RE: New Audi RS4 binned, says rumourmill
Discussion
oola said:
Disappointing news if true as it would (might) be a car I'd be looking at.
Although Autocar said this week its Avent only and uses the RS5s V8 444bhp 317lbft, optional 7 speed dual clutch transmission on page 18.
Ah well, we'll see!
Which is what we say too!... partly... Although Autocar said this week its Avent only and uses the RS5s V8 444bhp 317lbft, optional 7 speed dual clutch transmission on page 18.
Ah well, we'll see!
Fingers crossed this is the case...
F30 3 series just released with as yet, no confirmation of where the M3 is going.
Pretty sure Audi wont want to be left without a rival to it in their A4 range.
Or perhaps they've switched their sights fully to the A5 seeing as it's a coupe?
I always wondered, before the A4's arrival, why Audi didnt have a coupe version of the RS4.
Bmw only ever made a 4 door M3 in the E90 range and tbh, it's hideous. If they dont make a 4 door in the F30 range then no real need for Audi to make an RS4, just stick with the RS5 instead.
Although on the other hand, if BMW dont make a 4 door F30 M3 Audi could have their own little neche by having an RS4.
Pretty sure Audi wont want to be left without a rival to it in their A4 range.
Or perhaps they've switched their sights fully to the A5 seeing as it's a coupe?
I always wondered, before the A4's arrival, why Audi didnt have a coupe version of the RS4.
Bmw only ever made a 4 door M3 in the E90 range and tbh, it's hideous. If they dont make a 4 door in the F30 range then no real need for Audi to make an RS4, just stick with the RS5 instead.
Although on the other hand, if BMW dont make a 4 door F30 M3 Audi could have their own little neche by having an RS4.
If it's true, there's some method in the decision. The M3/C63/RS4 class is arguably the one that's been hit hardest by the financial climate. These are everyday cars, not weekend toys, and people seem increasingly unwilling to pay for the fuel and depreciation. There's far less finance available too - and cars like the RS4 have always depended on the dreaded-drip. The RS6 sits a class higher, the average owner appears to be better protected from the economic downturn, but sales have been modest in the UK.
Then there's the emerging markets: China won't be interested in a new RS4, so Audi probably feels R&D budget is better spent elsewhere. Having said that, the car looks nearly finished, so the cash seems to have already been spent.
I reckon they might be re-thinking the powertrain too. The C63 has 480bhp (power pack) and 368lb ft, the new M3 will have some potent turbo motor, which would leave something based on the RS5 struggling to match them. Maybe they're waiting to lop two cylinders off the new turbo V8?
Or maybe this is just a ruse to get us talking about Audi RS cars and Audi will show a new bi-turbo V6 RS4 at Geneva? Hope they do, I loved running a B7 version for Autocar back in 2006. Apart from the R8, every subsequent Quattro Gmbh model has been a disappointment for me.
Then there's the emerging markets: China won't be interested in a new RS4, so Audi probably feels R&D budget is better spent elsewhere. Having said that, the car looks nearly finished, so the cash seems to have already been spent.
I reckon they might be re-thinking the powertrain too. The C63 has 480bhp (power pack) and 368lb ft, the new M3 will have some potent turbo motor, which would leave something based on the RS5 struggling to match them. Maybe they're waiting to lop two cylinders off the new turbo V8?
Or maybe this is just a ruse to get us talking about Audi RS cars and Audi will show a new bi-turbo V6 RS4 at Geneva? Hope they do, I loved running a B7 version for Autocar back in 2006. Apart from the R8, every subsequent Quattro Gmbh model has been a disappointment for me.
PHMatt said:
Bmw only ever made a 4 door M3 in the E90 range and tbh, it's hideous.
There was a 4-door E36 too, not sure about the E46 though. As for what the next M3 is going to be like; if it follows the pattern of all M3s it will be bigger, heavier, more powerful, have more gadgets than the last car and possibly be automatic only.
I think the current S4 could also be part of the problem - it is too close to what the RS4 would be and is one heck of a underrated car. The RS5 and RS3 might be faster but the S4 seems to be the only one (R8 and to a lesser extent TTRS excepted) which has anything like the dynamics and entertainment of the old RS4. If a new RS4 drives, handles and rides like the current RS5, it'll be panned. It needs to be like the current S4 but turned up to 11 which is a tough ask IMHO.
Oh and of course the S4 is available with a rather nice manual gearbox
Oh and of course the S4 is available with a rather nice manual gearbox
Can imagine that having been unlucky with the C6 RS6 timing to market (2008), and Audi lost a fair whack on that front having to knock down the prices, along with the current state of play in the world has made them think twice.
Plus, the fact that the RS5 didnt really build on the work that the B7 put in.... and they are not flying off the shelves either as they are far too overpriced.
i would hedge my bets with a last run out on the current A4 range, to fill the gap between RS5 and new RS6.
Plus, the fact that the RS5 didnt really build on the work that the B7 put in.... and they are not flying off the shelves either as they are far too overpriced.
i would hedge my bets with a last run out on the current A4 range, to fill the gap between RS5 and new RS6.
It'll be a shame if the RS4 is culled, but don't overlook the latest S4. It's a corker. 4.7 seconds to 60mph yet consumes less fuel and is lower in emissions than the old A4 1.8T quattro 163. Granted, it might want for adjustability, but as a fast road car there's a lot to be said for its sheer unflustered capability.
troc said:
Oh and of course the S4 is available with a rather nice manual gearbox
Not anymore. Facelift means dual-clutch only for the S4 from now on. Out of 26 B8 S4's on Autotrader just now, its 9/17 for manual/dual-clutch (highly unscientific I know!) Guess it just wasn't popular enough for them to continue it. Plus it'll be far easier for them to engineer good economy/CO2 ratings with the dual-clutch 'box. Wouldn't surprise me if they're having a major rethink of the new RS4 given the drubbing the RS5 has had from the motoring press. The TT RS had a similarly lukewarm reception, but a lot of magazines who ran them as long-termers significantly warmed to them over time - doesn't appear to be the case with RS5's (Evo & Car are cases in point).
Edited by rm89 on Thursday 5th January 17:16
I have a deposit down for one.... Time to contact the dealer methinks.Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff