A4/S4/RS4 Breaking News: Audi kills the RS4

Zafiro · Oct 10, 2009

BMW///MPower · Oct 10, 2009

It took a while but this makes clear the path of BMW makes sense for the other car manufacturers, and it proves them right (i mean no M3CSL, no CS).
To bad though the RS4 was/is a nice piece of engineering and a great car. :eusa_doh:

m-power · Oct 10, 2009

When we saw this news on the web we said that it isn’t true and we contacted our source from Ingolstadt to tell us something that could dismiss those reports… Unfortunately there were true… Audi killed the plans for a RS4 successor due to poor sales. And this is not the only bad news: the German manufacturer also dropped the A4 and S4 convertible… It appears that these moves came because Audi wants to focus on hybrids and environmentally friendly vehicles. So, of you want a sports sedan, you will have to choose the 2010 Audi S4!

I guiss they are not killing the RS5
We also won't miss the A4 and S4 cabrio, since there are the A5 and S5 Cabrio which repalce them nicely...

Giannis · Oct 10, 2009

I can't believe it. I don't think it's true...

EnI · Oct 10, 2009

Logical move ... since the biggest customer pool in this segment is among copue & cabrio models, not sedans.
And having RS5 in the portfolio is the right solution for Audi - much more than RS4. Perhaps there will be a 5dr RS5 Sportback in Coupe-sedan form offered instead ... No need for RS4 sedan at all. Avant was also a wasted money & a slow seller.

As I wrote a week or two back: BMW are not satisfied with slow demand for M3 sedan & M5 Touring (M3 coupe & cabrio are selling well, sedan is not; same case with M5 sedan vs touring) - therfore there is a good chance there won't be present in the next generation of M3 / M5 model line.

It looks like Audi sports division (RS) will concentrate on RS5, R8 & upcoming R4 (or TT RS) models.

But I won't be surprised at all if RS6 is killed as well. And A1, A3, A4, A6 & A8 are then offered as S1, S3, S4, S6 & S8 models only. While RS is reserved for sportier cars (eg. A5, TT, and R8 + R4 - which are original quattro GmbH projects).

****

So, now you know ... BMW was just ahead of times when it comes to killing off the projects. MB & Audi are next. Just watch closely.

Sunny · Oct 10, 2009

B8 is still very new. Audi usually comes out with RS4 towards the very end of the life cycle after the facelift. RS5 production will probably be done by then. So I wouldn't rule it out yet.

SKY · Oct 10, 2009

I think the only RS model will be the RS5 (2 and 5 dr) and the RS7 in the future, I wouldn´t expect to see a new RS6 or an RS8.

I wonder what MB is gonna do.

Centurion · Oct 10, 2009

Weird decision given that the C63 AMG seem to be selling were well although coupe alternatives like the E92 M3 might be more attractive from a performance point of view. On the other hand, Audi has not been pushing the production numbers of the RS4 hard enough for it to be economically viable.

Sunny · Oct 10, 2009

EnI said:
As I wrote a week or two back: BMW are not satisfied with slow demand for M3 sedan & M5 Touring (M3 coupe & cabrio are selling well, sedan is not; same case with M5 sedan vs touring) - therfore there is a good chance there won't be present in the next generation of M3 / M5 model line.

Wait, wouldn't M3 sedan, M5 touring qualify as niche versions of existing cars to make a quick buck of despite the low volume like you have been claiming the 5GT is?

Sunny · Oct 10, 2009

Centurion said:
Weird decision given that the C63 AMG seem to be selling were well although coupe alternatives like the E92 M3 might be more attractive from a performance point of view. On the other hand, Audi has not been pushing the production numbers of the RS4 hard enough for it to be economically viable.

I would really like to know how the C63 sales compare to M3. I see 20 E9x M3s to every C63 I see. I even see more E90 M3 sedans than I see C63s.

Centurion · Oct 10, 2009

Sunny said:
I would really like to know how the C63 sales compare to M3. I see 20 E9x M3s to every C63 I see. I even see more E90 M3 sedans than I see C63s.

The M3 is a top seller here, the E92 in particular -- it's everywhere. But the sedan is as popular tough I do catch it once in a while but not as often as I see the C63.

Audi's RS4 has sold well here too and the RS family will be given a major boost by the RS5. My only concern for Audi is the pricing.

EnI · Oct 10, 2009

SKYSONY said:
I think the only RS model will be the RS5 (2 and 5 dr) and the RS7 in the future, I wouldn´t expect to see a new RS6 or an RS8.

Exactly.

RS5 (incl. the 5dr Sportback) & 5dr RS7 Sportback will eradicate a need for RS4 & RS6. IMO Sedans, wagons & hatches will be offer only as S models in the future.

Centurion · Oct 10, 2009

EnI said:
Exactly.

RS5 (incl. the 5dr Sportback) & 5dr RS7 Sportback will eradicate a need for RS4 & RS6.

I wouldn't be so quick to say that. Although an RS5 Sportback would serve as a respectable substitute for the RS4, some will reject this. The headroom in the rear is just above satisfactory but the big drawback is the strict four seater configuration. Space is there, but there's just no seat belt for a third person.

It's a bit too niche, but on the other hand Mercedes haven't had problems getting CLS55/63s off showroom floors so there might be a future for an RS5 Sportback after all.

Kowalski · Oct 10, 2009

If that's true then it is a real shame and I hope BMW doesn't kill the M3 saloon and the M5 Touring.

LaArtist · Oct 10, 2009

This news sucks..

******* depressing cars to look forward to..
everything fun is fading away..

I hope MB will keep on doing their thing

Mr Robert · Oct 10, 2009

EnI said:
Logical move ... since the biggest customer pool in this segment is among copue & cabrio models, not sedans.

I know you think they should ditch the Avant as well, but this is where I disagree. The killer estate is what the RS label is all about... Audi should keep it, if going back to basics is what it is all about.

Potential · Oct 10, 2009

The Artist said:
This news sucks..

******* depressing cars to look forward to..
everything fun is fading away..

I hope MB will keep on doing their thing

I hope they don't or we might not have any MB lmodels to look forward in the future. It would be ridiculous to not act on the current financial and climate instabilities.

NarutoRamen · Oct 10, 2009

This move does make sense. I mean they have the upcoming RS5 and the current TT-RS. Sure, there might be a gap in the 4-door category, but heck even the sales of the E90 M3 aren't that great.

Mr Robert · Oct 11, 2009

I think I have changed my mind, there is no place for the RS4. Audi wants to build sporty cars and the RS5 will get the jib done.

Steve · Oct 11, 2009

I think its a big mistake on AUDIs part.

IMO the RS4 is a perfect car, and ive owned a lot of high end performance cars. Im a family man that wants high performance/ great practicality (4doors big boot) / safety (4wd)/ build quality. / great steering/ huge fun on track etc. and faster point to point than my M6 was FACT.

Its the only car that on the market that fits bill. Having test drove the new S4 on a 2 day test the RS4 is better in every respect.

In the UK the RS4 both saloon and avant where smash hits.

If its true then its a real shame.

PS regarding the RS5 if its dsg only then again AUDI shoots itself in the foot.

A4/S4/RS4 Breaking News: Audi kills the RS4

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