New Audi RS4 To Feature 430 HP Twin Turbo V6 - Should They Bring To The US?

Under German watch and Europe’s hyper-aggressive emissions laws, there’s no encore for naturally aspirated V-8s revving to kingdom come. As we witness Mercedes-Benz AMG euthanizing its big-bore 6.2-liter V-8, and BMW M GmbH replace the old M3’s 4.0-liter V-8 with a 3.0-liter twin-turbo straight-six, we must ask: what of Audi? Sadly, it too is swapping its free-breathing eight-cylinder for a forced-induction six-cylinder in some applications.

We’ve learned from deep within Audi that the next RS4 will trade its 450-hp, 4.2-liter V-8—the same mad mill as found in the RS5—for a turbocharged V-6. While plucking the 3.0-liter supercharged V-6 from Audi’s armada of S cars would seem the most logical choice, Quattro GmbH is instead shifting focus to turbos for its RS-branded models. We suspect Audi will affix a pair of turbochargers to the six-cylinder, which would allow the brand to trump the 430 horsepower of BMW’s new M4 and M3. Whether Audi will bring the RS4 or its new turbo six-cylinder to America is still undetermined.
 

GermanNut - 2/24/2014 1:17:15 PM

+3 Boost

No, Audi should not bring this to the U.S. and it probably won't primarily because it's a hatchback, which U.S. customers don't like, and also because the next (B9) Audi A4 will debut sometime this year.

The RS4 will essentially be a body style that no one wants of an older model.

jeffgall - 2/24/2014 1:32:11 PM

+4 Boost

A little vague, but I believe this is in reference to the new generation (2015 and Beyond). Not an engine swap of the current gen.

With that said, yes, bring the RS4 to the U.S. in the sedan version. Or even better, the RS5 Sportback.

xjug1987a - 2/24/2014 2:44:33 PM

+2 Boost

GermanNut - this article says, "the next RS4" which I'm assuming will be the NEW A4, meaning the next generation... which I'm actually pretty excited to see.

That said, I completely agree with JeffGall, the RS5 Sport-back is fantastic. It would be on my list NOW if it were available. Audi NA says it'll be viewed as a "hatchback" where as I think its more of a sibling to the Lusty A7 and should be marketed as such. The size is close to my 2003 A6 Quattro, possibly my favorite car I've ever had, beauty and composure. The hatch vs trunk adds such versatility.

Hey Audi, bring us the next gen A5 Sportback!

gkearns56 - 2/24/2014 6:08:04 PM

+1 Boost

@GermanNut: You posted an article a few days ago about the S4 sedan being delayed> Can you dig a little deeper on the WHYs for some of us. You know I have an Audi A6 and that I have immediate family who work for Audi/VW in Auburn Hills, Michigan. Thus I normally get a super price using my family plan from Audi. I was seriously considering buying a S4, but don't know if I want to wait that long. There is one spy photo I've seen which I hope they would produce that one. So what's the skinny on the S4 then.

GermanNut - 2/25/2014 2:04:10 PM

+1 Boost

gkearn56, the article stated the next generation (B9) 2015 Audi A4 will be delayed. The reason for that is because Audi executives were not happy with the design or the rough suspension. They wanted the A4 to be bolder looking and have a more comfortable ride.