Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Audi RS6 not coming to U.S., RS5 will debut in Detroit]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/15/audi-rs6-not-coming-to-u-s-rs5-will-debut-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/15/audi-rs6-not-coming-to-u-s-rs5-will-debut-in-detroit/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/09/15/audi-rs6-not-coming-to-u-s-rs5-will-debut-in-detroit/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above for a high-res gallery of the Audi RS6 sedan

Good news and bad news go hand-in-hand, but in this case, it's not entirely unexpected.

According to Audi RS6 project manager Jens Koch, the twin-turbocharged V10 sedan won't be coming to the U.S. in its current iteration. Originally, Audi thought that the four-door body style would be more appealing to Stateside consumers rather than the Avant, but apparently there's too much energy and expense involved in making the V10 powerplant pass the more stringent sniffer standards here in the U.S.

On the upside, the third-generation RS6 is being developed for the global market, so the next iteration should arrive on our shores in 2012. Koch hinted that the RS6's weight problem and 5.0-liter V10 wouldn't carryover to the 2012 model, and that the next RS6 will be more "revolutionary" and "far more RennSport than anything previously developed."

Meanwhile, Audi will take the wraps off the RS5 this January in Detroit, with the next RS4 debuting shortly thereafter.

Audi plans to further its goal of taking on BMW's M division and Mercedes' AMG lineup with more Quattro-branded vehicles positioned above run-of-the-mill Audis, along with more clearly defined R-, S- and RS-derivatives. "S" badged variants will also be sportier than current S models, while the "R" lineup will be "significantly souped-up" and "RS" will be reserved for lightweight, track-friendly models.

Gallery: 2009 Audi RS6


[Source: InsideLine]

Audi RS6 not coming to U.S., RS5 will debut in Detroit originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi rs4audi rs5audi rs6AudiRs4AudiRs5AudiRs6detroitdetroit 2009detroit auto showDetroit2009DetroitAutoShowrs4Mon, 15 Sep 2008 15:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi RS4 to get supercharged V6, R8 V10 to remain NA]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/audi-rs4-to-get-supercharged-v6-r8-v10-to-remain-na/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/audi-rs4-to-get-supercharged-v6-r8-v10-to-remain-na/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/07/15/audi-rs4-to-get-supercharged-v6-r8-v10-to-remain-na/#commentsFiled under:



CAR sat down with a "high-placed Audi source" at the European launch of the Q5 and was able to pry out a few details about the automaker's future products.

To begin with, the next RS4 will use a retuned version of the supercharged, 3.0-liter V6 due to be fitted on the next S4. Audi's unnamed engineering mole said that the decision to go with the supercharged six was primarily to provide higher torque at lower RPMs. With the base engine putting out 290 hp and 310 lb.-ft. of torque, it's assumed that the tweaked version should crest the 350 hp mark and just under 400 lb.-ft. of torque. How that will play in the inevitable comparison test between the RS4's V8-powered competition remains to be seen.

The A1 is still set to debut in 2010, but despite its aim at MINI, Audi won't resort to retro styling. Based off the next Polo, the A1 will spawn several variants, including three- and five-door hatches, a convertible and an off-roader. While Audi has no plans to build anything smaller than the A1, it does plan to increase the size of the A3, along with offering a Q3 CUV inspired by the Cross Coupe Quattro concept.

And what of the R8? The V10 version is on its way this fall, but a turbocharged variant isn't in the cards, nor is the V12 TDI. And while Audi has continued to deny that it's working on an R4, CAR's source says that there's still room in the automaker's lineup for another R-badged vehicle.

