Audi RS4 Avant 'Nogaro' selection wagons coming to Australia

Fresh from its premiere at this month's Geneva Motor Show, the 2014 RS4 Avant Nogaro celebrates the twenty years since the release of the Avant RS2, and takes its name from the custom Nogaro blue pearl-effect paint, first seen on the original RS2, and exclusive to the new model.

Other external cues on this limited edition include a 'Singleframe' grille and window trims finished in gloss black, matt black roof rails, and gloss black tailpipe trim for the RS sports exhaust.

Powerplant
As it carries 'RS' designation, the RS4 Avant Nogaro naturally comes with a lot of grunt - 331kW from the high-revving, naturally aspirated 4.2-litre V8 in this instance. Peak power is delivered at 8,250 rpm, with peak torque of 430Nm available between 4,000 and 6,000 rpm. Acceleration is quoted at 4.7 seconds for the 0 to 100 kph sprint, on to a governed top speed of 280kph. Combined fuel consumption is listed at 10.7 litres per 100 kilometres - a CO2 equivalent of 249gm/kilometre.

Transmission for the special anniversary model is Audi's seven-speed S tronic dual clutch auto. Drivers can either let the transmission shift automatically, or choose to change gears themselves using the selector lever or steering wheel paddles.

Adjustable quattro AWD
Torque split for the quattro permanent all-wheel drive is 40:60 (default ratio) between the front and rear axles. This ratio can be varied as required - with up to 70 per cent of the power going to the front and a maximum of 85 per cent to the rear.

Wheel-selective torque control uses small brake impulses to make cornering at high speed even more dynamic. Standard fitment on the Anniversary model is Audi's 'sport' differential, which actively distributes the power between the rear wheels.

Steering & Suspension
Also standard is the 'Audi drive select' dynamic driving system. Across three modes - comfort, auto and dynamic - this adjusts the characteristics of the electromechanical power steering, transmission, accelerator response and exhaust system. A fourth mode - individual - can be configured by the driver.

Two options are available for Audi drive select: dynamic steering and RS sport suspension plus. The former varies the steering ratio depending on the speed and counter steers with small impulses at curve limits. The latter adds Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), which equalises the roll and pitch for the RS4 Avant's suspension by diagonally linking the hydraulic dampers.

Wheels and Brakes
The Audi RS 4 Avant Nogaro rolls on gloss 20-inch wheels, wrapped in 265/30 series tyres. Wave pattern brake discs are internally ventilated and perforated, with front wheel carbon-fibre ceramic discs available on request. The standard ESC can be deactivated, with a sport mode also available.

Interior
The RS4 Avant Nogaro features a predominantly black interior, with the option of Nogaro blue contrast trim to match the exterior.

Two different upholstery options are available for the electrically adjustable S sport seats. Black Valcona leather is common to both, with centre sections available in either black or Nogaro blue Alcantara. The same two fabric options are available for the door trim inserts - another homage to the Audi Avant RS2.

Armrests, steering wheel and selector lever boot are trimmed in black leather, with blue contrast stitching. The Nogaro's special edition status is identified by badging on the gear shifter and door trims.


Other high-performance options usually available on an RS4 Avant are also available on the RS4 Avant Nogaro. Starting price is listed at $171,300 (MLP). Remember, only five units are coming here, so don't leave it too late to place your order!