Exclusive Audi RS4 Nogaro selection races in

AUDI is introducing a super exclusive version of its hardcore RS4 Avant to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the German carmaker’s first ever performance wagon, the 1994 RS2 Avant.

Just five examples of the RS4 Avant ‘Nogaro selection’ are being made available to cashed up Australian buyers, with the recommended retail price of $171,300 marking a $21,900 increase over the standard version of the fire-breathing family hauler that is priced at $149,400 plus ORCs.

Debuting at the Geneva motor show this week, the limited edition variant features customised Nogaro pearl blue body paint referencing the 1994 original that kicked off the brand’s sporting RS line.

High-gloss black painted grille and window frames and matte black roof rails adding to the extreme look, while high-gloss black tail-pipes and 20-inch wheels with a five V-spoke design on 265/30 series tyres and huge red brake calipers cap it off.

Under the bonnet, Audi has not made any changes to the brutal 331kW/430Nm 4.2-litre naturally aspirated V8 powerplant matched with the seven-speed S tronic transmission from the standard version, maintaining its 4.7-second 0-100km/h sprint time and 10.7 litre per 100 kilometre fuel economy figure.

Buyers can choose between black or Nogaro blue Alcantara trim on the seat cushions and door trim inserts, with the side sections of the sports seats available in black leather.

The black with blue piping theme features throughout the cabin, including on the armrests, floor mats and steering wheel, while blue accents run through the carbon-fibre inserts for an extra “shimmer”.

Badges on the door sill trim and on the RS selector of the S Tronic transmission highlight the model’s special edition status.

Adding to the standard equipment of the regular RS4 Avant, the Nogaro gains two optional elements for the Audi Drive Select system which alters the steering and suspension, depending on the taste of the driver.

Audi Australia managing director Andrew Doyle said the RS4 Avant Nogaro selection is likely to become a future collector’s item, much like the original car that inspired it.

“We are pleased to secure five of these very special vehicles to offer our Australian customers,” he said. “The original Audi Avant RS2 plays a significant role in Audi’s history as the founding model of our high-performance RS range. These RS 4 Avant Nogaro selection vehicles are a fitting tribute, and will become ‘collectable’ in their own right.” The 1994 original RS2 Avant was the first RS model in the brand’s history and was developed in collaboration with sports-car-maker Porsche.

It was powered by a 232kkW/410Nm 2.2-litre five-cylinder engine matched to a six-speed manual gearbox and could race from zero to 100km/h in 5.4 seconds before hitting a top speed of 262km/h, just 18km/h less than the 2014 Nogaro.