Next Audi RS4 is going the M3 way

[hwelvaar]

"We’ve learned from deep within Audi that the next RS4 will trade its 450-hp, 4.2-liter V-8—the same mad mill as found in the RS5—for a turbocharged V-6. While plucking the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 from Audi’s armada of S cars would seem the most logical choice, Quattro GmbH is instead shifting focus to turbos for its RS-branded models. We suspect Audi will affix a pair of turbochargers to the six-cylinder, which would allow the brand to trump the 430 horsepower of BMW’s new M4 and M3"


Full article:
http://blog.caranddriver.com/next-ge...+and+Driver%29



So a V6 TT huh ? Can/will it sound nicer than I6 TT ?

[Sedan_Clan]

Audi got smart too.

[/// M sa]

Question is what will be the numbers that will trump the new m3/4 hp/tq? What about weight?

[ersin]

A V-6 is not an I-6. BMW owns I-6! I'm sure their engine will be great, but not as great as the S55. Let's hope the RS4 goes on a diet too.


Cheers.

[gee-m-w]

The $80k-$100k Porsche models are all getting the 3.6L TT V6. It's been rumored that block was built by Audi (4 rings stamp on bottom). It's unclear whether a 3.0L TT and the Porsche 3.6L TT will share parts and architecture. Allegedly the bore is the same.

[ss134]

Audi can have been very hit and miss with their RS models in recent years, I hope the new RS4 can find the spirit of the B7 and with some weight loss and a great engine this could be a real alternative to the M3.

[F82_SID]

Lets see if the follow suite with the weight loss strategy as well...

[drob23]

Lightweighting is the product of CAFE, ie fuel economy. Gas guzzler tax minimums are going up as are fleet average mandates. The rs4 (b9) will be based on the new mlb platform, which I believe sheds around 200 lbs for the b9 sized variant. It's not clear what model Audi will sell here, but if it's avant only, there's no chance in hell it comes out here to NA. The f80 will be much lighter though, I'd guess the b9 will be on the order of 3600lbs in the lightest setup. Rs4 sedan maybe 3700.

[Carl L]

I used to be an Audi fan, but I fell out of love with the brand in 09. And the RS-line has been a disappointment ever since it looked like they'd finally got it with the 2006 RS4. Still, it's great to have the RS line as a true rival to M and AMG- the more competition the better and the more choice the better.

[ybbiz34]

Will the RS4 even be available in the States?

There was no RS4 sedan for the most recent generation, correct? I've never seen one personally.

[Tonymiabmw]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

Will the RS4 even be available in the States?

There was no RS4 sedan for the most recent generation, correct? I've never seen one personally.

Doubt we will get it

[gee-m-w]

The RS5 only sells about 1500 units a year. If people wanted a V8 that gets 12 MPG, there would be one in the S4 and S5. The forced induction cars are lighter, have more torque, have a better weight balance, and sell more.

The next S4 might have 400 HP.

[Savory]

Audi is not going the M3 way. The original B5 RS4 had a V6TT, so it is simply returning to its roots. And truth be told, that V6 was a beast of a moto! Can't wait to see what they got next!

[Transfer]

If Audi is smart, they will use a 3.6L V6 TT (as seen in the Macan Turbo) and not the 3.0. This is also what BMW should have done.

[mkoesel]

The V6 rumor for the B9 RS4/5 has actually been around for awhile now. It's come up in this forum a couple times at least, and we first talked about it two years ago or so if I recall. It is interesting to see it gaining momentum now from other sources. I say it's going to happen. Some said - and probably will continue to say - that the 4L V8 is a natural fit for the car but when you are trying to cut weight, adding turbos without deleting cylinders is probably not the right move.

Originally Posted by gee-m-w

The $80k-$100k Porsche models are all getting the 3.6L TT V6. It's been rumored that block was built by Audi (4 rings stamp on bottom). It's unclear whether a 3.0L TT and the Porsche 3.6L TT will share parts and architecture. Allegedly the bore is the same.

Porsche already has a 3.0L turbo V6 in the Panamera S and 4S. So if we are talking about the B9 RS4 3.0L sharing anything with existing engines in the VAG portfolio, then this is the only engine that really needs to be in the conversation.

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

Will the RS4 even be available in the States?

There was no RS4 sedan for the most recent generation, correct? I've never seen one personally.

No, there is no B8 RS4 sedan - not here in the US, not in Europe, nowhere. It's a baffling omission to go along with Audi's often bewildering model mix and dizzying array of engines that overlap each other in output. No RS5 Sportback either, by the way.

So, yes, the big question is, will there even be an RS4 sedan to make us care what they end up choosing to power the next generation RS model to begin with? It remains to be confirmed, but I actually give it a good shot. They have the chance to make waves in the segment which is seeing renewed interest since BMW released the E90 M3 sedan. So I think they'll go it, and if they do it they will definitely sell the car here.

[gee-m-w]

Serious question what if Audi has a $49,500 2016 S4 with a 3.0TT 420 HP and 390 ft/lb?

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by gee-m-w

Serious question what if Audi has a $49,500 2016 S4 with a 3.0TT 420 HP and 390 ft/lb?

That would be game changing obviously. Not even a remote chance it's happening though. They aren't going to give the S4 the same power as the S6, and plus that would put it too close to the RS4 or at the very least the S5 too close to the RS5.

I'm sure it'll be over 350hp, but not over 365hp. Should still be a formidable car in the segment and will likely still be the leader in output.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

No, there is no B8 RS4 sedan - not here in the US, not in Europe, nowhere. It's a baffling omission to go along with Audi's often bewildering model mix and dizzying array of engines that overlap each other in output. No RS5 Sportback either, by the way.

So, yes, the big question is, will there even be an RS4 sedan to make us care what they end up choosing to power the next generation RS model to begin with? It remains to be confirmed, but I actually give it a good shot. They have the chance to make waves in the segment which is seeing renewed interest since BMW released the E90 M3 sedan. So I think they'll go it, and if they do it they will definitely sell the car here.

Outstanding information, as usual! Thanks!

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by gee-m-w

Serious question what if Audi has a $49,500 2016 S4 with a 3.0TT 420 HP and 390 ft/lb?

It wouldn't surprise me. But despite that pricing I would bet that a lease would cost the same as a lease on the F80 M3 or W205 C63. Audi's leasing programs are strange.

For example, at one point when I was considering the S4, it was going to cost more to lease the S4 than it would've to lease either an E9X M3 or C63. Don't know why they "protected" the S4 like that.

[/// M sa]

Originally Posted by gee-m-w

Serious question what if Audi has a $49,500 2016 S4 with a 3.0TT 420 HP and 390 ft/lb?

What if you hit the lottery... Won't happen.

[/// M sa]

Originally Posted by ybbiz34

It wouldn't surprise me. But despite that pricing I would bet that a lease would cost the same as a lease on the F80 M3 or W205 C63. Audi's leasing programs are strange.

For example, at one point when I was considering the S4, it was going to cost more to lease the S4 than it would've to lease either an E9X M3 or C63. Don't know why they "protected" the S4 like that.

Audi has always had a crappy lease programs as long as I remember. The dealer will also tell you that straight up.

[ybbiz34]

Originally Posted by //M sa

Audi has always had a crappy lease programs as long as I remember. The dealer will also tell you that straight up.

The CA I dealt with at the local Audi dealer used to be a CA at my local BMW dealer.

He told me straight up, "If you're going to lease, get the BMW or Mercedes. Their programs are better and in some respects, their cars are too." Cracked me up.