[Source: CAR]

Audi RS4 to get supercharged V6, R8 V10 to remain NA originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2010 audi rs42010AudiRs42011 audi rs42011AudiRs4audiaudi rs4AudiRs4rs4superchargedv10 r8V10R8V6Tue, 15 Jul 2008 09:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Review: 2008 Audi RS4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/30/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-audi-rs4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/30/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-audi-rs4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/05/30/in-the-autoblog-garage-2008-audi-rs4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2008 Audi RS4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

My buddy Chris was beaming as his body pressed into the two-tone Recaro on the passenger side. "This thing is completely unbelievable," he said, his voice a blend of awe and disbelief. Around us, the scenery flicked by as the crisp Sunday morning air was sucked in through the open windows. The radio was on, but the volume was turned all the way down. At the moment, the only soundtrack in which we were interested was the guttural roar coming from the big oval pipes poking through the rear valance. "Chris," I replied, snicking the shifter into third, "This thing is ridiculous." The "thing" in question is the 2008 Audi RS4, and neither of us were exaggerating.


Gallery: Review: 2008 Audi RS4


All photos Copyright (C)2008 Alex Núñez / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading Review: 2008 Audi RS4

Review: 2008 Audi RS4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 30 May 2008 13:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008 Audi RS42008AudiRs4Audiaudi rs4AudiRs4Autoblog garageAutoblogGaragefeaturedreviewRS4Fri, 30 May 2008 13:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi launches Sportscar Experience at Infineon Raceway]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/audi-launches-sportscar-experience-at-infineon-raceway/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/audi-launches-sportscar-experience-at-infineon-raceway/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/29/audi-launches-sportscar-experience-at-infineon-raceway/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Driving a car on a racetrack, a controlled environment where the vehicle's limits can be safely probed, is an experience that not only increases driving skills, but it builds confidence too. Recognizing this, and offering car enthusiasts a way to legally wring-out some of their hottest products, Audi has partnered with Emotive to launch their 2008 Audi Sportscar Experience. Unlike last year's marketing-oriented Audi Driving Experience, or any other Driver Education event, the Sportscar Experience is focused on high-performance driving.

The program consists of several different one- and two-day programs held at Infineon Raceway in California. Drivers sign up for the event of their choice, and each one includes a high-performance Audi "S" model for flogging (yes, tires and brakes are included). The vehicles include the 420-hp Audi RS4, the 354-hp Audi S5, the 450-hp Audi S8, and the awesome 420-hp Audi R8. If there is a downside to all of this fun, it's the price. The entry-level half-day "Introductory Program" runs $695. A full-day program in the RS4 will cost you $1,295. Want to improve your skills behind the wheel of the R8? That will set you back a cool $1,895 for a one-day program, $3,495 for two days. Having fun ain't cheap.

Gallery: 2008 Audi R8

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi launches Sportscar Experience at Infineon Raceway

Audi launches Sportscar Experience at Infineon Raceway originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AudiAudi Driviing ExperienceAudi Sportscar ExperienceAudiDriviingExperienceAudiSportscarExperienceR8RS4S5S8Tue, 29 Apr 2008 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: WebRidesTV pits IS-F against RS4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/video-webridestv-pits-is-f-against-rs4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/video-webridestv-pits-is-f-against-rs4/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/24/video-webridestv-pits-is-f-against-rs4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above to view the WebRidesTV shootout.

It's tough to top Top Gear (as Gear producers are about to find out), but until Clarkson, Hamster and Captain Slow get back on schedule, the crew at WebRidesTV is back to cure our insatiable lust for all things automotive and in motion. Sure, it doesn't have TG's production value, but everything looks cooler with heavy vignetting.

This latest installment pits the Audi RS4 against the Lexus IS F, in what could be their best shootout to date. It's the battle of the middleweights and you can view the film in full after the jump.

Continue reading VIDEO: WebRidesTV pits IS-F against RS4

VIDEO: WebRidesTV pits IS-F against RS4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 24 Apr 2008 15:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi rs4AudiRs4battleis fis-fIsFlexuslexus is flexus is-fLexusIs-fLexusIsFrs4shootoutwebridestvThu, 24 Apr 2008 15:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Sibling Rivalry: Porsche and Audi fight over 'RS' name]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/sibling-rivalry-porsche-and-audi-fight-over-rs-name/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/sibling-rivalry-porsche-and-audi-fight-over-rs-name/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/23/sibling-rivalry-porsche-and-audi-fight-over-rs-name/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Click the image above for a high-res gallery.

