Rumors of the Audi RS4’s death have been at least slightly exaggerated, an Audi spokesman has said. Last week, British car magazine Autocar claimed Audi would end production of the RS4 imminently to make way for the RS6. Not quite true, says Patrick Hespen of Audi Media Relations.
“There will be a full build of the 2008 model year RS4 sedan, and production is still continuing,” Hespen told Winding Road. He said the RS4 was only ever meant to have a two year production run, with 2008 being that second year.
Hespen said Audi will continue its tradition of offering only one “RS” model at a time, meaning the RS6 will have to wait for the 2009 model year (mid-calender 2008) to enter the fold.
Given Audi’s dedication to its “one RS car at a time” policy, chances for an RS5 seem slim. Instead, it looks like A5 enthusiasts will have to be content with with the S5 for now.
As for a more potent R8, we already know it’s in the works, but any type of “RS” designation can be ruled out. “R8 S,” “R9,” or even “R10″ remain possibilities, however.
06/19, 12:54 PM
posted by:
Fromes
this makes sense now
06/19, 1:27 PM
posted by:
LP640
R9 is just plain stupid. im pretty sure that sometime in the future there will be an RS5
06/19, 2:00 PM
posted by:
LuckyLou
I damn hope so LP640. I think an RS5 would be a stronger seller than an RS6 – but I’m probably just bias towards the manual shifting bloodline. I hardly ever see an A6 on the roads here in Vancouver. The BMW 5 series easily owns that terrirtory. RS5! RS5!
06/19, 3:11 PM
posted by:
mkM3
One RS at a time doesn’t make much sense when BMW has a full M stable and Mercedes a complete lineup of AMG models. Sure Audi has the S4, S6, and S8, but those cars trail behind AMG and M in performance. Why not just put the powertrains currently destined for “RS” vehicles in the “S” vehicles instead? Why have one higher performance brand that trails the competition and one that is the class leader – but then only build one model a time of the class leaders? It doesn’t make sense.
06/19, 3:39 PM
posted by:
Wickedated
Also, RS vehicles under Audi tradition usually signify the last run of a particular platform. B5 RS4 came right before the B6. Then the B7 RS4 will end in 2008, giving room for the new B8 platform. The RS6 will come in 2009, probably because the C3 platform (A6 line) will get a makeover in 2010, along with the new D4 platform for the new A8. RS5 seems like it’ll be a while, since the RS6 will probably have a 2 year run.
06/19, 6:05 PM
posted by:
autonutt
Wickedated is completely correct.. RS models are always offered the final few years before a new generation arrives. In the past Audi could alternate them since the A4/S4 and A6/S6 were the only model lines that got RS variants.. but with the A5/S5, A8/S8 and A3/S3 possibly getting the RS treatment, not to mention the possible future A7/S7 4-door coupe, I would expect at least 2 RS models co-existing at any given time in the future.
06/20, 4:05 AM
posted by:
meekin111
i think its incrediblys tupid to limit things to one RS at a time, i think every model in the lineup should come with an S and RS
06/20, 9:22 AM
posted by:
55amg
Id think RS6 would sell better than RS5 though, at least id want an RS6 more than an RS5 even though i love the A5