There are new ‘Competition’ versions of both the Audi RS4 Avant estate and the Audi RS 5 on the way.
And with a host of improvements to both how the cars look and how they drive, the German firm is promising ‘heightened emotions’ for lease clients.
It’s not like the RS4 or the RS5 were dull to begin with.
The RS4 Avant, the RS5 Coupe and the RS5 Sportback are all powered by a 3.0 litre V6 petrol engine with power of 450 PS and peak torque of 600Nm from 1,900 to 5,000 rpm.
That’s more than enough to get the hairs on the back of your neck tingling and the horizon hurtling towards you. The new Competition variants, however, somehow eke out even more ‘bang’ from that engine.
The RS4 Avant Competition will now shift from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds - which represents a 0.2 second improvement on the regular RS4 Avant - while the RS5 Coupe Competition hits 62mph from a standstill in 3.8 seconds, an improvement of 0.1 seconds.
Yet these new Competition models aren’t just about how quick they are in a straight line, Audi is at pains to point out that the new option not only unlocks uprated styling, it could also make the RS4 and RS5 comfier, too.
That’s down to new manually-adjustable coil over suspension. Dial it in for performance if you like, or ease it off if you know you’ve got a pot-hole strewn trip ahead of you.
An Audi spokesperson says:
“Thanks to this, even longer distances can be covered comfortably with all available assistance systems and without any limitations.”
The ride height on Competition models will leave the factory 10mm lower than the regular RS4 or RS5, and you can drop the suspension by a further 10mm if you wish.
A higher spring rate, three-way adjustable dampers, and stiffer stabilisers also ‘heighten the general driving experience and help shorten lap times’, says Audi.
Also adding to the improvements in handling is an enhanced quattro sport differential, which will give lease customers even more grip when they need it most.
Our Audi spokesperson explains how updates to the software employed by the RS’ brain is at play here, revealing:
“A new data set in the control unit with changed parameters switches the emphasis to the rear. Moreover, the updated software in the transmission control unit, only in combination with the competition packages, makes for reduced shifting times and a noticeably increased spread between the various driving modes.”
The Competition pack also brings the noise.
Not only is there a new exhaust system with matt black tailpipes, Audi has also stripped-out some of the insulation that sits between the engine compartment and the interior, meaning you’ll get more of an aural sensation in the cabin.
And then, of course, there’s the way the RS4 and RS5 Competition cars look.
You can expect stylistic flourishes in the interior, including seat side panels in ‘Piano Black’, as well as a renewed focus on recycled materials.
Meanwhile the exterior of the Competition RS vehicles get a ‘crystal effect Sebring Black finish’. You can also add high-sheen Phantom Black Competition wheels and cutting edge Pirelli P Zero Corsa high-performance tyres.
UK pricing and full specification is set to be announced later this summer.
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