We've all watched the ALMS Porsche RS Spyder in racing, read the reviews about Porsche's track-ready 997 GT3 RS, and checked out the new Boxster RS 60 Spyder. Maybe some of us (Porschephiles?) have even dreamed about someday owning a classic 1973 911 Carrera RS (pictured above). Porsche's "RS" designation stands for "Renn Sport," or racing, and it is reserved for the highest performing models in the company's lineup.

Wait a second. Doesn't Audi also offer a slew of "RS" models too? They have their hot RS4, RS6, and the lightweight RS8. Now they have plans to bring out a high-performance version of the TT to be called the TT RS...

Not so fast, the team at Porsche is saying. Naming it the "TT RS" is stepping over that thin line drawn in the sand. Furthermore, the "RS" suffix is Porsche's, and it won't be slapped on an Audi anytime soon (especially as Porsche continues to increase its ownership in the Volkswagen Group). Audi may continue to use "RS" as a prefix, but that's about it. Well, that was easy, don't you think?

Gallery: 2007 Porsche RS Spyder

[Source: Winding Road]

Sibling Rivalry: Porsche and Audi fight over 'RS' name originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1973 Carrera RS1973CarreraRsCarrera RSCarreraRsPorsche RSPorsche RS SpyderPorscheRsPorscheRsSpyderRS4RS6RS8Wed, 23 Apr 2008 13:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Overheard in AIM: Neff brings the perspective]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/12/overheard-in-aim-neff-brings-the-perspective/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/12/overheard-in-aim-neff-brings-the-perspective/http://www.autoblog.com/2008/04/12/overheard-in-aim-neff-brings-the-perspective/#commentsFiled under: ,


Nunez's ride this week...

We Autobloggers chat on AIM all the time. Imagine a text-only version of the podcast, only 100 times more scatterbrained (who knew this was even possible?) and you'll get the general idea. So anyway, here's an exchange between The Neff and myself from earlier this afternoon, in which he hits me with a solid uppercut using his Brass Knuckles of Perspective. I think they may have bits of dead Alero cast into them.

Neff: Chris Grant from Joystiq got Sony to send us a review copy of GT5 Prologue
Neff: Arriving Tuesday
Nunez: You are such a d**k
Neff: Okay Mr. RS4
Nunez: HAHAHAHA
Neff: At least the car in your driveway right now is real
Nunez: I want to drive a PRETEND RS4, too!

Let the online play begin. What Neff doesn't tell you is that he -- at this very moment -- is writing up something that makes the (undeniably, ridiculously badass) RS4 press car parked out in my driveway seem like a Kia Optima. But you'll have to wait until Monday to read about that. Oh, and as it happens, I can't drive a pretend RS4 in GT5 Prologue when it arrives this week, anyway. I'll have to make do with the real thing.

Overheard in AIM: Neff brings the perspective originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIMconverstionGT5 PrologueGt5PrologueNeff vs. NunezNeffVs.NunezRS4Sat, 12 Apr 2008 14:36:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: <i>Top Gear</i> drives the M3, C63, and RS4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/24/video-i-top-gear-i-drives-the-m3-c63-and-rs4/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/24/video-i-top-gear-i-drives-the-m3-c63-and-rs4/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/12/24/video-i-top-gear-i-drives-the-m3-c63-and-rs4/#commentsFiled under: , , , , ,



Top Gear drives Germany's three small super saloons... well, in the M3's case, it's a coupe, but you get the picture The cars go against each other, as well as Emerson Fittipaldi's Lotus F1 racer that won the 1972 World Championship, and has the same horsepower as the sedans. There's also the Stig, a Stig-ette in a white bikini and helmet, Clarkson dining on an apple run over at the apex of a turn, a measurement device that we can't mention here, and lots of unkind things said of M3 drivers. But it's just in time for Christmas, and it's in three parts, which means you can make Top Gear Christmas cheer can last all day. Especially if you have a new M3 on order.

[Source: You Tube]

Continue reading VIDEO: Top Gear drives the M3, C63, and RS4

VIDEO: Top Gear drives the M3, C63, and RS4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 24 Dec 2007 18:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi rs4AudiRs4bmw m3BmwM3c63m3mercedes c63MercedesC63rs4top gearTopGearMon, 24 Dec 2007 18:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi says more RS models quickly on their way]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/26/audi-rs-models-coming-to-market-sooner/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/26/audi-rs-models-coming-to-market-sooner/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/11/26/audi-rs-models-coming-to-market-sooner/#commentsFiled under:



Quattro GmbH, Audi's high-performance subsidiary, is responsible for all manner of RS, S, S-line and "Exclusive" hotness for the automaker and has seen a substantial increase in sales over the last seven years. Back in 2000, it sold about 2,500 units. In 2007, it has produced just over 360,000 models imbued with Audi's distinct brand of performance street cred. Those numbers are expected to further rise with even more models being S- and RS-ified, including the R8, which is currently being produced at a rate of 27 vehicles per day.

Auto Motor und Sport sat down with Werner Frowein, the director of Quattro GmbH, where he let loose that the former strategy for RS model production will be laid to waste in the coming years. Traditionally, RS cars are produced in the last two years of the vehicle's lifecycle, but a new shift in production will allow new models to benefit from the RS-treatment after the first two years of their run. The TT-RS and RS5 are two of the models on the horizon, while an RS version of the R8 has been rumored since its introduction earlier this year. More RS is hardly a bad thing, unless premium gas prices continue their northward trajectory.

[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via World Car Fans]

Audi says more RS models quickly on their way originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Nov 2007 16:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi r8audi rs4audi rs5audi tt-rsAudiR8AudiRs4AudiRs5AudiTt-rsquattro gmbhQuattroGmbhr8rs4rs5tt-rsttrsMon, 26 Nov 2007 16:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Get some seat time in a TT, A4, RS4 and even an R8]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/17/get-some-seat-time-in-a-tt-a4-rs4-and-even-an-r8/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/17/get-some-seat-time-in-a-tt-a4-rs4-and-even-an-r8/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/17/get-some-seat-time-in-a-tt-a4-rs4-and-even-an-r8/#commentsFiled under: ,



If your local Audi dealer calls the cops every time you ask for a test drive of an RS4, we suggest you either dress nicer next time or, if that's not possible, head to one of four cities hosting the Audi Driving Experience.

New York, Los Angeles, Chicago and San Francisco are the four sites for Audi's traveling test drive, where participants can have the chance to drive their TT, A4 and Q7 all for free. You'll be able to put them through control, braking and accident avoidance maneuvers. If you can show you know how to handle their cars, Audi will even let you take one out for a lap around the racetrack.

The most improved drivers at each venue wins a ride in Audi's much-vaunted R8 supercar. Those winners will instantly be upgraded from most-improved to most-envied.

That's all included in the Audi Driving Experience two-hour introductory program, but for $600 Audi offers the half-day enthusiast program. That gets you professional driving instruction and track time in all the aforementioned cars, as well as the RS4 and R8.

There are two dates in each city, but with a chance to either ride in or drive an R8, we would expect them to fill up quick.

Get some seat time in a TT, A4, RS4 and even an R8 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 17 Jul 2007 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a4audiaudi driving experienceAudiDrivingExperienceq7r8rs4ttTue, 17 Jul 2007 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi RS4 Cabriolet pricing announced]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/25/audi-rs4-cabriolet-pricing-announced/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/25/audi-rs4-cabriolet-pricing-announced/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/25/audi-rs4-cabriolet-pricing-announced/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click image for photo gallery

The Audi RS4 is one of the meaner machines you can plunk your hard-earned money down on. 420 horses out of Audi's high-revving 4.2L FSI V8 will do that (especially when combined with the car's particularly muscular aural signature). As we already reported, US residents finally get their shot at the droptop version of the RS4, and Audi of America has come clean with the pricing. If you want the RS4 Cabriolet, you'll need to part with $81,900 plus a $775 destination charge and a to-be-determined gas-guzzler tax. Oh, and that V8 doing the guzzling is only available mated to a 6-speed manual and the quattro AWD system.

