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2018 Audi RS 4 Avant laps Nurburgring in 7:58 (video)

Following a couple of generations of high-revving naturally aspirated engines, the 2018 Audi RS 4 Avant switches back to a twin-turbo V6. How fast is it? Fortunately, renowned German car magazine Sport Auto has just posted one of its famous ‘supertest’ videos.

In the video we get to see how the new Audi RS 4 Avant performs on the notorious Nurburgring. Pro driver Christian Gebhardt pushes an example around the circuit in 7:58.52. This is a pretty quick time, no doubt, but compared with some of its rivals it’s not actually that impressive.

The latest RS 4 is powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 that generates 331kW and 600Nm. After going through an eight-speed sports automatic (torque convertor), all of that power is transferred into forward momentum thanks to a quattro all-wheel drive system. Audi says the drive system usually splits the torque 40:60 between the front and rear axles in normal conditions. However, the clever system can send up to 85 per cent to the rear wheels.

Across the 0-100km/h dash Audi claims the clock stops in 4.1 seconds. This makes it the quickest RS 4 to date. Around the Nurburgring though, it doesn’t stack up all that well. A BMW M2, which is rear-wheel drive and produces only 272kW/465Nm, has clocked a lap in 7:58, while the Alfa Romeo Giulia QV sets the record for a production sedan with a time of 7:51.7. The regular BMW M4 (317kW/550Nm) has also posted a 7:52 lap.

Considering these rivals are rear-wheel drive, the RS 4 Avant should have the potential to produce a quicker time. Sport Auto has previously conducted a test of the latest TT RS as well, and it clocked a 7:48. In the video it looks like Gebhardt battled with a bit of understeer with the RS 4, which is a common trait of Audi vehicles. Perhaps this hindered the full potential?

Audi Australia launched the latest RS 4 in May this year. Local prices start $152,900 (before on-roads). You can watch the full on-board lap video below, and feel free to tell us what you think in the comments section.

Maverick

I like to think that I'm a car fanatic, but more of a driving fanatic. There's nothing better than getting out onto the open road, almost regardless of the car, and enjoying dancing with the controls and gathering up the moving scenery. If I'm not driving I'm either at the gym or sinking a few beers with friends.
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