2001 July: The new model Audi A4 was shown in Europe in late 2000, but went on sale in Australia in July 2001, at $47,400 to $84,500" ($au).

2001 June: The Audi A4 did well in recent European NCAP crash tests.

2001 February: As foreshadowed in [2000] Audi .au has launched the RS4, the mother of all shopping trolley cum school run wagons. If you have $165,000 to spare, you may still be able to pick up one of these wolves in sheeps' clothing. The 2.7-litre, twin-turbo V6 makes 280kW at 6100 - 7000rpm and 440Nm at 2500 - 6000rpm, and drives into a 6-speed manual gearbox and four wheel drive system. The engine was breathed on by Cosworth Technology, part of Audi Group (VW) since 1999. The only external give aways are 255/35ZR18 tyres on 18" alloy wheels, a new front spoiler and rear, roof spoiler.

Stopping is dealt with by "composite-type brake discs" - cast iron(?) fixed to aluminium. Driver and passenger airbags, front side airbags, and `SIDEGUARD' head airbags are standard. Australian cars come in "Brilliant Black with a silver leather and Alcantara interior." The seats are Recaros, and a 170 Watt BOSE sound system allows you to seriously annoy the neighbours.

Production of the RS4 ended at the Neckarsulm Factory in August 2001; 6030 were built, with 50 coming to Australia.

Audi RS4 2001

• station wagon, 5-seats, 4-doors, multiple airbags, ABS, EBD, ESP
• loa: 4525mm, width: 1799mm (body), height: 1386mm
• wheelbase: 2607mm, track: 1549mm/1530mm
• weight: 1620kg (unladen), GVM: 2170kg
• 2671cc, petrol (98 RON, 95 RON reduced power), V6, twin-turbo', mpfi, 5-valves/cyl, dohc
• bore: 81.0mm, stroke: 86.4mm, c.r.: 9.0:1
• power: 280kW at 6100rpm, torque: 440Nm at 2500rpm
• transmission: 6m, full time 4WD, Torsen centre diff'
• suspension: indep' 4-link/ indep' wishbones, brakes: disc/ disc, ABS, EBD, ESP
• tyres: 255/35ZR18, fuel-tank: 62L
• fuel consumption: 17.0/ 9.0/ 12.0L/100km, urban/ highway/ overall, claimed
• prices: $165,000 ($au 2/2001 - 8/2001)

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