In return for that not-insignificant sum, you get an RS4 minus two doors and a roof (all the better to appreciate the raucous goings-on at the car's exhaust tips), plus loads of standard convenience/luxury equipment like the (excellent) Audi Music Interface, which provides full iPod integration via the car's nav screen and MMI controller. 81 grand represents a hefty premium over the RS4 sedan's $66K price, but it comes with exclusivity -- Audi's only planning to import 300 or so to the US -- and for some of the car's buyers, the open-air experience alone might justify the cost. No worries for Audi, regardless. They'll sell 'em all.

[Source: Audi of America]

Gallery: Audi RS4 Cabriolet

Continue reading Audi RS4 Cabriolet pricing announced

Audi RS4 Cabriolet pricing announced originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 25 Jun 2007 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cabrioletpricingrs4rs4 cabrioletRs4CabrioletMon, 25 Jun 2007 11:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi RS4 not being cancelled]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/19/audi-rs4-not-being-cancelled/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/19/audi-rs4-not-being-cancelled/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/19/audi-rs4-not-being-cancelled/#commentsFiled under: ,

You can start the presses again. It was all a big misunderstanding. Autocar said that even though Audi hadn't admitted it, the RS4 sedan had ceased production. Don't know where their source came from, but Winding Road's source, from Audi Communications in the US, calms all of our nerves with a hearty "Have No Fear." Even though Audi is getting its larger bahn-stormer the RS6 ready for production and RS models don't usually overlap, the RS4 will complete its production run through 2008. Thank you, Winding Road, for giving us news that keep our food down today. And a wet haggis for the folks at Autocar.

[Source: Winding Road]

Audi RS4 not being cancelled originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2008audirs4Tue, 19 Jun 2007 15:27:00 EST<![CDATA[More on the supercharged MTM Audi RS4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/12/more-on-the-supercharged-mtm-audi-rs4/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/12/more-on-the-supercharged-mtm-audi-rs4/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/12/more-on-the-supercharged-mtm-audi-rs4/#comments

When we brought you AudiWorld's story on the MTM-tuned RS4, there were only two questions we had: how much and what's it sound like? Thankfully, European Car was able to get the first answer during their review, and after converting from euros to dollars, the MTM package will set you back about $26-large. The answer to the second part of our query came courtesy of AudiWorld themselves, who were smart enough to pack a video camera to shoot the K540 making its sub-four second run to 60, along with a few screaming supercharged passes by the camera.

AudiWorld's video is posted after the jump, and you can read European Car's review here.

Continue reading More on the supercharged MTM Audi RS4

More on the supercharged MTM Audi RS4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 12 Jun 2007 11:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audimtmrs4Tue, 12 Jun 2007 11:05:00 EST<![CDATA[AudiWorld flogs the 535HP MTM RS4 Clubsport]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/09/audiworld-flogs-the-535hp-mtm-rs4-clubsport/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/09/audiworld-flogs-the-535hp-mtm-rs4-clubsport/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/09/audiworld-flogs-the-535hp-mtm-rs4-clubsport/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Messing with perfection is a tough trade, but for the world-renowned Audi tuners at MTM, it's another day at the office. Based out of Wettstetten, a suburb of Ingolstadt, and headed by an ex-Audi engineer who took part in the development of the quad-ring's turbo'd five-cylinder engines of the '80s, MTM has a hard-earned reputation for being the best in the biz, and they're not letting that rep subside.

Their newest creation is tasked with pushing the performance envelope of Audi's most hardcore grocery-getter, the RS4. By strapping a liquid-to-air intercooled, Lysolm-type supercharger onto the 4.2-liter V8, the MTM RS4 Clubsport can surge to sixty in under four seconds. How's that possible? A strict diet and a motor able to produce 535 HP and 428 ft.-lb. of torque - all on the stock internals.

