Write-up on the RS4 Situation. LONG.
11-15-2004, 08:07 AM
#1
AudiWorld Expert
Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 26,929
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Write-up on the RS4 Situation. LONG.
I did this During C++ class.
Theory behind the current Audi RS4 situation:
It has been known for some while that Audi plans on continuing the RS line with the new RS4. Though, there has been speculation over the past months, even years, as to what type of power plant, transmission, and chassis for that matter, that the new RS4 will be built off of. I have written this small theory to help a few understand what might be happening within Audi, and possibly put some light on the plans for the future for the automotive company. I personally am just an enthusiast who has been following all the articles and spy shots on the new Audi models, including the RS4. I plan to just share my knowledge. I do not claim that I know everything about what is going on within Audi, nor do I have any influence from anyone else while writing this. The following is just my opinion of the situation from what I have learned. I could possibly be completely wrong about everything I write past this point.
Since the end of the production of the B5 RS4, everyone has been speculated on what the new RS4 will hold. The RS4 was confirmed from the Vice President of Audi of America in early 2004 in several magazine articles.
"We've had a runaway success with the S4," said Len Hunt, vice president of AoA. "So we've talked to our German colleagues and we're looking to expand the S strategy in the United States."
Audi has been every careful in the way they distribute their high-end cars, as seen with not only the RS4, but also the RS6. Limited numbers make the cars rare and "special" when seen on the road. The RS4 never made it state-side, except for a few that were privately shipped here and modified for U.S. spec, but the RS6 did make it here. What was noticed immediately was that only 1,000 rs6 units were decided to be sent to the U.S. That was the original number, officially, from Audi. Yet, towards the end of 2003, several dealers claimed that the production of U.S. spec cars went from 1,000, to over 1,300, yet there was never an official statement as to why they increased production. This is just another example as to how Audi wanted to keep the low profile RS line rare and special, while still selling more units secretly for more profits. With the end of the RS6 production, the Quattro gmBH factory is closed while they prepare for production of the New RS4. But what exactly is the new RS4?
It was first supposed that the RS4 was going to be apart of the B6 platform. We saw the spy shots, we saw the videos, it was almost as real as seeing it in press publications. But then, Audi pulled another move on us, which was as real as the "ultra sport" package to some enthusiasts. No one believed that Audi would pull the B6 facelift as fast as they did. It caught several people off guard, but even worse, it wasn't even a facelift, it was a totally new platform, the B7. But why so early? Why so soon? To my only conclusion, it has to be because of the "leaked" photos of the E90 3-series. To me, it almost feels like there is a small war behind the scenes between Audi and BMW. Audi and BMW executives see all the spyshots just as us enthusiasts see. They see all those photos, plus have their own spys probably. There is one thing that is confusing me though, as to why BMW leaked E-90 brochure months before the official photos. It seems as though the company purposely leaked the brochure , to see the internet communities reaction. BMW reps read forums such as Roadfly, to see the reaction of the true enthusiasts. I wouldn't doubt it one second that Audi reps don't read Audiworld. Infact, I bet Len Hunt himself reads Audiworld; this is the new age of computers, right? It's a great place to get information and feedback from the true car fans.
So why bring the B7 so early? Well to compete with BMW and their new 3-series. But what was those B6 RS4 pictures we saw? Going out on a limb here, I personally feel that was the possible New RS4 in testing, at least with the new RS4 engine. Those pictures of that B6 RS4 were real, that was the possible new RS4, in testing at the ring. It has been hinted that the new power plant is the V8 4.2 FSI. Truthfully, we all realize now that, even though the V6 2.7TT was a great engine, beautifully made, it was a pig for Audi, and they lost a lot of money on it. It seems as if Audi is moving away from the turbos in high-end performance cars. It just is too expensive for the company if they wish to have a warranty on those cars. The 4.2 V8 FSI seems like a likely guess for the new RS4. But who knows, may they dropped a supercharged V6 3.2 in there pushing 400bhp. I doubt that though considering Audi is pushing the new FSI technology.
So why was there a B6 RS4 mule, but no production car? I personally feel Audi rushed the new B7, making a simple facelift into something completely new to keep up with BMW.
<img src="http://www.autorevue.cz/Images/4014/33.jpg">
This B6 RS4, probably has the same engine as the B7 RS4... just a completely different skin. So why are we seeing all these new photos of the B7 RS4? Maybe because Audi is leaking it just as BMW did. In a matter of three weeks, We have seen two mules at the ring in testing with LIMITED Camouflage. Audi may not personally be leaking these photos, but they are in no way trying to disguise it. All these photos were taken and it seems as if they aren't even being secretive about it. Maybe its an inside person taking the photos? Look at this photo, the co-pilot notices the person taking the photo, but doesn't even care. Maybe it is the test driver taking the photos? Maybe he is just taking them to show his kids back home. Who knows.
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAjYxAVre!bIigESxQuFtv4bYHlwXeXXc50Og3CF0z4yu6Sk l!BH9sgQWqMUiEl9GoxA*27k2BGiWjwx6Lmnwus9l8RrsDJwvS KCujjB9Yyrsopappprw/PICT0134.JPG?dc=4675497475278288422">
So we now see that the RS4 is on its way. Most likely to the states well... why not? Look at how hot the RS6 did. Big names like Jack Black and Tim Allen both own one. At the ring, we see both the B6 RS4 Mule, as well as the B7 RS4 Mule. The B6 RS4 mule probably is being used for engine tests while the B7 RS4 is truly very close to production form. Notice the same license plates.
<img src="http://www2.rs6.com/forum/attachment.php?s=dfb35b6784e7e7a92153088eeb5688f2& postid=33634">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAjYxAVre!bIigESxQuFtv4bYHlwXeXXc50Og3CF0z4yu6Sk l!BH9sgQWqMUiEl9GoxA*27k2BGiWjwx6Lmnwus9l8RrsDJwvS KCujjB9Yyrsopappprw/PICT0134.JPG?dc=4675497475278288422">
In my opinion, we can see the new 2006 B7 RS4 being officially released in Jan or Feb of 05, with the first cars on the road around June in Europe, and then December State side. The RS factory is probably already getting ready for the new car. They are probably just fixing all the little bugs in the mules now while they prep the factory. Truthfully, I doubt they will use the 5 spoke RS6 Rims for the RS4, but they just may be using it for testing. I see a BBS style rim for the official production car. Then again, I could be wrong about all of this.. who knows. Just my opinion. Please do not steal it... AutoSpies.. stay away, don't steal this like you steal everything else.
<img src="http://www.autorevue.cz/Images/4014/55.jpg">
<img src="http://www.autorevue.cz/Images/4014/33.jpg">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAAAA8Vbe!bIigESxQuFqBqk3vCBpGPDuHIQjTFpebU0FtNu 3y89W3*xa!gdOSBbhDfzhgoe!!k6vidV4Zzxov1Pdd0MmfD7nW vSUA5cNa3WwvrxJZ93Q/PICT0133.JPG?dc=4675497475275706669">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAjYxAVre!bIigESxQuFtv4bYHlwXeXXc50Og3CF0z4yu6Sk l!BH9sgQWqMUiEl9GoxA*27k2BGiWjwx6Lmnwus9l8RrsDJwvS KCujjB9Yyrsopappprw/PICT0134.JPG?dc=4675497475278288422">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAAABQVrfCbIigESxQuFqXVrI4viFWTIArh6d!Xzq2446n7s *pGdTCjjsYQhr8Hu*gqbp0SC!scfj6ZUCHnGQqNP6V1MFQ61sv NG3e6MqZVswVMhuNDOg/PICT0138.JPG?dc=4675497475287489196">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAeAxUV7fCbIigESxQuFnsLMY9S0wgdjRkZXnUXc3lyhFurT WoOhyVXS3jkmO9cRWWYwGu8H2J4de8rp!2lWHFfdrklhtf3kDf Xl!5LumL4cJECV0k1qQ/PICT0139.JPG?dc=4675497475289895969">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAfAxkV8fGbIigESxQuFnoellg6UdUkY9b76UYPm8XqzGfTM dgQzF*QATa1ti*yIzvG8LWMUuwIJ0rwo7s!qtQIJfFZX2hnAfm mNUHxBA92lETQY1S*jA/PICT0179.JPG?dc=4675497475463512863">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAdAxEV8u!bIigESxQuFnZaT4ysEydXpAazSCQ5qbwMzwlaQ a9NbElhjamNP6n2Wxq7tlVOk0jRPb79WiwCdXf3byagYrb4ytT ZUI9EdDmT5s3guu8z4w/PICT0180.JPG?dc=4675497475466073936">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAAABQVsvCbIigESxQuFor8iUnjrXid!q98qJCRYyDCwMe59 ZXt8ci*CQh97zFpwjJXV309!VDj9GrOVwDvMk9fitGUesBgdU6 2tP7okoSmjLSAiCynlA/PICT0183.JPG?dc=4675497475473502639">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAdAxUV8vCbIigESxQuFlfZizV7ZFsS!YPUGlgjHVUFDZcDL a2MJC*YVIGECXWOGEoxWcje7wDvelYDcoC5Y7*QTEZFCjxPN*M Asy1ExJsllD3dts2oCA/PICT0184.JPG?dc=4675497475476090755">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQA1AxYVMvGbIigESxQuFvc3PnoYBvafcgTwkg7b6H0*mtk6O z4hSWfWEKedNi3ib0qIlfM9wN5!QEXDtAPdzgehSBF4gCZ!EcJ Nyy9JpEf14OtL*0kwuA/PICT0185.JPG?dc=4675497475478429126">
