Audi models up to 2006

[PhilT]

I spoke to Audi UK Marketing the other day and they informed me that - 'there are currently no plans to produce an RS4 or RSR before 2006'

I expressed my concern as to what current RS4 owners are to replace their cars with and was referred to the RS6 or RS3.

This leaves an uncomfortable gap [img]images/graemlins/033102bad_1_prv.gif[/img]

[Conti]

[img]images/graemlins/cry.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/cry.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/cry.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/cry.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/cry.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/cry.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/cry.gif[/img]

[johneroberts]

Funny that Phil, as some dealers are taking £500 deposits on the new RS4 which might be seen in late 2004, some how im not convinced, but i have said stick my name down on it and we will see.
The UK press office dont seem to know whats going on either, suggest we apply a little presure at the RS4 challenge this year.
[img]images/graemlins/033102bigblink_1_prv.gif[/img]
Cheers
jr

[Dave]

Phil,

that is exactly what I am being told by my source..
In someways that is why I am taking a V6 TT for now.. should hold it's residuals well for a change in 20 months time...

I honestly don't think we will see the next RS4 until late 2005 at the earlist.. Cosworth/GmbH are a busy out fit with RS3 and possibly RS8 to contend with..

and they only have a small production line which is full of RS6 at the moment..

Dave

[Conti]

A RS8 would be completly stupid! Who buys such a car!?
And some of the big names in German magazines also say that they are waiting for the new RS4, and I'm very very sure there will be one! Another yes is that Carl told us that they just decide on which engine to have: <FORM METHOD=POST ACTION="http://forums.rs246.com/forums/dopoll.php"><INPUT TYPE=HIDDEN NAME="pollname" VALUE="1055266009Conti">
<p>3.2 V6 or 4.2 V8
<input type="radio" name="option" value="1" />V6 3.2<input type="radio" name="option" value="2" />V8 4.2<INPUT TYPE=Submit NAME=Submit VALUE="Abstimmen" class="buttons"></form>
So optimists:There will be one, I'm sure!

[Dippy]

A question to you Audiphiles:

What was the gap between the release of the B5 S4 and RS4, and the S6 and RS6? It was quite a few years for the '4 wasn't it? There are a number of good reasons why Audi would want to have a gap between the B6 S4 and RS4.

As to dealers taking a deposit, let's face it if you are willing to place a deposit for the B7 RS4 I'm sure there are plenty of dealers ready to take your money and earn the interest.

I'm not sure how much faith I place in Audi UK Marketing, but it's more than I place in most UK dealers...

[same]

This is an interesting topic especially as there seems to be several RS4 lovers selling up at the moment. I believe Audi have a problem with marketing a new RS4 in the current/near term economic climate, reasons being:

1) Can't believe they made much money on current RS4's due to low volume and production problems (wheels in the UK) - I have had over £3000 of warranty on my car in the last 2 years.

2) RS3 is soon to be in production and RS6 is shipping in volume and not selling as well as expected, a new RS4 would only dilute sales of RS3 and RS6.

3) If new RS4 was produced in larger volumes (like RS6) would it be as desirable - One of the great things about current RS4's is there is a limited supply and they should potentialy hold their prices, PLUS people like to have a car not many other people have.

4) If the new RS4 is to be V8 turbo, how does it differentiate from RS6, if it's V8 how does it differentiate from S4 etc.


I reckon the current RS4 is unique and there won't be an obvious replacement (i.e.something that is better) for some time - look at time lag between RS2 and RS4. A modded RS4 has the performance/handling to last several years of Audi innovation. Audi engineering is second to none and the RS4 should last for many years (I just sold my 14 year old URQ 20V with 155K miles which never broke down or had a major fault in the 7 years I owned it!).

Conclusion is that Audi have no solid plans for a new RS4, if there is a new one released it won't be so desirable so hold on to what you've got!

Glad I got that off my chest!!

Sam [img]images/graemlins/audiS4black.gif[/img]

[Dave]

I agree with you Sam,

Audi are in no hurry to produce the next RS4.. the RS models tend to come out at the end of a production run to create a 'glow' to the rest of the range so that they can sell out that particular model before introducing the next.

Although Audi are supposed to be one of the sporting brands of VW.. they are looking more towards TT replacement, Nuveroli and coupe sports models. And the S4 is a darn fast car.. as quick as M3.. where is there for them to go??

Dave

[TimJMS]

Poster: Conti
Subject: Re: Audi models up to 2006

.......

and I'm very very sure there will be one! Another yes is that Carl told us that they just decide on which engine to have:

3.2 V6 or 4.2 V8

Cant vote on this one, Conti. Cant make my own mind up yet!

What Audi should do in order to avoid only pleasing half of the potential future [img]images/graemlins/rs4-button.jpg[/img] owners is offer the vehicle in two variants:

Biturbo V6 AND
Supercharged V8

Keeps everyone happy, doesnt tread on toes of RS6 (its too different with a kompressor), and yet either variant could be made to put clear distance between existing S4.

Since either engine would weigh virtually the same, even the front suspension set up could be identical. I am sure that Audi could work round other issues such as engine mounting points with minimal fuss. [img]images/graemlins/thumb.gif[/img]

Everyones a winner [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

[Riz_RS4]

Cant wait until the RS3!
If i join the family business maybe get it ABT`ed [img]images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
I really think that expectations of a 2004/5 RS4 is highly unlikely eventhough alot of dealers say otherwise!
Yes best idea is to go to the top! and find out from the main geezers!