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Audi RS4
Audi introduced the
first generation RS4 in 2000 as the successor
to the fabled RS2. The vehicle, like its predecessor,
was available only as an Avant (station wagon),
and was built on an existing platform, in
this case the "B5" generation A4/S4.
Base price was around 103,584 Deutsche Mark,
and was available only to European customers.
Power
came from a modified version of the B5 S4's
2.7 L, twin-turbocharged V6 engine tuned by
Cosworth, featuring enlarged turbochargers
and intercoolers, revised heads, new induction
and exhaust systems and a re-calibrated engine
management system; a six-speed manual transmission
and Audi's Quattro all wheel drive system
were part of the package. The modifications
were enough to bump the engine's power output
from the 265 PS (195 kW/261 hp) and 350 Nm
(257 ft·lbf) of the S4 to 380 PS (280
kW/375 hp) and 440 Nm (325 ft·lbf).
The B7 RS4 is an almost
complete departure from previous RS cars,
as it will debut as a sedan, with an Avant
and Convertible version coming later; only
the RS6 has gone this route before, the previous
RS4 and RS2 were available exclusively as
Avants. In addition, power comes from an FSI
equipped, naturally aspirated 4.2 L V8, whereas
all previous RS cars have been turbocharged.
Nonetheless, this engine is very powerful,
producing a total output of 420 PS (309 kW/414
hp), over 100 PS/litre. Audi factory numbers
indicate that the vehicle will be able to
go 0-100 km (62 mph) in 4.8 seconds. Since
Audi's factory times tend to be conservative,
most experts seem to agree that a time under
4.5 seconds is a likely possiblity.
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