Audi celebrates 25 years of the RS4 with anniversary edition

Audi says this special edition delivers “high performance in everyday use and on the racetrack,” and after a 20PS (15kW) upgrade the V6 biturbo engine now delivers 470PS (346kW) and 600Nm (442lb ft) of torque, crowning it the performance flagship of the A4 series. Top speed is 186mph, with it achieving 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds, 0.4 seconds faster than the previous model.

Upgrades extend to the suspension, where RS sport suspension pro comes as standard with a 10mm lower ride height – 20mm lower than the series model. There’s the quattro sport differential, boasting greater agility and more rearward bias for “increased driving fun,” and improved handling and grip for faster cornering speeds thanks to the negative camber on the front axle being increased to two degrees and the installation of stiffer control arms.

If you’re looking to take your anniversary Audi out on the track, launch control signals the ideal moment to accelerate off the line, and Pirelli has you covered with P Zero Corsa high-performance tyres for the 20” alloy wheels for both track and road. Though if you’re looking to really max out, lucky owners also receive a second set of Pirelli tyres specifically for the track, as well as a handy pair of race gloves with yellow accents, courtesy of Alpinestars.

Yellow is the big theme here. The bright lemon – or rather, ‘Imola Yellow,’ that adorns the exterior is reminiscent of the RS4* Sport (though it also comes in frankly duller black and grey tones, too). The homages to the RS4* Sport continue, with the yellow stitching throughout the interior harking back to the black and yellow leather Alcantara combination from the 2001 model. Glossy black details are found from the trims on the side windows to the Audi lettering and rings. A flat-bottom suede and yellow accented steering wheel is also available, though this will set you back an extra €2,270 (£1,930), so Audi do recommend you wear your gloves.

Exclusivity is the name of the game here; only a limited 250 celebratory units will be available for purchase in Europe, setting you back €142,905 (£121,482), though each car will be numbered with matte lettering on the centre console. Unique “RS4 edition 25 years” lettering will also be engraved in the windows between the C- and D-pillars, in case you ever forgot what it was you were commemorating. The RS4 Avant edition 25 years will be rolling off the line in Ingolstadt and available to order from June.