Word has it that the current high-revving Audi RS4 cylinder engine will remain, but power will be increased by 20kW. The same plant will be used in 2009 RS5.
The Audi RS4 was a great car. The Audi RS4’s Aggro styling, the menacing side-gills, Quattro flat-bottomed steering wheels, and those Recaro seats were all very pleasing to us. There are many more. That 4.2-litre naturally aspirated, high-revving V8 with a powerful engine. Its sound reminds you of heavy metal bands fronted and led by Thor. What’s next? There is already much to be said about the next RS4, which we will officially see in 2010 and begin European sales in 2011. The powertrain is the main topic. A new 7-speed double-clutch transmission will be available, along with a 6-speed manual and a rear-wheel-biased Quattro.
Some speculate that the new S4 will use a 3.0-litre supercharged engine to generate its power. Fourtitude claims that they are certain after having dinner with an Audi executive that the RS4 will keep its current 4.2-litre engine but increase power from 309kW to 350kW. It’s possible. We can’t help but feel that there is more, especially when we consider the power gap Audi has created between the RS6 (and the rest of the RS6) and the rest (M5 or E63 AMG). They would only be able to put 20kW between themselves and the Mercedes-Benz C63AMG, which is currently power-champ.
The beating of BMW at all levels is one of the key drivers of the whole Audi organization. If this holds, it is unlikely that Audi will turbo-charge an RS4 before M turbocharges a M3.