Audi is making the RS4 Avant, RS5 Coupé and RS5 Sportback even more powerful by introducing the new Competition and Competition Plus packages in Europe. It’s not yet clear if these upgrades could be coming for the RS5 in the US. We contact the North American subsidiary to find out.
The Competition package is the starting point for these updates. It includes the RS Sports Exhaust System Plus with two large-diameter, oval-shaped tailpipes. Audi describes the resulting sound as “more intense”. Plus, there’s about 17.64 pounds (8 kilograms) less soundproofing between the engine compartment and the interior, so occupants can hear the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 better.
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There are also adjustments to the software for the engine and transmission control units. This results in faster gear changes and a greater difference between different driving modes. The top speed limiter increases to 180 miles per hour (290 kilometers per hour).
Both Competition packs include a black exterior trim pack. The darker parts include badges. Matte-finish carbon covers the mirror caps, front blade, side flaps, sill extensions and rear diffuser trim. For the first time on the RS4 and RS5, the bodywork is available in Sebring Black crystal effect. As an option, there are 20-inch wheels in a Phantom Black finish.
Inside, they have seat side panels in Piano Black. RS sport seats are available with a mix of Dinamica faux suede and Pearl Nappa leather. Seat belts are black with red edges.
Upgrading to the Competition Plus package gives buyers all of this equipment and more. For example, there are the manually adjustable RS Sport Suspension Pro shock absorbers. As delivered, the changes lower the ride height by 0.39 inches (10 millimeters) compared to the standard RS versions. Buyers can then drop it up to an additional 0.39 inches if they wish.
The suspension also has higher spring rate, three-way adjustable dampers and stiffer stabilizers.
The Competition Plus replaces dynamic steering assistance with a fixed ratio of 1:13.1. The Quattro Sport differential has a new data set for its control unit that emphasizes sending power to the rear. Additionally, retuned ABS software and ceramic brakes reduce stopping distance from 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) by 6.56 feet (2 meters).
There are no engine modifications. The models use a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 that develops 444 horsepower (331 kilowatts) and 443 pound-feet (600 Newton-meters) of torque. Still, the other tweaks help make the vehicles a bit faster. The RS4 Avant reaches 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, 0.2 seconds better than a production version. The RS5 Coupé and Sportback hit that speed in 3.8 seconds, 0.1 seconds better.
In Europe, the Competition and Competition Plus packs are available from July 2023. Competition equipment is €7,875 ($7,786 at the current exchange rate). The Competition Plus costs €11,875 ($11,739).
