Photo: Audi
Audi has registered huge demand for its A3 and Q3 compact models. After their launch, some have said that buying an A4 is now a bad idea, unless you're going for the hardcore S4 or RS4 models. The makers of quattro all-wheel drive will rectify that situation soon enough with an all-new model, taking sales back from the BMW 3er and Merc's C-Sedan.
The latest reports from Australian magazine Motoring sheds further light on the subject of the next-gen RS4. In their interview with quattro GmbH managing director Heinz Hollerweger, the official made it clear that the current 4.2-liter V8 will be scrapped by the time the next generation of RS4 is launched.
This also ties in with the uncertain future of the Mk2 R8's engines. Other reports suggest that the new sportscar will carry its engines over from the old model, only to downsize to turbo and hybrid systems after a couple of years.
The same story suggests the RS4 and even the bigger RS6 could adopt sedan bodies. The decision has not been made yet, but considering Avants don't sell in America or China, this step seems like a logical one to make.
Most German sources suggest a V6 engine is already being designed to replace it. It would be twin turbocharged, like the 4.0 TFSI of the RS6/7, and could produce a class-leading 500 horsepower. If Audi decides to squeeze that much power out of its six cylinders, the next RS4 could pack more grunt than its BMW or Mercedes rivals.
The very first Audi A4 to wear the legendary RennSport actually came with a 2.7-liter V6 "biturbo" engine with double overhead cams. In 2000, this produced a very impressive 380 horsepower, delivered to all four wheels though a 6-speed manual gearbox.
While switching to the bigger 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine, the B7 generation built between 2006 and 2008 also offered a 4-door sedan and a 2-door cabriolet body style.
A4 B9 prototypes have been seen testing in both mule and production body forms, indicating a debut is likely to take place in the second half of 2015. Knowing the Ingolstadt build schedule, the hardcore RS4 should come out in 2016.
So what do you guys think: Is it time for an RS4 sedan? And how about an RS5 Sportback while you're at it, Audi?
This also ties in with the uncertain future of the Mk2 R8's engines. Other reports suggest that the new sportscar will carry its engines over from the old model, only to downsize to turbo and hybrid systems after a couple of years.
The same story suggests the RS4 and even the bigger RS6 could adopt sedan bodies. The decision has not been made yet, but considering Avants don't sell in America or China, this step seems like a logical one to make.
Next RS4 could be a twin-turbo… again
As interesting as this report is, it's not the first time we've heard about the 4.2-liter V8 being dropped. It's an amazing engine that screams all the way to 7,500 rpm, but emissions regulations and demand for more economically delivered performance are going to kill it.Most German sources suggest a V6 engine is already being designed to replace it. It would be twin turbocharged, like the 4.0 TFSI of the RS6/7, and could produce a class-leading 500 horsepower. If Audi decides to squeeze that much power out of its six cylinders, the next RS4 could pack more grunt than its BMW or Mercedes rivals.
The very first Audi A4 to wear the legendary RennSport actually came with a 2.7-liter V6 "biturbo" engine with double overhead cams. In 2000, this produced a very impressive 380 horsepower, delivered to all four wheels though a 6-speed manual gearbox.
While switching to the bigger 4.2-liter FSI V8 engine, the B7 generation built between 2006 and 2008 also offered a 4-door sedan and a 2-door cabriolet body style.
A4 B9 prototypes have been seen testing in both mule and production body forms, indicating a debut is likely to take place in the second half of 2015. Knowing the Ingolstadt build schedule, the hardcore RS4 should come out in 2016.
So what do you guys think: Is it time for an RS4 sedan? And how about an RS5 Sportback while you're at it, Audi?
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