Theory behind the current Audi RS4 situation:
It has been known for some while that Audi plans on continuing the RS line with the new RS4. Though, there has been speculation over the past months, even years, as to what type of power plant, transmission, and chassis for that matter, that the new RS4 will be built off of. I have written this small theory to help a few understand what might be happening within Audi, and possibly put some light on the plans for the future for the automotive company. I personally am just an enthusiast who has been following all the articles and spy shots on the new Audi models, including the RS4. I plan to just share my knowledge. I do not claim that I know everything about what is going on within Audi, nor do I have any influence from anyone else while writing this. The following is just my opinion of the situation from what I have learned. I could possibly be completely wrong about everything I write past this point.
Since the end of the production of the B5 RS4, everyone has been speculated on what the new RS4 will hold. The RS4 was confirmed from the Vice President of Audi of America in early 2004 in several magazine articles.
"We've had a runaway success with the S4," said Len Hunt, vice president of AoA. "So we've talked to our German colleagues and we're looking to expand the S strategy in the United States."
Audi has been every careful in the way they distribute their high-end cars, as seen with not only the RS4, but also the RS6. Limited numbers make the cars rare and "special" when seen on the road. The RS4 never made it state-side, except for a few that were privately shipped here and modified for U.S. spec, but the RS6 did make it here. What was noticed immediately was that only 1,000 rs6 units were decided to be sent to the U.S. That was the original number, officially, from Audi. Yet, towards the end of 2003, several dealers claimed that the production of U.S. spec cars went from 1,000, to over 1,300, yet there was never an official statement as to why they increased production. This is just another example as to how Audi wanted to keep the low profile RS line rare and special, while still selling more units secretly for more profits. With the end of the RS6 production, the Quattro gmBH factory is closed while they prepare for production of the New RS4. But what exactly is the new RS4?
It was first supposed that the RS4 was going to be apart of the B6 platform. We saw the spy shots, we saw the videos, it was almost as real as seeing it in press publications. But then, Audi pulled another move on us, which was as real as the "ultra sport" package to some enthusiasts. No one believed that Audi would pull the B6 facelift as fast as they did. It caught several people off guard, but even worse, it wasn't even a facelift, it was a totally new platform, the B7. But why so early? Why so soon? To my only conclusion, it has to be because of the "leaked" photos of the E90 3-series. To me, it almost feels like there is a small war behind the scenes between Audi and BMW. Audi and BMW executives see all the spyshots just as us enthusiasts see. They see all those photos, plus have their own spys probably. There is one thing that is confusing me though, as to why BMW leaked E-90 brochure months before the official photos. It seems as though the company purposely leaked the brochure , to see the internet communities reaction. BMW reps read forums such as Roadfly, to see the reaction of the true enthusiasts. I wouldn't doubt it one second that Audi reps don't read Audiworld. Infact, I bet Len Hunt himself reads Audiworld; this is the new age of computers, right? It's a great place to get information and feedback from the true car fans.
