Audi RS4 Avant (B5)

 

The next older Audi fast wagon on display at this year's Legends of the Autobahn that was never officially sold in North America is another RS4 Avant, this time the B5 generation. The B5 RS4 Avant was produced from 2000 to 2001 and is powered by a 2.7-liter twin-turbo V6 with 375 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. Its twin-turbo V6 is paired to a six-speed manual gearbox that sends power to all four wheels. Acceleration from zero to 60 mph in the B5 RS4 Avant occurs in 4.8 seconds, while its top speed is limited to 155 mph. Like the last two RS4 generations, the B5 RS4 was only offered as an Avant wagon. Audi partnered with Cosworth to develop the B5 RS4 Avant, and this collaboration helped this car become the fastest compact vehicle when it was new. Distinctive styling elements the B5 RS4 Avant gained over its lesser A4 and S4 counterparts include widened fenders to house larger wheels and tires, revised front and rear bumpers, improved aerodynamics, and a single twin-pipe exhaust setup. Mechanically, besides the power and performance upgrades, the RS4's suspension is stiffer and lower than those of the A4 and S4. Inside, Recaro high-bolstered sport seats are standard in the B5 RS4 Avant, and an RS4 badge was added to the lower spoke of its three-spoke steering wheel. 

While it was never officially sold in the US, unlike its successors as of now, the B5 Audi RS4 Avant can be legally imported Stateside since it is at least 25 years old. Examples of the B5 RS4 Avant that have been imported to the US tend to sell for between $50,000 and $70,000 on the resale market. After  production for the B5 RS4 Avant ended in 2001, Audi skipped the B6 generation for the RS4 before bringing the high-performance model back for the B7 generation in 2007. More about the B7-generation RS4 Avant can be found in the previous post. This year's Legends of the Autobahn show during Monterey Car Week featured two B5 Audi RS4 Avant examples on display: one in light gray and one in silver, and both appearing pristine and bone stock. Like the B7 RS4 Avant from the previous post, while the two B5 RS4 Avants may not have been the coolest or my favorite Audis at Legends of the Autobahn this year, they were certainly some of the most intriguing due to their initial forbidden fruit status in the States and my general immense fascination with fast wagons. Overall, the B5 Audi RS4 Avant is a cool and underrated fast wagon that is becoming more of a sought-after classic. Watch this space for the third older Audi fast wagon model that was originally forbidden fruit in North America and on display at this year's Legends of the Autobahn coming up in the next post. 

Vehicle Specifications Sources: Classic.com, Autoevolution 

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