Lighter Audi RS4 and RS5 Carbon Edition models launched

Audi has added new Carbon Edition models to its RS4 Avant and Audi RS5 Coupé ranges, with respective weight savings of 60kg and 80kg.

The lighter variants come with carbonfibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP) parts, including a front spoiler, sill extensions and diffuser. The door mirror caps are also CFRP, while the RS5 also gets a CFRP roof and rear spoiler.

Inside both of the all-wheel-drive models are CFRP inlays and Fine Nappa leather seats in black with contrasting red stitching. The usual raft of RS standard features, including Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, which comprises an 8.3in touchscreen and a 12.3in digital instrument cluster, remain.

Added to the exterior is a matt aluminium finish for metallic exterior trim, while 20in five-spoke aluminium wheels replace the standard 19in ones. The 20in wheels feature milled slots that require manufacturing processes Audi otherwise retains only for its super sports or racing wheels. Behind these are red brake calipers. Despite their enlarged diameter, each wheel removes 2kg of unsprung mass from the car.

The RS4 and RS5 Carbon Editions weigh 60kg and 80kg less than their regular siblings, but even this lighter RS4 still tips the scales at 1730kg, while the carbon-intensive RS5 weighs 1585kg.