GENEVA MOTOR SHOW: Audi S4 Avant revealed

Audi’s next RS4 is going to be a right animal if its newly-unveiled baby brother S4 Avant is any indication.

With a 3.0-litre single-turbo V6 producing 260kW, and 500Nm from 1400-4500rpm, the new S4 Avant bolts to 100km/h in a claimed 4.9 seconds - just 0.2sec slower than the old, screaming V8 RS4.

Its supercharged 3.0-litre V6 predecessor is also pipped, 245kW and 450Nm only good enough for 5.0sec.

Crucially the new turbocharged S4 Avant uses less fuel, a claimed combined 7.5L/100km just bettering the previous car’s 7.7L/100km. It’s lighter, too, 1675kg versus the old car’s 1780.

Audi has ditched the old car’s S-tronic twin-clutch transmission in favour of a new eight-speed torque converter auto, power reaching all four wheels via a rear-biased quattro system. A rear limited slip “Sport Differential” will be offered optional.

The S4 Avant will sit 23mm lower than the base A4 and ride on standard 18-inch wheels or 19s if you want to pay more.

Inside the seats score the suave diamond-pattern stitching, or again aggressive sport buckets with integrated headrests are a box you can tick.

First seen on TT and R8 and making its way to other models, S4 Avant owners can now option the tachometer and speedometer on TFT screens with the “Virtual Cockpit”.

Meanwhile the next RS4 is expected to ditch the thirsty 4.2-litre naturally-aspirated 331kW V8 on the basis a more fuel efficient unit is required.

A V6 is reportedly in the works with either a twin-turbo set-up or possibly an electric “turbocharger” dishing out up to 360kW. With the S4 Avant hitting 100km/h in high fours it’s reasonable to speculate its brooding RS4 big brother could do the same in the very low fours, keeping up with its nemesis the Mercedes-AMG C63 S Estate.

Along with the S4 sedan the new S4 Avant is expected in Australia later this year. But those waiting for the RS4 shouldn't hold their breath with a reveal not expected until at least next year.