The third generation of this acclaimed high-performance Audi has been unveiled today. The all new RS 4 Avant has all the merits of the standard A4 Avant, but with the additional power and excitement of a high revving V8 engine.

This superb model will only be available in the attractive and accommodating Avant body style, and is expected to arrive in all Mon Motors Audi centres during the Autumn of 2012. The all new RS 4 Avant is expected to deliver sub-five-second 0 to 62mph pace, a top speed of 174pmh and the unwavering precision of quattro all-wheel-drive handling.

AT the heart of the all new RS 4 Avant is the same naturally aspirated V8 that powers the current RS5 Coupe. The hand-built 4163cc unit, with its distinctive red-painted cylinder covers, produces 450 PS at 8520rpm and maximum torque of 430 Nm from 4000 to 6000rpm. It powers the RS 4 Avant from 0 to 62mph in 4.7 seconds on its way to a governed top speed of 155mph, which can be increased to 174mph if required. What’s more, it achieves all this while potentially returning up to 25.7mpg on the combined cycle.

With its impressive efficiency and long top gear, the seven-speed S tronic transmission contributes significantly to fuel economy. The driver can let the lightning-fast dual-clutch transmission shift automatically or change gears manually using the selector lever or steering wheel paddles. For explosive starts, the driver can also activate the launch control, which manages the engagement of the clutch to achieve optimum starting speed with minimal wheel spin.

The RS 4 has a powerful profile, thanks to chiselled sill extensions and flared wheel arches, which are complemented by LED daytime running lights, wedge-shaped headlights, distinctive bumpers and oval tailpipe caps. It’s available in a choice of eight colours, including two special crystal effect colours, Prism silver and Panther black.

The interior is finished completely in black, apart from the roof lining, which is also available in Moon silver. Chrome clasps and carbon inlays are standard, with brushed matt aluminium, Aluminium Race, piano black and stainless steel mesh finishes available as options. The instrument cluster bezel is finished in piano black.

The standard front sports seats are heated. Bucket-style ‘super sports seats’ are also an option. High-grade leather packages are available as options, as are a range of state-of-the-art driver assistance and communications systems, including mobile phone preparation high, which connects the car with the Internet and Google Earth satellite navigation mapping.

UK pricing and specification guides are not yet available for the all new RS 4 Avant, but please contact your nearest Mon Motors Audi centre today and register your interest in this exciting addition to the Audi model range.