RS6 not coming to US, Future RS models to be more hardcore, RS5 to debut at detroit

[forza2.0]

photoshop above

DÜSSELDORF, Germany — The Audi RS5, to date seen only in spy photos during testing, will make its world debut at the 2009 Detroit Auto Show, Audi has confirmed to Inside Line. However, the second-generation RS6 is not headed for the U.S.

RS6 project manager Jens Koch told Inside Line: "We had thought perhaps that it would be possible, given America's preference for the four-door version instead of the Avant, but the work required on the V10 powertrain to meet the emissions goals hurt the business case."

However, Koch and Audi spokespeople also told IL that North America has much to look forward to in the coming RS business plans. Shortly after the world premiere of the RS5 in Detroit in January 2009, Audi expects to introduce the new RS4.

Regarding the third-generation RS6, arriving in 2012, Koch strongly hinted that not only would this car be a major global player and come immediately to North America, but that the primary concerns of the current vehicle's massive weight problem, compromised handling in hot curves and fuel-gulping 5.0-liter V10 engine would all be laid to rest. He called the third-generation model "revolutionary" and said it will be "far more RennSport than anything previously developed."

On the brand image front, Audi and Quattro personnel shared with IL some details of plans for the R, S, RS, and Quattro subbrands for better head-on rivalry with the Mercedes-AMG and BMW M divisions. After the Detroit debut of the RS5 and then the next RS4, Audi will push hard globally to make the Quattro name a more clearly separate sister brand positioned distinctly above the hottest factory Audis.

Within Quattro, the R label will signify souped-up Audi range toppers like the R8. The S label will represent something a touch more sporting than the current S. At the top will be the RS, the mother of all performance brands within the Audi world, losing that weight and taking on a far more authentic RennSport attack feel.

What this means to you: Despite the tough economy, the high-end market continues to thrive, allowing Audi to bring the U.S. the best it has to offer. — Matt Davis, Correspondent

 

[homeforsummer]

Lets hope Audi's idea of making the cars more hardcore doesn't mean they'll follow Mercedes and make ridiculous high power versions or "track" versions that'll never be taken on track. Audi's RS cars are some of the more usable high-performance cars around so it'd be a shame to spoil them.

I do like the "losing weight" idea though.

 

[harrytuttle]

So despite Audi saying things about the current RS6 like "too much power for the road" and "we won't see these power levels again", we're getting an even more extreme RS6? Sounds vaguely reminiscent of "640KB ought to be enough for everyone" and "only servers would ever use a 286".

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for it. Just once I'd like a little consistency in the marketing department. Especially since it was just two months ago. What I'd be in favor for, and what I think would actually be a refreshing, marketable surprise, is to keep the engines -- and power levels -- just about the same, but put all the development into weight loss. Simplifying the chassis & electronics, using lighter-weight materials, the whole deal. I think that, even if US gas miraculously drops to $2/gallon, it should work quite well. It's something Audi needs anyway.

 

[Muzaffar]

Never mind the news, I just want that RS5!!!! 👍 It should look absolutely stunning at Detroit, and would almost give the M3 and the SL a run for their money.

400-500bhp + Quattro = WIN!!!!

 

[TheCracker]

So despite Audi saying things about the current RS6 like "too much power for the road" and "we won't see these power levels again", we're getting an even more extreme RS6? Sounds vaguely reminiscent of "640KB ought to be enough for everyone" and "only servers would ever use a 286".

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for it. Just once I'd like a little consistency in the marketing department. Especially since it was just two months ago. What I'd be in favor for, and what I think would actually be a refreshing, marketable surprise, is to keep the engines -- and power levels -- just about the same, but put all the development into weight loss. Simplifying the chassis & electronics, using lighter-weight materials, the whole deal. I think that, even if US gas miraculously drops to $2/gallon, it should work quite well. It's something Audi needs anyway.

It's engine emission legislation that's pushing manufacturers away from bigger and more powerful engines and this will push them to produce lighter cars to keep the relative performance comparative. RS/AMG/MPower buyers are probably not all that bothered about fuel costs. Fuel is much more expensive over here in Europe, but these cars are obviously still incredibly popular over here.

 

[forza2.0]

So despite Audi saying things about the current RS6 like "too much power for the road" and "we won't see these power levels again", we're getting an even more extreme RS6? Sounds vaguely reminiscent of "640KB ought to be enough for everyone" and "only servers would ever use a 286".

Don't get me wrong, I'm all for it. Just once I'd like a little consistency in the marketing department. Especially since it was just two months ago. What I'd be in favor for, and what I think would actually be a refreshing, marketable surprise, is to keep the engines -- and power levels -- just about the same, but put all the development into weight loss. Simplifying the chassis & electronics, using lighter-weight materials, the whole deal. I think that, even if US gas miraculously drops to $2/gallon, it should work quite well. It's something Audi needs anyway.

I think when they say more hardcore the emphasis is on weight lost, via using more exotic materials, loosing luxurious, and a less comforting ride.

The power war is truley over, all things fast are gonna have to make changes, some bad some good. It will be interesting how things turn out.

 

[V1P3R]

Love this car!

 

[harrytuttle]

I think when they say more hardcore the emphasis is on weight lost, via using more exotic materials, loosing luxurious, and a less comforting ride.

The power war is truley over, all things fast are gonna have to make changes, some bad some good. It will be interesting how things turn out.

Oh, well, good. I'm all for that.