Automobile tests the RS4

[Theo]

So the latest Automobile has a small test on the new RS4. They seemed to like it quite a bit. They said the new V8 with its 8250 rpm redline is a real jem. Still they only quoted a 4.8 0-60. What gives. 414hp and still not that fast.

They also said the base price would start at $55,000 which seems like a misprint. I had heard elsewhere that it would be more like mid 70's.

Still an interesting article.

I checked their site and there is not a direct link, sorry. :cry:

[lemming]

well, the gauntlet has been thrown down. now we get to see if BMW can one-up audi with the e90m3.

i have zero interest in either the s4 or rs4 until i see what BMW brings to the table.

[Theo]

I just got the new car and driver and they also quoted 55K. Wow, that seems like a great price for such a car.

[lemming]

well, i always thought that this should have been the S4 from the outset --the current s4 effort is a poor effort.

and then i thought the RS4 should have used the last generation RS6 motor.

we'll see. i expect the next M3 to have about the same power, but without AWD so it will have a weight bonus of about 400 pounds and better balance.

[John V]

well, the gauntlet has been thrown down. now we get to see if BMW can one-up audi with the e90m3.

It's a 4,000lb+ sedan with an enormous engine cantilevered out past the front wheels and a FWD-like weight bias.

If BMW can't "one-up audi" with the E90 M3 they need to stop making cars and just start making minivans and pickup trucks.

[Jeff_DML]

I just got the new car and driver and they also quoted 55K. Wow, that seems like a great price for such a car.

Audi of America announced pricing for the RS 4 at the New York International Auto Show. More details of the show will follow this week, though I wanted to make sure pricing got out to the avid folks who are waiting for these cars.

Base Price will start at $66,000, with a $2,100 Gas Guzzler Tax and $720 destination.

Options will be limited, but include:

Premium Package - $4,700
- Bluetooth Phone Prep
- Memory Seats and Mirrors
- Self-Dimming Rearview Mirrors and Compass in Rearview Mirror
- Power Sunshade in Rear Window and Manual Sunshades on Rear Side Windows
- Home Link
- DVD Navigation with MMI
- CD Changer

Rear Side Airbags - $350

No-Charge Options
18" 5-spoke Wheels (19" wheels are standard equipment)
Sunroof Delete
Replace Carbon Fiber Trim with Aluminum, Piano Black or Dark Myrtle Nutmeg Wood

We know the first wave of cars, expected in June, will all be equipped with Navigation, so expect them all to have the Premium Package and cost upwards of $73K. After the first wave, more selection will be available.... expected around July or August.


http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2554175

[Optimus Prime]

If BMW can't "one-up audi" with the E90 M3 they need to stop making cars and just start making minivans and pickup trucks.

Or focus on motorcycles more...

[Theo]

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=2554175

Thats more what I thought they would cost. Thanks for the heads up!! =)

I bet with the introduction of the 335i, the E90 M3 price wont be to far behind.

[armaq]

What gives. 414hp and still not that fast.


Quattro Audis are prone to massive powertrain loss - a local guy had his 340hp 04 S4 automatic dyno'ed at 260whp. The RS4 is having a hard time on dynos in Europe, most of them have a 18% or greater loss. Some suspect there's never 414hp in that V8.

IMO $73k is ridiculous for the US model.

[JST]

What the sucks, the good ole USA gets shafted yet again.

No ceramic brakes.

No recaros.

I don't get this recaro problem, the Germans seem to be the only one unable/willing to get it to the U.S. While econo little pocket rocket boxes like the STI have them standard.

So I say, W-T-F!?


Doesn't Audi get some sort of props for making the sunroof a delete option?

[ed328ci]

Just configured one at audicanada.ca

Model and Powertrain: RS 4 6-speed manual quattro®
Base MSRP: $94,200
Price as configured: $101,190 (with Premium Package and rear airbags)

For that price, I can have an E90 330i and a Subura Forester XT (or Toyota FJ
:cool:). Or a STi and and an E90 325xiT. No thanks Audi.

Ed

[TD]

I have repeatedly predicted a well-equipped E92 M3 will likely run around $70K. This only supports that prediction.

[Theo]

I have repeatedly predicted a well-equipped E92 M3 will likely run around $70K. This only supports that prediction.


As I said earlier in this thread I agree!

[IndyMike]

As I said earlier in this thread I agree!
Not including the obligatory $15k non-value added markup that will be found at many dealerships for the first model year or so.

[Jeff_DML]

No recaros.

I don't get this recaro problem, the Germans seem to be the only one unable/willing to get it to the U.S. While econo little pocket rocket boxes like the STI have them standard.

