Audi RS4 and RS5 to keep V8s
There have been countless conflicting reports about what will power the next generation Audi RS4 and the forthcoming RS5. Fourtitude had heard the rumors and decided to go straight to its sources for clarification. While the four-ringed obessesives weren't able to divulge the identity of their insiders (neither did CAR, which published of one the first stories about future RS powertrains), Fourtitude may have put to rest the rumblings that the next RS4 would ditch it's V8 in favor of a supercharged six.
According to Fourtitude, the 4.2-liter FSI V8 will soldier on in the RS4, and will also find a home in the RS5, which is currently undergoing testing both in Germany and the U.S. While a boost in output wasn't divulged, engineers will supposedly keep displacement the same, while decreasing frictional losses and possibly incorporating a new version of Audi's Valvelift system. If all goes according to plan, expect at least 450 hp from the direct-injected 4.2 and don't be surprised to find the tweaked V8 in the revised R8 around the same time.
Check out Fourtitude for the full report.
[Source: Fourtitude via AutoFiends]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
black 8:06PM (7/28/2008)
So what happened to Audi's plan to improve efficiency across the line? Although I did get a bit skeptical on how they were supposed to coax 420+ hp form a supercharged V6.
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Cary 12:19AM (7/29/2008)
I don't care what they use. As long as it means that I don't have to continue to crush every M3 in sight. This should be fun. I'll get a 450bhp Audi off the line everytime, but once the power is down, things should get interesting. Till my mods are in. I have yet to meet an R8 at a stoplight though. Speaking of which, wont this be all over the R8's toes if it has 450bhp? They'll probably drop the V10 in it at that point to maintain it's crown. If only we were so lucky as to get the R8 TDI. A beautiful masterpiece that car is.
Tomek! 8:12PM (7/28/2008)
That is an amazing color! Even cooler than the current blue. The RS4 has always been my favorite of the big 3 german (super)sports sedans. I have always wanted one but I don't think ill be able to afford one.
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Tomek! 8:18PM (7/28/2008)
Sorry I didn't comment about the engines themselves i was just drawn to the color. I think it would be great if companies got even more into the forced induction, it's great for everybody, you can get more power per liter and that seems to be the way to go with the current (and future) prices of gas.
N/A FTL!
why not the LS2LS7? 9:19PM (7/28/2008)
I don't believe Audi is going to make 450HP from their 4.2L V8 without supercharging it.
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Mark 12:39AM (7/29/2008)
Well, the current 4.2 V8 makes 420 horse power so getting another 30 or something close to that with whatever new technologies they've got shouldn't be too hard in my opinion.
nagmashot 2:59AM (7/29/2008)
why on earth should they have any problems doing it? They get 500hp out of their 4.0l DTM V8 engines and there they are handicaped by super small 2x28mm air restrictors.
BTW in the german car press they claim that both the 2009 M3 CSL and the RS5 will get 470PS(464hp) n/a out of the current engines, both engines beafed up by classic n/a engine modification
zamafir 9:38PM (7/28/2008)
I can't wait to play with the RS5, should be a delightful improvement on the RS4.
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Franz 10:16PM (7/28/2008)
+1. The RS5 is near the very top of my wish list. I'm seriously considering getting an S5, but I wonder if I should just hold out and save up for the RS... although, I have no idea how much the RS5 is gonna actually cost yet. Hell, I still want the S5 though. Such a good looking car.
ken_aisin 2:33PM (7/29/2008)
Franz, I would rather get the GT-R in your profile picture.
Franz 3:52PM (7/29/2008)
No arguments there. That's the car that's actually at the very top of the wish list. :)
zamafir 12:46AM (7/30/2008)
I think we'd all rather :), i'd just prefer an RS5 as a daily driver.
Raz 4:15AM (7/30/2008)
I've just seen a white S5 yesterday. It is such a beauty. The car more like a concept car than a road car.
Eddie 10:11PM (7/28/2008)
I cant wait to see the RS5. I'm sure itll be the best Audi ever (other than the R8)
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Zane 12:03AM (7/29/2008)
AWESOME! I already think the A5/S5 are the best looking coupes on the market. The current beefy V8 will add substance to style. This is definitely the #1 car on my shopping list for next year.
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dieselman 2:13AM (7/29/2008)
ehm....told you so!
There were no way in the world Audi would shrink it down to V6 for the RS line when the competition is all playing with V8s (after Audi launched the V8 into this "class").
V6 for S4 and S5, maybe, but not for RS.
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RLQ 3:50AM (7/29/2008)
Good
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2007RC46SP2 9:15AM (7/29/2008)
i heard that "corvette ZR-1" just ordered an RS4 and an RS5 ;)
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Zane 11:00AM (7/29/2008)
Yep, to add to his collection of Hot Wheels RS6 and the yet to be released RS8. :D
MONTE 11:24AM (7/29/2008)
I liked it back in the day when the RS and S were turbocharged because you could just throw all the RS gear onto a much cheaper S4 and have fun. These V8s are definately strong in technology, but I'm a boosthead and just can't seem to like them as much as the twin turbo V6s. That could partly be because I can't afford it!
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