive dampers, ceramic brakes, a sport rear differential and dynamic steering. There’s no indication yet as to whether any of these options will be standard-fit to Australian RS4s.

Inside there are sports seats, a flat-bottomed RS wheel along with Audi’s latest virtual cockpit instrument display. On the exterior the RS4 gains a rear diffuser, oval exhaust pipes and a rear spoiler, as well as the option of Nogaro Blue paintwork, a nod to colour of the original Audi RS2.

Local pricing will be confirmed closer to its early-2018 arrival date, however based on the Audi RS5 pricing if you’ve got around $150,000 to spend you’ll be in the ballpark.