What's all this then?
This is the answer to the question of 'how do I make an Audi RS4 or RS5 even more desirable?'
Well, how do you do that thing you just said?
Simple. Add carbon. Audi is introducing the RS4 Avant Carbon Edition and RS5 Coupe Carbon Edition, and both cars include a rather hefty sprinkling of lightweight CFRP, or Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer.
They aren't limited edition, rather it's an option pack that adds a Carbon Matt styling pack. This includes a carbon finish for the front spoiler (and the rear one on the RS5), carbon sill extensions and a diffuser insert, as well as carbon interior inlays and mirror housings. The RS5 also gets a rather striking full-length carbon roof, which saves 3kg compared to the conventional steel roof.
There's also a matt black finish for the radiator grille, and a matt-titanium quattro logo. The windows get privacy finish on the rear glass and sides, as well as matt-black surrounds. Inside, you get Nappa leather bucket seats in black, with contrast red stitching, and there's the usual 8.3-inch MMI infotainment system, Virtual Cockpit digital instruments, and internet connection.
Any mechanical upgrades?
The 450hp turbo V6 engine in both models is unchanged, but there are extra carbon finish details to the engine cover, and a new sports exhaust which is both louder and which allows the engine to breathe more freely.
There are also special 20-inch wheels, which are a one-piece milled design. Audi claims that "the surfacing and the milled slots in the sides of the spokes in these very special aluminium wheels 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". These save as much as 2kg each compared to the standard alloy wheels.
Carbon Edition models also come with Matrix LED headlights, which automatically dip and block out parts of the beam to avoid dazzling other traffic.
Blimey. How much for all that lot?
An extra £10,000 for the RS4 Carbon Edition, bringing its OTR price to £71,625, and an extra £12,500 for the RS5, bringing it to an OTR total of £75,400.
Neil Briscoe - 26 Sep 2017