Audi makes the RS4 Avant, RS5 Coupe and RS5 Sportback even more powerful by introducing the new Competition and Competition Plus packages to Europe. It’s not yet clear if this upgrade will arrive for the RS5 in the US. We reached out to the North America branch to find out.
The Competition Pack is the starting point for this update. This includes the RS Sports Exhaust System Plus with two wide-diameter oval exhaust pipes. Audi describes the resulting sound as “more intense.” Plus, there’s about 17.64 pounds (8 kilograms) less soundproofing between the engine compartment and interior, so passengers can hear more of the 2.9-liter twin-turbo V6 engine.
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There are also tweaks to the software for the engine and transmission control units. The result is faster gearshifts and greater difference between different driving modes. The top speed limit was increased to 180 miles per hour (290 kilometers per hour).
Both Competition packages include a black exterior trim package. Darker pieces include badges. Matte-finish carbon covers the mirror caps, front blades, side flaps, sill extensions and rear diffuser trim. For the first time on the RS4 and RS5, the body is available in the crystal-effect Sebring Black color. As an optional addition, there are 20-inch alloy wheels in Phantom Black color.
Inside, they have the side panels of the seats in Piano Black. The RS sports seat is available in a mix of Dinamica faux suede and Pearl Nappa leather. The seat belt is black with red edges.
Upgrading to the Competition Plus package gets shoppers all this equipment and more. For example, there is the RS Sport Suspension Pro damper which can be adjusted manually. As noted, the changes lower ride height by 0.39 inches (10 millimeters) over the standard RS trim. Buyers can then drop it an additional 0.39 inches if they wish.
The suspension also has a higher spring rate, three-way adjustable dampers, and stiffer stabilizers.
The Competition Plus replaces dynamic steering assist with a fixed ratio of 1:13.1. The Quattro Sport Differential has a new dataset for its control unit that emphasizes rearward power delivery. Plus, software reset ABS and ceramic brakes reduce stopping distance from 62 miles per hour (100 kilometers per hour) to 6.56 feet (2 meters).
No engine modifications. The model uses a twin-turbo 2.9-liter V6 producing 444 horsepower (331 kilowatts) and 443 pound-feet (600 Newton-meters) of torque. However, other tweaks help make the vehicle a bit faster. The RS4 Avant hits 62 mph (100 kph) in 3.9 seconds – 0.2 seconds better than the standard version. The RS5 Coupe and Sportback hit that speed in 3.8 seconds – 0.1 seconds better.
In Europe, the Competition and Competition Plus packages are available from July 2023. The Competition Equipment is €7,875 ($7,786 at current exchange rates). Competition Plus is €11,875 ($11,739).