So I say, W-T-F!?

it will have recaros but just not the RS4 ones. The same ones as the S4 which are pretty nice seats, not as supportive/agressive as the RS4 ones:(

[FC]

I have repeatedly predicted a well-equipped E92 M3 will likely run around $70K. This only supports that prediction.

Yes. And that is crazy money for a sedan. I rather keep my 330i and add a new/used sports car when the time comes. My 330i really is plenty fast for a sedan. Considering it will be worth somewhere in the (low?) teens in 3 years, and that a slightly used Boxster S can be had for under 50K, I find that route to be a better way to spend $60K+.

For me to buy a E90 M3/4 it would have to:

1) Start at under 60K, preferably closer to 55K.
2) Look a lot better than the regular E90 sedan.
3) Be all we hope it will be as a performance car.

[dan]

someone on adfly said that EVO weighed an RS4 and that audi's numbers are total BS

EVO mag has a big "Fast Club" comparison shoot out this issue and part of the specs is weight "claimed" and "measured". Most are pretty accurate except the RS4 which Audi has been claiming 1650kg (3630lbs) but was actually weighed in at 1740kg (3828lbs). What's really funny is how Audi has been talking about it's weight savings over an S4 but in fact it's 3 pounds heavier! (S4=3825lbs, unless they've been lying about that one too :).

[dan]

It's a 4,000lb+ sedan

wrong

[lemming]

the RS4 is merely an improvement......over the lukewarm S4 effort.

other than that, why would anyone buy that over an M3? a GS430? an E63? a C63?

the RS4 is so heavy and nose heavy that it's insulting to me that it's an S model, let alone an RS variant. VAG sucks.

[John V]

wrong

:rolleyes:

Okay, my bad, 3828 is a WHOLE LOT LIGHTER than 4,000lb.

Moron.

[BahnBaum]

:rolleyes:

Okay, my bad, 3828 is a WHOLE LOT LIGHTER than 4,000lb.

Moron.

Voice of raisin.

;)

Alex

[dan]

:rolleyes:

Okay, my bad, 3828 is a WHOLE LOT LIGHTER than 4,000lb.

Moron.
:bustingup











score.

[RMR]

The way Audi is pricing itself into the stratosphere the RS4 will easily reach $70K.......At the chicago auto show there was a 2006 Audi S4 stickered at $61k.

Edit: There was also a A3 2.0T for $38k

[lemming]

The way Audi is pricing itself into the stratosphere the RS4 will easily reach $70K.......At the chicago auto show there was a 2006 Audi S4 stickered at $61k.

Edit: There was also a A3 2.0T for $38k

and the elephant in the room is how much they weigh.

[lemming]

The way Audi is pricing itself into the stratosphere the RS4 will easily reach $70K.......At the chicago auto show there was a 2006 Audi S4 stickered at $61k.

Edit: There was also a A3 2.0T for $38k

right on, dude!

base price is $68,820.

http://www.edmunds.com/insideline/do/News/articleId=110015

now, let me think. there is another car with that base price. one that is a lot faster. a lot lighter. i'm thinking carbon fibre, balsa wood.....:dunno:

[John V]

That car only seats two and doesn't have AWD. Some people consider those "features."

[lemming]

That car only seats two and doesn't have AWD. Some people consider those "features."

ah yes. i forgot about all of those practical people with money burning holes in their pockets.

[John V]

Honestly, do you expect the majority of potential RS4 buyers to be cross-shopping the Z06? I don't. :dunno:

[ff]

Honestly, do you expect the majority of potential RS4 buyers to be cross-shopping the Z06? I don't. :dunno:

I'd sooner expect to find stuka driving with his car pointed straight forward.

[lemming]

Honestly, do you expect the majority of potential RS4 buyers to be cross-shopping the Z06? I don't. :dunno:

i thought about it today, since i saw an RS6 on my way to work (naturally, he got off at the Winter Street exit in Waltham). for the main Audi RSx demographic, whatever they charge for the RS4 is pretty much chump change.

it's a lot relative to a lot of things, like other cars...but for people with a lot of disposable income, it's not so much money.

[FC]

i thought about it today, since i saw an RS6 on my way to work (naturally, he got off at the Winter Street exit in Waltham). for the main Audi RSx demographic, whatever they charge for the RS4 is pretty much chump change.

it's a lot relative to a lot of things, like other cars...but for people with a lot of disposable income, it's not so much money.

True. Plus, FWIW these people usually trade in another fairly-new, expensive car, so the differential is even less significant than plunking down the whole 75K.