New Audi RS4 binned, says rumourmill
Word on the web suggests RS4 ditched in favour of RS6
The decision doesn't appear to have been taken until the last minute, however, as The RS4 has already been caught in the prototype stage.
It might seem strange to cancel a car so close to fruition, but it does seem telling that Audi is talking up its S6,S7 and S8 triplets (powered by the new turbocharged V8) for 2012, but makes no mention of the RS4.
There is also a feeling that an RS4, expected to use the same 450hp V8 as the RS5, would rather step on the corporate super-saloon toes of the forthcoming RS6.
Of course, as is so often the case with internet rumour-age, there is also a counter-story. In this case it's the fact that the B8-generation Audi RS4 could get a reprieve in late 2013, in estate form only, and destined just for European markets. That, too, would make sense as 'RS' Audis have traditionally been launched towards the end of model lifecycles.
And Audi even has resurrection form with the RS4 - the last B7 almost never made it to production, if contemporary rumours are to be believed.
So will we or won't we see an RS4 version of the current A4? That's not a bet we'd currently like to put money on, whatever the outcome
Great car (apart from problematic suspension fitted as std, and theft risk) I think Audi should reconsider as the RS4 has a great following and they could lose a lot of clients who would look to change to a new model but will look elsewhere.
RS6 C6 V10 peaked at 376
RS6 C5 V8 peaks at 1052
RS4 B7 V8 peaked at just over 3000 add in 530 from the original V6 twinturbo
Rs5 581 so far
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