So why bring the B7 so early? Well to compete with BMW and their new 3-series. But what was those B6 RS4 pictures we saw? Going out on a limb here, I personally feel that was the possible New RS4 in testing, at least with the new RS4 engine. Those pictures of that B6 RS4 were real, that was the possible new RS4, in testing at the ring. It has been hinted that the new power plant is the V8 4.2 FSI. Truthfully, we all realize now that, even though the V6 2.7TT was a great engine, beautifully made, it was a pig for Audi, and they lost a lot of money on it. It seems as if Audi is moving away from the turbos in high-end performance cars. It just is too expensive for the company if they wish to have a warranty on those cars. The 4.2 V8 FSI seems like a likely guess for the new RS4. But who knows, may they dropped a supercharged V6 3.2 in there pushing 400bhp. I doubt that though considering Audi is pushing the new FSI technology.
So why was there a B6 RS4 mule, but no production car? I personally feel Audi rushed the new B7, making a simple facelift into something completely new to keep up with BMW.
<img src="http://www.autorevue.cz/Images/4014/33.jpg">
This B6 RS4, probably has the same engine as the B7 RS4... just a completely different skin. So why are we seeing all these new photos of the B7 RS4? Maybe because Audi is leaking it just as BMW did. In a matter of three weeks, We have seen two mules at the ring in testing with LIMITED Camouflage. Audi may not personally be leaking these photos, but they are in no way trying to disguise it. All these photos were taken and it seems as if they aren't even being secretive about it. Maybe its an inside person taking the photos? Look at this photo, the co-pilot notices the person taking the photo, but doesn't even care. Maybe it is the test driver taking the photos? Maybe he is just taking them to show his kids back home. Who knows.
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAjYxAVre!bIigESxQuFtv4bYHlwXeXXc50Og3CF0z4yu6Sk l!BH9sgQWqMUiEl9GoxA*27k2BGiWjwx6Lmnwus9l8RrsDJwvS KCujjB9Yyrsopappprw/PICT0134.JPG?dc=4675497475278288422">
So we now see that the RS4 is on its way. Most likely to the states well... why not? Look at how hot the RS6 did. Big names like Jack Black and Tim Allen both own one. At the ring, we see both the B6 RS4 Mule, as well as the B7 RS4 Mule. The B6 RS4 mule probably is being used for engine tests while the B7 RS4 is truly very close to production form. Notice the same license plates.
<img src="http://www2.rs6.com/forum/attachment.php?s=dfb35b6784e7e7a92153088eeb5688f2& postid=33634">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAjYxAVre!bIigESxQuFtv4bYHlwXeXXc50Og3CF0z4yu6Sk l!BH9sgQWqMUiEl9GoxA*27k2BGiWjwx6Lmnwus9l8RrsDJwvS KCujjB9Yyrsopappprw/PICT0134.JPG?dc=4675497475278288422">
In my opinion, we can see the new 2006 B7 RS4 being officially released in Jan or Feb of 05, with the first cars on the road around June in Europe, and then December State side. The RS factory is probably already getting ready for the new car. They are probably just fixing all the little bugs in the mules now while they prep the factory. Truthfully, I doubt they will use the 5 spoke RS6 Rims for the RS4, but they just may be using it for testing. I see a BBS style rim for the official production car. Then again, I could be wrong about all of this.. who knows. Just my opinion. Please do not steal it... AutoSpies.. stay away, don't steal this like you steal everything else.
