Currently reading: Lighter Audi RS4 and RS5 Carbon Edition models launched
Respective weight losses of 60kg and 80kg are possible thanks to carbonfibre-reinforced polymer parts and aluminium wheels

Audi has added new Carbon Edition models to its RS4 Avant and Audi RS5 Coupé ranges, with respective weight savings of 60kg and 80kg.

The lighter variants come with carbonfibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) parts, including a front spoiler, sill extensions and diffuser. The door mirror caps are also CFRP, while the RS5 also gets a CFRP roof and rear spoiler.

Inside both of the all-wheel-drive models are CFRP inlays and Fine Nappa leather seats in black with contrasting red stitching. The usual raft of RS standard features, including Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, which comprises an 8.3in touchscreen and a 12.3in digital instrument cluster, remain.

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Added to the exterior is a matt aluminium finish for metallic exterior trim, while 20in five-spoke aluminium wheels replace the standard 19in ones. The 20in wheels feature milled slots that require manufacturing processes Audi otherwise retains only for its super sports or racing wheels. Behind these are red brake calipers. Despite their enlarged diameter, each wheel removes 2kg of unsprung mass from the car.

The RS4 and RS5 Carbon Editions weigh 60kg and 80kg less than their regular siblings, but even this lighter RS4 still tips the scales at 1730kg, while the carbon-intensive RS5 weighs 1585kg.

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Both Carbon Editions stick with the same twin-turbocharged 2.9-litre V6 engine as the regular variants, outputting 444bhp and 443lb ft of torque. No improvements are claimed for straight-line speed, leaving the RS4’s 0-62mph dash at 4.1sec and the RS5’s at 3.9sec.

Carbon Edition models also come with a Quattro Sport rear differential as standard. RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control, ceramic brakes and dynamic steering remain as optional extras.

The RS4 Carbon Edition is priced at £71,625, which is £10,000 more than the regular model. The RS5 Carbon Edition costs £75,400, which is £12,500 more than the standard variant. Order books are open now.

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BenS1 28 September 2017

Saloon Please

Why don't they make an RS4 Saloon? I don't want an estate!

The RS5 is bigger than I want, and the RS3 (My current car) is a little too small.

 

Spanner 26 September 2017

Rs4

i love RS models, ever since the RS2, but both of these just don't light my fire. Is everything getting more boring? See new M3 for another bore.

MarkII 26 September 2017

£10,000 for a few bits of carbon.

If I were looking to spend money modifying the RS4, I wouldn't bother with a few expensive bits of carbon from Audi. Instead, I'd ditch the horrible standard rims and replace them with forged 19 inch Vossens and then look at improving the standard brakes, re-chip it and fit a Milltek exhaust system.
Better value than £10k worth of plastic.