Audi has given the high-performance RS 4 Avant and RS 5 Coupe and Sportback an update, even though the models are rapidly (no pun intended...) approaching the end of their lives.
Coilover suspension with manual adjustment
The big addition - part of a competition pack option - is race-car-style coilover suspension, which Audi calls RS sport suspension pro. The suspension setup is manually adjustable (shades of Polestar's optional Öhlins dampers...) and come as standard with a 10mm ride height reduction compared to the standard RS 4 and RS 5. For the ultimate in "an ideal spread between comfort and performance" you can then manually lower the suspension by an extra 10mm. The suspension option also comes with higher spring rates, three-way adjustable dampers and stiffer anti-roll bars.
"Customers profit from more precise and more agile handling" claims Audi, while also pointing out that the competition pack raises the cars' maximum speed to 290km/h. Ideal for those early-morning Autobahn commutes...
Faster to 100km/h
Although neither of the RS 4 Avant nor RS 5 get any extra power from their turbocharged V6 engines (the maximum outputs remain unchanged at 450hp and 600Nm), Audi is claiming a 0.1-0.2-second improvement in 0-100km/h times - 3.9 seconds for the RS 4 Avant, and 3.8 seconds for the RS 5.
The improvement is mostly down to upgrades to the quattro sport differential, which now sends more power to the rear wheels when in Dynamic mode, and which sees reduced gearshift times for the Tiptronic gearbox. The braking system and anti-lock brake function have been tweaked and, if you spec your RS 4 or RS 5 with the RS ceramic brake system, you'll trim two metres from your stopping distance at 100km/h (don't try this at home unless home is an empty racetrack, kids). There's also an update for the steering.
The final mechanical upgrade is a new sports exhaust system, with matte-black exhaust tips poking out under the back bumper. Not only is it louder and more musical - according to its maker - than before, it's also about 8kg lighter.
Recycled plastics
Inside, you get lashings of Piano Black trim, plus a new option for the Nappa leather seats, which now includes a Dinamica material made of 45 per cent recycled PET fibres; about 215 grams of PET fibres are processed per seat.
Outside, the Audi four-ring badges and model lettering are now finished in a deep, glossy black while there's also a new crystal effect Sebring Black paint finish. You can also pick high-gloss 'Phantom Black' 20-inch alloy wheels, although we'd advise you to stick with the standard 19s in the interests of ride comfort (unless you've also gone for the 20mm suspension drop, in which case see you at the osteopath's...).
Finally, there's the optional Carbon Matte Optics package, which fits out the exterior mirrors, front blade and side flaps as well as the sill extension and rear diffuser trim in carbon fibre (glossy carbon fibre is optional too).
How much? No official announcement yet, but you can bet on 'lots.'
Check out our Audi RS 4 Avant review here and our Audi RS 5 Sportback review here.