Audi RS 4 Avant On Sale In Australia In Early 2013

The king is back, in wagon form. Audi's new RS 4 Avant has been given an online unveiling this week, following reports of a Geneva Motor Show debut next month.

Let's get the vital details out of the way: The new RS 4 gets Audi's faithful 4.2 litre V8 engine under the bonnet, delivering 331kW and 430Nm of torque.

By comparison, the 'new' C 63 AMG delivers 341kW/600Nm through its 6.2 litre V8, while the BMW M3's V8 delivers 309kW and 400Nm. 

The usual suspects lurk beneath the body, including Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system, paired with the brand's seven-speed dual-clutch S tronic transmission.

While the penultimate model in the family - the S4 - claims a 0-100km/h time of 5.3 seconds, the RS 4 punches through to the ton in just 4.7 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h.

On the styling front, the new RS 4 brings a new look to the familiar RS fascia, swapping the massive intakes and stepped front-lip in favour of a more restrained design.

The large elliptical exhaust tips remain at the rear, but here also there is a more subtle take on the rear diffuser's design.

The usual all-black design is featured in the cabin, with carbon fibre highlights, a flat-bottomed tiller and body-hugging sports seats.

Watch for the latest RS car to make its official debut at next month's Geneva Motor Show.

Australia

Audi Australia has confirmed that the new RS 4 Avant will hit Australian showrooms in the first quarter of 2013. Details will be confirmed closer to launch, but expect its pricing to land between the $119,900 S4 and the $175,300 RS 5 Coupe.

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