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2010 Audi RS5 May Kill Next-Generation RS4

GermanNut submitted on 8/28/2009 Official Bell & Ross Timestamp: 9:45:27 AM

13 user comments | Category: Spy Shots | Source: | SOURCE: jalopnik.com

We've seen the 2010 Audi RS5 running around in camouflage ahead of a Frankfurt unveiling, but the next-gen Audi RS4's been conspicuously absent in development.

For good reason. It's probably not coming.

Speaking anonymously at a recent press event, an Audi official let us known the future of the B8 generation RS4 is facing a steep opposition. The Audi A5 and S5 models have been such strong sellers the decision was made to use that car as the sub-supercar entry and allow the A4 to top out with the newly available supercharged V6 S4. This move is also influenced by the Carpocalypse in that heavy-duty super saloons are falling out of favor and Audi is re-positioning as a more responsible luxury brand, downsizing engines and relying more heavily on forced induction and direct injection. While the possible loss of a four-door super-sedan is a bit sad, a monstrously capable coupe should make up for it.


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2010 Audi RS5 May Kill Next-Generation RS4

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GermanNut

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User Comments

GermanNut

Agent009, I'm surprised you didn't steal this article of mine and incorrectly change the title.

I think the RS5 will be such a fantastic car that Audi won't even need the RS4. As good as the RS4 was, this upcoming RS5 will be AMAZING. The RS5 will not only be lighter (2-door coupe vs. 4-door sedan), but it will have 30 more horsepower (450 horsepower for RS5 vs. 420 for RS4), more torque, and Audi's Drive Select system as well as Sport Differential as standard (the previous RS4 had neither of these systems).

2 Words: M3 KILLER!

— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 8/28/2009 1:52:56 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Agent009

Many times we run across the same articles at about the same time and we may publish ours first. But typically I allow the poster to get credit, if I forget then I know I will be corrected. You guys are good at that.

— Agent009 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/28/2009 2:31:39 PM | | Votes: 1   

mclaren428

Ill take a BMW M3 over this anyday.

— mclaren428 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/28/2009 2:04:57 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 7   

bmwdrvr

Im sure the RS5 will be the looker of the 2 though, judging my the RS6 reviews,l and the 335i vs S5 the M3 will be the better performance car overall..

— bmwdrvr (View Profile)

Posted on 8/28/2009 5:32:23 PM | | Votes: 5   

Runamukk

I'd take the RS5 all day long over the M3.

— Runamukk (View Profile)

Posted on 8/28/2009 3:55:04 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

rxh8me9000

This is bull. The RS4 is a legend. Now people who want a RS model are stuck with a coupe. Dont do it!

— rxh8me9000 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/28/2009 4:34:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

investor27

What makes the RS4 so great, and the fact that it had won so many accolades, is the fact that it is a 4-door sedan. A coupe RS5 instead of a sedan RS4 is just wrong in my view. They should, however, release them both.

— investor27 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/28/2009 4:44:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -1   

LexSucks

I hope they do more than add 19" rims and a matte-black paint job (like the car pictured). Lately Audi has been doing very little visually to separate the "S" models from the much cheaper lower "S-line" models. I hope that he "RS" model doesn't follow suit.

— LexSucks (View Profile)

Posted on 8/28/2009 5:59:24 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

adamsaf723

I don't see why they wouldn't just build both. Use the same drivetrain, just have one in 4-dr and one in 2-dr. This way they compete not only with the M3, but also the IS-F and C63.

— adamsaf723 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2009 8:33:49 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

BondMI6

Doesn't surprise me, Audi tends to skip the RS models every other gen....
Case in point- we had both an RS6 and RS4 for the last generation but this generation has neither(at least over here that is).

— BondMI6 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2009 11:02:10 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

GermanNut

Audi is focusing on building its brand and image in China and Europe. That is why we have not seen the current RS6 in the U.S. Also, given the United States' collapsing auto market, it does not make sense for Audi to sell a low-volume car in a crumbling market when Audi is already the market leader in China, the world's largest auto market by annual sales.

Audi should focus on continuing to grow its lead over BMW and Mercedes-Benz in China and by allocating more RS models to China, Audi is doing precisely that.

— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 8/29/2009 1:48:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

dayday

Audi's strong sale in China is based on its Cheap price compare to BMW and Merc, and an Political imagery. RS models will not sell in China just like M cars do not sell. People there rather spend the same amount of money buying A8 or 7 series/S class. No one would buy "A6/A4 supercar", IN CHINA.

— dayday (View Profile)

Posted on 8/30/2009 10:18:29 PM | | Votes: 1   

GermanNut

No, Dayday, Audi's sales in China are not based on its cheap price. Audi's sales in China are based on its long-standing, successful relationship with China that has seen Audi not only build manufacturing facilities throughout China, but open more showrooms than its competitors (BMW and Mercedes-Benz) and offer customized vehicles built specifically for the Chinese market (A4L and A6L) which its competitors do not offer (BMW has no long-wheelbase 5-series and Mercedes-Benz has no long-wheelbase E-class).

— GermanNut (View Profile)

Posted on 8/31/2009 3:07:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

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