A NEW special edition Audi estate car is being launched to commemorate 20 years of a famous trailblazing model.

Back in 1994 the gulf between versatile estate and extreme sports car was bridged with the arrival of the Audi Avant RS2.

Now, to mark the milestone, the prestige brand is presenting the new RS 4 Avant Nogaro selection at next month's Geneva Motor Show.

Complete with Nogaro blue pearl-effect paint and exclusive equipment, the newcomer also boasts stand-out features like grille and window surrounds in high-gloss black and roof rails in matt black while the RS sports exhaust system has a pair of oval high-gloss black tailpipe trims.

Under the RS 4's bonnet is a 4.2-litre V8 engine developing 450PS and capable of firing the Audi from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds and on to governed top speed of 174mph. Its combined fuel economy is 26.4mpg - for a CO equivalent of 249g/km.

A seven-speed S tronic gearbox is standard - with the option of dual-clutch auto transmission or manual shifts via the steering wheel paddles - along with quattro all-wheel drive.

The car also comes with 20-inch five-spoke alloys with red brake calipers and RS emblems, though you pay extra for ceramic discs.

Inside, there are two different combinations of black and blue for the upholstery, centre sections and door trim inserts and there are RS logos on the door sill trims.

The car is due for launch in Europe later this year, though no decision has yet been taken with regard to UK availability.

The original Audi RS2 cost £39,500 and just under 3,000 cars were produced - more than the quantity originally planned.