Audi aims at BMW M3 and M4 Competition with two new option packs for its mid-size performance heroes
Audi Sport has apparently decided its 2022 Audi RS 4 and RS 5 can do with some more dynamic and aural prowess, announcing a pair of new ‘RS competition’ option packages for its mid-size performance wagon, liftback and coupe line-up.
Available as of July and priced at €7875 ($A11,872) in Europe, the RS competition pack is also designed to add some extra visual punch and top-end performance to the RS 4 and RS 5 models, which aim directly at the BMW M4 coupe, M3 sedan and upcoming M3 Touring.
Audi has raised the factory speed-limiter from 250km/h to 290km/h and included a lighter (-8kg) and louder sports exhaust system, in addition to blacked-out exterior features, bespoke 20-inch alloys, Matrix LED headlights and ‘RS competition’ puddle lamps. Pirelli P Zero Corsa tyres are also optionally available.
While louder, the new exhaust doesn’t liberate any extra horses from the force-fed 2.9-litre V6, with power and torque remaining steady at 331kW/600Nm.
The interior gets an upgrade too, scoring honeycomb-pattern microfiber and leather upholstery, Alcantara-wrapped controls, red-outlined seatbelts and a reduction in sound proofing to help occupants hear that freer-flowing exhaust better.
Spend an extra €4000 on the RS competition plus pack (€11,875, which equates to $A17,902), meanwhile, and things are stepped up even further through the inclusion of adjustable coilover suspension, a quattro sport differential and dynamic steering system.
The new suspension set-up comprises lower and retuned springs (10-20mm), three-way adjustable dampers and stiffer sway bars, which combine with the upgraded rear diff to enhance the RS 4 and RS 5’s dynamic capabilities – hopefully without giving much away in terms of ride comfort.
When paired with the stickier P Zero rubber, Audi claims 0.2sec has been shaved off the 0-100km/h time of the RS 4 Avant, which now stops the clock in 3.9sec, while a tenth has been shaved off the RS 5’s time – now 3.8sec.
The newfound acceleration credentials can, in part, be attributed to the enhanced grip levels offered by the better rubber and diff, but also to the faster shifts yielded by updated transmission control unit software that’s also included in the RS competition pack.
Audi sys a remapped ABS system delivers marginally improved braking performance, but a tangible difference can really only be seen or felt in conjunction with the stickier tyres, coilover suspension and optional RS ceramic brake system.
With Australia being one of the strongest Audi Sport markets on the planet, Audi Australia is predictably keen to secure the packs Down Under, but says pricing, availability and timing are all yet to be finalised.
“We don’t yet have arrival timing confirmed, but given the appetite for performance in the Australian market, we eagerly anticipate all special highlights for our RS models, such as these,” said Audi Australia corporate communications manager Shaun Cleary.
If for whatever reason the competition packs don’t make it to the Australian options list, carsales understands at least some of the features contained within them could feature on future special- and limited-edition Audi RS models.
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Keyword: Hot diff, coilovers and more noise for Audi RS 4 and RS 5