Audi has officially announced that the next RS4 will be launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2005. (In case you've been on Mars for the last month, it will have a high-revving (8,000+ rpm) development of the existing 4.2 V-8 that pushes out 425 bhp).
What I also now understand is that the car will incorporate quite a few weight saving measures that will bring it down to under 1600 kgs, thats 200 kgs less than the S4. I'm hearing things like aluminium doors, panels, bonnet and boot. Carbon fibre dashboard structure. Exotic suspension components. Lightweight Recaro sports seats. Carbon fibre transmission tunnel. And reduced weight 4WD system and components. I guess toys like AirCon, SatNAv and Electric windows will be optional too, so you can exlude them to save even more weight. If this is correct, then the power-to-weight ratio will compare very favorably to that of the current RS6. I fully expect a 0-100 kph time of 4.5 seconds and an unlimited top speed of 185+ mph. The key indicator of performance, however, will be the number of seconds under eight minutes it laps the Nordschliefe.
Yes, it is still based on a front-wheel drive chassis, so won't provide the same level of driver-involvement or satisfaction as a rear-wheel drive chassis M3 CSL, but because the RS4 understeers on the limit, it should be a lot more predictable in less favourable road conditions. Which is exactly why I shall be trading-in my M3 for one in time for my winter trip to Switzerland next year.
If only Audi could also find a way to reduce the wait.
What I also now understand is that the car will incorporate quite a few weight saving measures that will bring it down to under 1600 kgs, thats 200 kgs less than the S4. I'm hearing things like aluminium doors, panels, bonnet and boot. Carbon fibre dashboard structure. Exotic suspension components. Lightweight Recaro sports seats. Carbon fibre transmission tunnel. And reduced weight 4WD system and components. I guess toys like AirCon, SatNAv and Electric windows will be optional too, so you can exlude them to save even more weight. If this is correct, then the power-to-weight ratio will compare very favorably to that of the current RS6. I fully expect a 0-100 kph time of 4.5 seconds and an unlimited top speed of 185+ mph. The key indicator of performance, however, will be the number of seconds under eight minutes it laps the Nordschliefe.
Yes, it is still based on a front-wheel drive chassis, so won't provide the same level of driver-involvement or satisfaction as a rear-wheel drive chassis M3 CSL, but because the RS4 understeers on the limit, it should be a lot more predictable in less favourable road conditions. Which is exactly why I shall be trading-in my M3 for one in time for my winter trip to Switzerland next year.
If only Audi could also find a way to reduce the wait.
