Proving there’s still life in the old dog carrier yet, Audi Sport marks the end of the RS 4 with a 25th anniversary special backed up with a power hike and significant suspension upgrades.
The BMW M3 Touring might’ve recently stolen the RS 4 Avant’s thunder, but that doesn’t mean the Audi isn’t going down without a fight. Following on from the surprisingly hardcore RS 4 Competition with its trick coilover suspension is this, the RS 4 Edition 25.
Priced at £115,880, the 463 bhp Edition 25 marks the end of the line for yet another Audi icon, following the recent deaths of the R8 and TT. Taking inspiration from each of the four generations of RS 4, the Edition 25 gets a power boost of 19 bhp for the 2.9 litre biturbo V6. The torque output remains a match for the cooking RS 4 at 442 lb ft (to prolong the life of the eight speed torque converter automatic), although Audi Sport has revised the gear shift mapping, promising a more aggressive change in the sportiest driving modes.
The extra power and snappier shifts combine to reduce the 0-62 mph time by an impressive 0.4 seconds, with a 3.7s run. The top speed has also improved, with the RS 4 Edition 25 now capable of 186 mph.
The Edition 25 will also sport the adjustable coilovers of the RS 4 Competition, with the ride height lowered by 10 mm over the regular car. Those handy with the spanners can lower the car by another 10 mm. The Competition will also donate its 20 inch wheels which will be wrapped exclusively in Pirelli’s P Zero Corsa tyre for the UK market. Elsewhere, the Edition 25 will offer the semi slick Trofeo RS tyre as an optional extra, which should give a clue as to Audi’s intent that this final run out model is no mere cosmetic makeover.
Indeed, the chassis modifications continue under the skin. There’s stiffer front control arms and increased negative camber and the rear subframe is more firmly anchored. The Torsen Sport quattro rear differential has also been tweaked to deliver a faster and more precise distribution of torque across the back axle. Audi Sport has also removed some of the RS 4’s sound insulation in tandem with including the sports exhaust system and carbon ceramic brakes from the options list with the Edition 25’s asking price.
What isn’t included is the stunning Imola Yellow paint on the car in the press release images, which harks back to the original B5 RS 4 Avant. Ticking that box will set you back an additional £3,000. Hopefully other great Audi Sport colours such as Nogaro Blue will be available too.
Inside, the Edition 25 is distinguished by yellow stitching for the part leather, part alcantara seats, matte carbon trim highlights for the dash and door cards, plus Edition 25 badging throughout. The steering wheel will also be trimmed in alcantara.
With just 50 units coming to the UK, expect all RS 4 Edition 25’s to be accounted for quickly, despite the price premium. And if the Edition 25 seems a little too hardcore for you, Audi has also announced a new RS 5 Sportback Performance Edition, which benefits from the power upgrade and coilover suspension, but forgoes the rest.
