We compute branching ratios and invariant mass distributions of the
tau decays into four pions. The hadronic matrix elements are obtained
by starting from the structure of the hadronic current in chiral limit
and then implementing low-lying resonances in the different channels
with slowly varying coupling constants. Reasonable agreement with
experiment is obtained both for the $\tau \to \nu_{\tau} + (4 \pi \!)
$ decay rates and the $e^+e^- \to (4 \pi \!) $ cross sections. We
derive a new prediction for the decay rate of $\tau^-\to\nu_\tau
2\pi^- \pi^+ \pi^0 $ which is significantly lower than a previous one.
Furthermore we supply an interface to use our matrix elements within
the Tauola Monte-Carlo program.