<img src="http://www.autorevue.cz/Images/4014/55.jpg">
<img src="http://www.autorevue.cz/Images/4014/33.jpg">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAAAA8Vbe!bIigESxQuFqBqk3vCBpGPDuHIQjTFpebU0FtNu 3y89W3*xa!gdOSBbhDfzhgoe!!k6vidV4Zzxov1Pdd0MmfD7nW vSUA5cNa3WwvrxJZ93Q/PICT0133.JPG?dc=4675497475275706669">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAjYxAVre!bIigESxQuFtv4bYHlwXeXXc50Og3CF0z4yu6Sk l!BH9sgQWqMUiEl9GoxA*27k2BGiWjwx6Lmnwus9l8RrsDJwvS KCujjB9Yyrsopappprw/PICT0134.JPG?dc=4675497475278288422">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAAABQVrfCbIigESxQuFqXVrI4viFWTIArh6d!Xzq2446n7s *pGdTCjjsYQhr8Hu*gqbp0SC!scfj6ZUCHnGQqNP6V1MFQ61sv NG3e6MqZVswVMhuNDOg/PICT0138.JPG?dc=4675497475287489196">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAeAxUV7fCbIigESxQuFnsLMY9S0wgdjRkZXnUXc3lyhFurT WoOhyVXS3jkmO9cRWWYwGu8H2J4de8rp!2lWHFfdrklhtf3kDf Xl!5LumL4cJECV0k1qQ/PICT0139.JPG?dc=4675497475289895969">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAfAxkV8fGbIigESxQuFnoellg6UdUkY9b76UYPm8XqzGfTM dgQzF*QATa1ti*yIzvG8LWMUuwIJ0rwo7s!qtQIJfFZX2hnAfm mNUHxBA92lETQY1S*jA/PICT0179.JPG?dc=4675497475463512863">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAdAxEV8u!bIigESxQuFnZaT4ysEydXpAazSCQ5qbwMzwlaQ a9NbElhjamNP6n2Wxq7tlVOk0jRPb79WiwCdXf3byagYrb4ytT ZUI9EdDmT5s3guu8z4w/PICT0180.JPG?dc=4675497475466073936">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAAABQVsvCbIigESxQuFor8iUnjrXid!q98qJCRYyDCwMe59 ZXt8ci*CQh97zFpwjJXV309!VDj9GrOVwDvMk9fitGUesBgdU6 2tP7okoSmjLSAiCynlA/PICT0183.JPG?dc=4675497475473502639">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAdAxUV8vCbIigESxQuFlfZizV7ZFsS!YPUGlgjHVUFDZcDL a2MJC*YVIGECXWOGEoxWcje7wDvelYDcoC5Y7*QTEZFCjxPN*M Asy1ExJsllD3dts2oCA/PICT0184.JPG?dc=4675497475476090755">
<img src="http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQA1AxYVMvGbIigESxQuFvc3PnoYBvafcgTwkg7b6H0*mtk6O z4hSWfWEKedNi3ib0qIlfM9wN5!QEXDtAPdzgehSBF4gCZ!EcJ Nyy9JpEf14OtL*0kwuA/PICT0185.JPG?dc=4675497475478429126">
11-15-2004, 08:11 AM
#2
AudiWorld Super User
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 17,509
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My Take in short....
Audi is way ahead of schedule on the RS4 and a lot of newer cars that were expected to come out later in 06/07. And I think that is good for us in the US market.
11-15-2004, 08:16 AM
#6
AudiWorld Super User
Join Date: Jun 2003
Posts: 17,509
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Yes I have a job.....
public string yourkGrading(bool PaysAttentionInClass)
{
if(PaysAttentionInClass)
{
return "A"
}
else
{
return "F"
}
}
No real other opinion. Pretty much what I have been thinking. I am thinking its gonna be an 06 model any way you cut it though. But I think audi was planning a Late 06 release but given what looks like a final product in testing I would guess and 06 model in 05 is a pretty good guess.
{
if(PaysAttentionInClass)
{
return "A"
}
else
{
return "F"
}
}
No real other opinion. Pretty much what I have been thinking. I am thinking its gonna be an 06 model any way you cut it though. But I think audi was planning a Late 06 release but given what looks like a final product in testing I would guess and 06 model in 05 is a pretty good guess.
