What’s happening to the RS4

Audi SA has offered some clarification with regards to what will happen to its RS4 line up in the near future.

We recently reported on the news that the end is looming for Audi’s RS4. Well, it’s one thing to take the word of a Dutch website, so we contacted a spokesperson from Audi to clarify what is happening. The reply is as follows
“Audi SA is still taking customer orders until the end of November for the Audi RS4 sedan as production will be discontinued after January 2008, when the new Audi A4 (B8) saloon production commences. The RS4 Avant will continue to be produced until May 2008, similarly to cease with the introduction of the new Audi A4 (B8) Avant. The RS4 Avant will be available to order until February 2008.

However, the Audi RS4 Cabriolet will remain in production and will be available for sale in South Africa well into 2009, so the formidable high-revving 4,2 FSI V8 with 309 kW will not be exclusive to the 4,2 R8 only.

In terms of the RS model strategy that quattro GmbH (the affiliate of Audi AG responsible for the RS models, S line and many of the special wheels and equipment options on Audi's) follows at present, only one RS model is built at a time. Because of the introduction of the new A4, it is logical that the newly announced RS6 will fill the position currently held by the RS4.

As stated above, the Audi RS6 will effectively take the place of the RS4 as the top performance sedan and Avant model. Audi will still offer a wide range of high performance S models, such as the Audi S3, and the imminent Audi S5 early in 2008 and a couple of surprises for 2008 – so the performance choice for Audi customers will continue to expand. The 4,2 V8 Audi S5, although in performance short of the RS4, will certainly help to fill the current position held by the RS4.

Importantly, the incredible and exclusive Audi R8 sports car is now available from Audi, also hand-built on a special production line by quattro GmbH in Audi's Neckarsulm Plant.

It is likely that there may be RS models in future based on the new A5 and A4 ranges, but this cannot be confirmed at present.

There has been consistently strong demand for the RS 4, and the recent positive results in comparative tests in several publications will certainly assist in maintaining market interest in this model. The RS4 saloon model is planned to run out concurrently with the rest of the A4 saloon range.”