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Audi RS4 model to be ditched: report

By Brett Davis |

According to a German Audi correspondent to the US, Audi will be ditching the Audi RS4 sports sedan. This means Audi would have no direct competitor to the BMW M3 sedan and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG sedan.

Reports say Audi has no plans for an Audi RS4 successor and the reason is because Audi sees the Audi RS5 as the appropriate car to take on the German competition. Speculators also say this model axing may have something to do with Porsche being given ‘rights’ to the development of future sports car platforms under the Volkswagen Group.

The Audi RS4 has only been around for 11 years since its launch in 1999, kicking off with the first model, the B5. It came in wagon form only and was equipped with an interesting engine layout comprising a 2.7-litre twin-turbo V6 outputting 280kW of power and 440Nm of torque.

Then there was the second and latest ‘B7′ model. Various motoring experts around the world loved the model’s high-revving 4.2-litre V8 engine optimised by the relentless grip of the Audi Quattro all-wheel drive system. It also sounded spectacular and offered plenty of in-cabin creature comforts.

Audi has even built up its own fair share of fans in the past 11 years, it’s going to be a shame to see it go if the reports are correct. Fortunately, at the same time these plans were reported, word has it the Audi RS6 model will continue. The next version is said to be equipped with a V8 twin-turbo engine outputting as much as 448kW (600hp). This engine will be shared with upcoming Bentley models.


 

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  • riceboy

    booooooo

  • AussieCars

    What a shame. RS4 is a great car.

  • Jimmy

    For me, the B7 RS4 is the best sports sedan of the last decade and the most complete everyday sports car that Audi has ever produced. I think it’s fitting that this is the final form the RS4 will take. That sonorous, naturally aspirated compact V8, plus the superb AWD system and the general dynamics and straightforward nature of this car compared to the current crop of RS wannabes will never be bettered by Audi. Vale, B7, you were certainly the best RS.

  • Shane

    no great loss really.

    Apart from the B7 model, the RS4 has never really fulfilled its potential hand has always lagged behind the M3. The power has always been good but the steering ride and handling have not been up to it. The RS5 and RS6 are other classic examples of this

    • The Realist

      Why all the “thumbs downs”? Shane speaks the truth.

      • Devil’s Advocate

        You should know by now The Realist that some people on this site can’t handle the truth! ;-)
        I agree, it has only been recently (B7) that Audi have produced a car with a steering feel that remotely approaches, but still not better than that of an M3, let alone something like a 911 (that being said I have been reading reviews lately about the RS5 stating that the steering has gone back to old school Audi “lifeless” again). The same could be said about the handling. Previous RS Audis were devastatingly quick, but had handling like a lead tipped arrow when pushed due to the engine being so far ahead of the front axle.
        However that was put behind them since the B7. I have to give Audi the big thumbs up for working so hard at the B7 RS4 to all but eliminate these traits to produce one of the best “everyday” performance cars ever.

      • Shane

        mate, Im not making this up just read the RS5 reviews in thsi months wheels & motor magazine plus the comparo in car magazine and evo(uk)

  • Shak

    While its a shame to no longer see the RS4 name, isnt the RS5 pretty much the new RS4 anyway, bar two doors?

  • Lukaas

    You dont know what you’re talking about Shane…
    the RS series are as good as an BMW with equivalent category.

    BMW just has more nut huggers around… M3 is great indeed but I think reputation gives it the extra edge over Audi… Audi is as good performance wise.

    • The Realist

      Driven an RS5 mate? Steering wheel feel is no where near M3 levels, despite it costing $20K more in Oz.

      The RS6 can’t handle when compared to an M5.

      TT-RS handles well but is overpriced.

      The B7 RS4 was a super car – the best handling Audi ever.