Audi launches faster RS4 and RS5s

The current B9 RS4 has never quite lived up to the standard set by its predecessors, the 4.2-litre B8 and B7 RS4s. The B9’s 3.0-litre, twin-turbo V6 is certainly potent, with 450PS (331kW), but a lack of noise and a softer, more rounded approach compared to the hooligans from Mercedes-AMG and BMW M have left customers wanting. The RS4 and RS5 Competition Packages should make both cars more exciting to drive than ever before.

Power and torque remain the same, but a new RS sports exhaust system and less sound deadening between the engine and cabin means there’s a raspier soundtrack. The new system, finished with matte black tailpipes, also weighs 8kg less than the standard system.

Fun though noise is, it’s the chassis changes that’ll impact the driving experience more. The normal RS4 and RS5 use active dampers on coil springs, with an optional ‘Dynamic Ride Control’ system that links the dampers hydraulically across the car. The Competition Package brings three-way adjustable coilovers with a higher spring rate, new damper calibrations and stiffer anti-roll bars. The ride height is 10mm lower, with the option of dropping it by 10mm again.

The steering now has a fixed ratio of 1:13.1, while the differential can lock more quickly and send more power to the rear, and the eight-speed automatic gearbox can change more quickly. Elsewhere there are Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres, tweaked ABS software, carbon ceramic brakes and, as an option, 20-inch milled wheels, so braking from 62mph takes 2m less.

Zero to 62mph takes 3.9 seconds, down from 4.1, while the same sprint takes 3.8 seconds in the RS5, down from 3.9.

There have been tweaks to the interior and exterior as well. Inside, the seat side panels have been finished in piano black, because that’ll definitely never, ever scratch, while the seats can be optioned to be finished in ‘Dinamica’, a material that’s made of 45 per cent recycled plastics.

The exterior badges are finished in gloss black, and the mirrors, splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser are finished in matte carbon.

The price? There’s no word on that yet because Audi hasn’t officially said the cars will come to the UK. Fingers crossed they do, because some of those upgrades sound very tasty indeed.