Continue reading AudiWorld flogs the 535HP MTM RS4 Clubsport

AudiWorld flogs the 535HP MTM RS4 Clubsport originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 09 Jun 2007 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiclubsportmtmr8rs4Sat, 09 Jun 2007 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[CONFIRMED: Audi RS4 Cabrio coming for '08]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/confirmed-audi-rs4-cabrio-coming-for-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/confirmed-audi-rs4-cabrio-coming-for-08/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/06/06/confirmed-audi-rs4-cabrio-coming-for-08/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Click image for 22-shot photo gallery

It had been the subject of speculation, and today, it's official. Audi will expand its RS4 lineup in the US with the addition of the 2008 RS4 Cabriolet. The two-door open-topper gets the same 420-horsepower 4.2L FSI V8 as its enclosed sedan sibling, just with better Conair potential thanks to that stowable roof. Audi says that around 300 of the ragtops are heading stateside, and that they'll be here in the fall. The beautiful people from Malibu to Miami Beach have a new bauble to lust after. Come to think of it, so do we.

Press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi USA via AudiWorld]

Gallery: Audi RS4 Cabriolet

Continue reading CONFIRMED: Audi RS4 Cabrio coming for '08

CONFIRMED: Audi RS4 Cabrio coming for '08 originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 06 Jun 2007 11:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>rs4Wed, 06 Jun 2007 11:17:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy Shots: Audi RS6]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/25/spy-shots-audi-rs6/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/25/spy-shots-audi-rs6/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/25/spy-shots-audi-rs6/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Audi's hard at work expanding the number of models in its portfolio, and one of the most anticipated models of all is the 2008 RS6. With an absurdly wicked 5.2L V10 powerplant that's rumored to receive the turbo treatment to kick out well over 500hp, the RS6 looks like it's preparing to meet the M5 and AMG E-Class head-on.

The folks over at KGP Photography got some good pictures of the RS6 running the 'Ring, and there are subtle differences between it and the S6. The oval-tipped tailpipes and RS4-style rims fare immediate tiopoffs that something's afoot. The front air intake also appears to be tweaked, with its LED lighting apparently removed. The fenders have also been pushed out to accomodate larger wheels.

Does Audi want to rule the luxury world? Looks like it to us, and an RS6 that will be able to take on even the most formidable opponent is part of the plan. The car will duke it out with some pretty stiff marketplace competition, but in the end, we think the ultimate winners are customers who can afford $80,000 to $100,000 vehicles.

[Source: Inside Line]

Spy Shots: Audi RS6 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 25 May 2007 08:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>amgaudim5rs4rs6s6Fri, 25 May 2007 08:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi releases pair of exclusive color packages for RS4]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/11/audi-releases-pair-of-exclusive-color-packages-for-rs4/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/11/audi-releases-pair-of-exclusive-color-packages-for-rs4/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/11/audi-releases-pair-of-exclusive-color-packages-for-rs4/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


RS4 Ibis White -- Click image to enlarge

This was news that came out earlier in the week, but we held off on covering it because there was no media released in association with it. We're talking about the new Audi exclusive Phantom Black and Ibis White packages for the RS4. Since they're paint-and-trim deals, you can see why we wanted to wait for a photo. Both take a monochrome exterior approach, with the Ibis White package going slightly further (and costing more) -- even the grille surround is white, in a change from its standard metallic appearance. Both cars feature black interiors, with grey contrast stitching in the Phantom Black RS4 and white for the Ibis White car. In addition to the color/trim packs, the cars are equipped with the "sports suspension plus," which is dropped an additional 10mm. Pricing for the Phantom Black RS4 option is set at €6,500, while the Ibis White edition comes in at €7,200. Additional details are in the Audi press release pasted after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi releases pair of exclusive color packages for RS4

Audi releases pair of exclusive color packages for RS4 originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 11 May 2007 15:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>exclusiveibis whiteIbisWhitephantom blackPhantomBlackrs4Fri, 11 May 2007 15:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi commissions its own Art Car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/07/audi-commissions-its-own-art-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/07/audi-commissions-its-own-art-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/05/07/audi-commissions-its-own-art-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click above for gallery

The term "art car" is closely associated with BMW, which has a history of letting famous artists use its vehicles as rolling mechanical canvases. And the cars are memorable, too -- the Andy Warhol M1 leaps to mind. Well, late last month, Audi decided to throw its hat in the ring as well by commissioning Brazilian Pop artist Romero Britto to turn an RS4 into an art car for the brand with the interlocking rings.

