We all know that the RS4 is a bit long in the tooth compared the the M3 and C63 AMG, but could the production of this blistering saloon cease as soon as November?
By Kyle Kock
Back in June, we reported on the supposed demise of the RS4 and now there are reports coming from Europe to suggest that the RS4’s days are numbered. According to Dutch website Autoblog nl, production of the RS4 will end in November.
According to the report, the popular RS4 saloon will be the first to go, with production of the Avant model ceasing just before 2008. The Cabrio is believed to hang on a bit longer, perhaps going into the first quarter of 2008. There is no word, at present, as to what impact this development will have on the local market or how much stock of the RS4 Audi SA still has.
Taking into consideration that the RS4 is built on the old B7 platform, it is only logical that Audi temporarily cease production of the RS4 as the new A4 (upon which the S5 is essentially based) has arrived and it should be a matter of time until Audi decides to slap an S4 and RS4 badge on the new body shell.
There is however, a general concern about the hole this move could leave in Audi’s line-up, as the RS4 offers fans of the vorsprung-injected vehicles, an alternative to the likes of BMW’s M3 Sedan and the Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG. Die-hard Audi enthusiasts can find solace knowing that the 5,2-litre V10 RS6 is on its way. With 426 kW and 650 N.m of torque, it’s definitely no pushover. The main problem that this scenario poses is that the RS6 is considerably more expensive than the RS4, and may not meet the needs of a broader audience that can only extend their budget to an RS4.
It’s debatable whether or not quattro-lovers will defect to one of the other German big three. People who would buy an RS4, would probably not like the coupé-limited shape of an S5 – though it promises nose-bleed inducing performance from it’s 4,2-litre V8 powerplant.
All we can do is wait and see whether enthusiasts will purchase a rival brand’s machinery, or stick it out and wait for Audi to introduce performance versions of its new A4. We will also keep tabs on Audi SA’s take on this development and keep you posted
Don’t forget to see how the new M3 fares against the RS4 in the November issue of CAR Magazine, on sale now.
