Audi RS4 Avant and RS5 Coupe get Carbon Editions

Audi has introduced new Carbon Edition versions of the still fresh Audi RS4 Avant and RS5 Coupe. The new special editions, which will not be production limited, add motorsport-inspired carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) detailing, including a fully exposed CFRP roof on the RS5

Beyond the RS5 roof, both cars get a Carbon Matt Aluminium Styling Pack that adds CFRP trim on the front spoiler (and the rear in RS5), sill extensions, a diffuser insert and interior inlays along with CFRP door mirror housings.

Contrasting the carbon is matte aluminium finish for the radiator grille with its integral matte titanium quattro logo, the window surrounds and the front horizontal under-grille bar.

The wagon and coupe also get privacy glass and 20-inch ‘5-arm peak’ design wheels in anthracite matte black, which replace the standard 19-inch items.

Audi says that the surfacing and the milled slots in the sides of the spokes can only be achieved through the use of a very intensive milling process that has until now been reserved only for models in the super sports category, or those designed purely for competition use. Red brake callipers are visible through the front wheels.

Besides looking good, the one-piece milled wheel saves 2kg per wheel versus standard forged equivalents. In the RS5 Carbon Edition the 8kg saving is joined by another 3kg reduction from the carbon roof.

Under the hood, there’s a CFRP engine cover for the 2.9 litre biturbo TFSI six-pot with 450 PS and 600 Nm, 170 Nm more than its NA V8-powered predecessor (0-100 km/h 3.7s for the RS5, 4.1s for the RS4 Avant). Carbon Edition cars breathe through an upgraded RS sport exhaust system which amplifies the V6 soundtrack and is controllable via Audi drive select.

Carbon Edition models also feature an upgrade to RS matrix LED headlamps capable of automatically dipping or deactivating individual lighting diodes to create corridors of light around leading or oncoming vehicles or objects, helping to increase visibility without dazzling. The pack includes dynamic front indicators to complement the standard dynamic rear items.

Inside, CFRP inlays continue the theme. The Carbon Edition makes the desirable even more mouth-watering – it will be a popular option despite the UK premium of £10,000 (RS4 Avant) and £12,500 (RS5) over the regular cars.