Sources confirm next-generation Audi RS4! Coming within two years!

Is Audi clueless? They are way behind they should have debuted the RS4 with the RS5 since its the same platform. The next generation 3 series will be out in 2012, with the M3 following a year or so later. The current M3 will be over 5 years old by then, it seems Audi is avoiding direct comparison to the M3...

If most of the population believes the Earth is flat, then any direct comparison, say to a spherical Earth paradigm, will certainly be met with an unfavorable reception. Similarly, when much of the auto magazines and TV shows have deified the BMW 3 series as The Best Car That Has Ever Walked The Earth, then any direct comparison to that icon will similarly be met with an unfavorable reception; Its sin will be that it is not a BMW 3! :-)

Now I'm not here to suggest that the 3 series is not a wonderful car, but I can safely say that for those who believe it is The Best Car That Has Ever Walked The Earth, nothing will shift their mind. So what's the point of Audi trying to suggest that it's "better" that a BMW 3?

I say, show the people what 'cha got. For those who prize a fraction of a second difference on a quarter mile time, or 0-60mph time, or lateral Gs, they can use that criteria to choose the "better" car. For those who determine the "better" car is the one with the Roundel, then they already know their "truth" without the need for research (lucky them). Even so, there are plenty of people who will like this car, or other cars, and choose it over something that *you* may believe is the "best."

Get what you like. Enjoy. Be happy!

That was a very long not quite worth reading something on a car that doesnt exist yet, but the bottom line is if the RS5 didnt beat the M3 in the areas that a performance car should certainly an RS4 wont either. Its not about believing the 3 series is the best and nothing will beat it, its the reality that Audi never directly challenges it they do the below an M car and Above an M car thing (yet the cars they position above the M cars still fall short despite their laughable price, and increased horsepower).

Thats nice. But developing the RS4 independently from the RS5 doesn't make fiscal sense since they are in the same price range. Im sure they will fit the RS4 with a turbo motor, and it will be "better" then the current M3...which it should being half a decade newer.

But by the time this comes to market the next M3 will be right around the corner giving the RS4 only 12 of so months of having the title "King of the Class" before the next gen M3 will most likely reclaim it. If Audi released it with the RS5 it would of had more time on the market being a close rival to the current M3 helping the RS4s sales. Instead Audi will release it a year before the next generation M3, which will most likely make the RS4 look dated. Also the next A4 wont be to far off either which will also make the RS4 look dated.

Basically I have a problem with the timing of the car. I think they should have released it with the RS5, b/c it would have been better timing, and probably more cost effective for Audi.

They are both very nice cars, and I'm sure the RS4 will be a good AWD alternative to the M3 like it always has been.

Change the BBQ grill.........

I call BS.

If it was coming out in 2 years we would have seen some kind of test mule/prototype by now.

New M3 Won't debut until late 14' so there is still time but I'm very skeptical of this for now.....

I agree RS4 should have been released around the same time as RS5. 2 years from now is too late but still hope rumor is true and Audi do make RS4 successor. RS5 can't replace RS4.

JUGNU

Glad to hear, if only until the next post says it's canceled again, that the RS4 will be back.

Audi needs something that can compete, if only on raw performance & not price, with the M3 and others.

proof is always in the numbers. until Audi outsells BMW then there's no comparison. BMW outsells Audi for a reason people!!

I really hope they finally use something more than the same old last gen RS4 engine they keep using in every flippin car they make. In the up and coming 2011 RS5, even upgraded to 450 hp and 8300 RPM, it get's a pathetic 4.6 second 0-60. You MIIIGHT be able to squeeze that to a 4.4 second time but that wouldn't matter because the current C63 can do it in only 3.9 and the M3 in 4.1. The problem is there's NO WAY the RS4 is going to be a better car than it's svelte, big RS5 brother, so there's no way it's going to have a bigger engine, and with 4 doors it's all but guaranteed to weigh more. This is bad news.

I've always loved Audi but I can't keep shunning my eyes to the details for much longer.

Here's where I got the info on the 2011 RS5 if you're interested at all: http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/10q2/2011_audi_rs5-first_drive_review

The RS5 isn't "svelte", that's its biggest problem. It weighs more than the M3. Conversely the A4 sedan lineup weighs the same or less than comparable 3-Series sedans (at least in this iteration, I'm curious to see what the new 3-Series will weigh). So the new RS4 wouldn't necessarily be heavier than an RS5, or a comparable M3.