Britto responded with what you see above. A colorful painting of a woman adorns the hood of the muscle sedan and extends through the rest of its bodywork. It made its debut at the Art Chicago fair in the Windy City at the end of April, and will tour other locations in North America before ending its run in Miami Beach, where it will be auctioned for charity. Full details after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Gallery: Audi RS4 art car by Romero Britto

Continue reading Audi commissions its own Art Car

Audi commissions its own Art Car originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 07 May 2007 17:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>art carart chicagoArtCarArtChicagoromero brittoRomeroBrittors4Mon, 07 May 2007 17:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Cross your fingers: Audi RS4 Convertible may be headed to US]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/22/cross-your-fingers-audi-rs4-convertible-may-be-headed-to-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/22/cross-your-fingers-audi-rs4-convertible-may-be-headed-to-us/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/04/22/cross-your-fingers-audi-rs4-convertible-may-be-headed-to-us/#commentsFiled under: , ,



In the long list of toys that Europe gets to play and the US doesn't, Audi's RS4 Avant and RS4 Cabriolet have got to be somewhere near the top. However, Automobile magazine has been told by an Audi product planner that the droptop RS4 could soon become a US citizen.

The convertible top is electro-hydraulic, opens in 21 seconds at speeds up to 18 mph, and features a heated glass rear window. And just like the sedan and wagon, the cab is lowered 30 mm compared to the regular A4. As well as the being distinguished by the lack of a top, the cab comes with standard with the sports seats instead of the RS buckets. That would make sense for the buyers who don't intend to use their RS4 for anything other than boulevard duty -- but we're not sure they deserve an RS4. Without a roof one would think you'd drive it just as hard since there's nothing but wind between you and the bellow of 420 hp through twin pipes -- but that's just us. The price would be $70,000 and change.

[Source: Automobile]

Cross your fingers: Audi RS4 Convertible may be headed to US originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 22 Apr 2007 08:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audicabrioletrs4Sun, 22 Apr 2007 08:05:00 EST<![CDATA[420 HP, DSG-equipped M3 Concept coming to Geneva?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/26/420-hp-dsg-equipped-m3-concept-coming-to-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/26/420-hp-dsg-equipped-m3-concept-coming-to-geneva/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/26/420-hp-dsg-equipped-m3-concept-coming-to-geneva/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



Over the past three or four days, there have been a lot of rumors running through the tubes of the interwebs about BMW's surprise unveiling of a concept version of the M3 uber-coupe during next week's Geneva motor show. We had been holding off on posting anything about it, but thought that if it does come to fruition, you might like to know in advance.

The latest bit of news comes courtesy of Motor Authority, that points to last year's unveiling of the M5 in Geneva just as sales were about to begin a few months later. According to MA, the M3 will be powered by an all-new 4.0L V8 that will send 420 HP through a newly developed dual-clutch DSG-like transmission. Knowing that lightweight materials are essential to beat out rivals like Audi's RS4, the upcoming IS-F and the forthcoming C63 AMG, BMW may employ carbon fiber in some of the M3's body panels.

Our crew is beginning to pack our bags, power adapters and photo equipment for our jaunt to Switzerland, so rest assured that if BMW does drop the M3 next week, you'll be looking at pictures and reading the details shortly after the veil is lifted.

[Source: Motor Authority]

420 HP, DSG-equipped M3 Concept coming to Geneva? originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 26 Feb 2007 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>420 hp420Hpbmwc63 AMGC63Amgdsgdual clutchdual-clutchDualClutchgenevais-fm3rs4v8Mon, 26 Feb 2007 08:02:00 EST