Avant vs Saloon handling?

[fishface]

Hiya.

Can anyone with experience of 'hot' Audis comment on the differences in the handling of the saloon vs the avant. I've driven the RS4 saloon which was fantastic. How much magic will the avant lose?

[GlynRS2]

This is a bit tricky as the RS2 and B5 RS4 only came as avants. Will have to ask the RS6 guys.

[PhilT]

The word is that with the B7 RS4, the focus is on the Saloon... The Avant isn't supposed to be as good

[simple1]

Very little I would have thought, will use the set up and floor pan of saloon... if anything the avant will be slightly heavier but not by much.......

[JustinM]

For anything other than an aggressive track day, there will be no difference.

[MattC]

fishface,

The Avant handles very very well, as with any avant it takes a bit of getting used to, but the ride control and load sensors are completly different on the B7 Avant. Its also nothing like the RS6, as that handles abit like a pickfords truck.

I dont think you will feel any less impressed with the Avant over the Saloon. A great deal of effort and testing has gone into the setup of the Avant. Its by no means complete as yet, but the B7 avants I have driven thus far are great.

Matt

[fishface]

Thanks for all the replies.

Matt, when you say the testing isn't complete yet that does mean the finished item is not yet fully signed off? Also can you help with the following?

1) What is the weight penalty?

2) Is the rear passenger space any bigger or same?

Regards

FF

[MattC]

Hi Fishface.

It has finished its control testing and only has a few pre production fixes prior to factory prep. The first two UK Avants is currently at a well known Berkshire test track / lab for the standard UK certification. On Thursday their were photographers up trees trying to get shots, quite funny.

It is a fair bit heavier, but not loads, think about the performance difference between the RS6 Saloon and Avant. I have four different weights on my spreadsheet so need to get my facts correct before I commit to the weight, I have emailed for clarification.

I have attached a picture which should give to a rear passenger view.

Regards


Matt

[MattC]

Fishface,

Sorry I did not answer one of your questions; the rear cabin size is identical to the Saloon. The cars are 3mm different in overall length.

There is a little extra head room, but the floor tray sits on the same stage 1 press, the rear press is different.

This is the main reason why there is little or no difference between the ride and handling between them. The ECM has an extra load sensor YEM12 to monitor the rear load, as you would expect you can carry a fair amount of extra weight in an avant so good old Audi have parameters in the ECM to change the front to rear weight distribution.

The Saloon / Avant thing is all about getting used to the car, its more in peoples mind than a lack of ability on the cars part.

When the next driving experience days are launched, the team will travel with Saloon and Avant, so when you have two Audi test drivers like Kai-Uwe and Jan getting about tracks in identical times.

Matt

[fishface]

Matt, thanks very much for the detailed information.

Any inside tit bits on the RS4+ or new RS6 then?

FF

[MattC]

Hi Fishface,

The RS4+ is currently a total myth, you know Audi, that’s not to say it won’t happen. I personally can’t see Audi developing it, there is simply too much demand on limited technical resource and knowledge. Audi over the next two years has already committed to its new development program and it does not include an RS4+.

The next RS6 will be a total monster between 565 -580 bhp, Audi are really keen to show there lead over BMW, and the next generation RS6 with its special power plant will be simply stunning, combined this with 4wd and you have a very special car. There also going to be some state of the art ESP changes to improve handling of a large car.

The biggest change will be the gearbox, which currently limits the old RS6, hence why so many RS6 owners use remaps.

Watch the RS6 space,

Matt

[fishface]

Hi Matt, what sort of date do you think we looking at for the RS6? 2007?

Thanks

FF

[bobjebb]

I'd be interested to know too, although I guess way later than 2007. Late '08? Thinking of switching deposit from RS4 to one of these.

[MattC]

Hi FF & Bob,

There is currently limited info, even in the two technical teams. My guessing but ONLY guessing going on past projects would be PPFT about June 2008 and full production starting August 2008. But you just never know, there is already some unhappy top Audi staff who want the next generation RS6 released in 2007, so it depends how hard they bang their drums.

You know what management are like !!

If I get more information I will let you know.

Matt

[fishface]

Thanks. It'll be great to see if they can do the same majic on the RS6 as they have done on the RS4