Looks like the Impreza, EVO and other specialist Japanese hardware might soon have to make way for a new arrival from Germany.

The Audi RS4, on sale here this year, has 360bhp (conservative estimate, apparently, true figure closer to 400), Avant bodyshell for that "supersonic hearse" look, 18" alloys as standard and carbon-composite brakes a-la Porker 996 Turbo as an option.

This is a seriously wowwy bit o' kit, and while it's not exactly cheap at circa UKP47k, with Audi residuals the monthly payments probably won't be that much more than for an STi. I know someone who has driven one (magazine review purposes) and he reckons that it's amazingly comfortable despite the huge wheels and of course is staggeringly quick. Will nearly top 200mph with the 155mph limiter disabled and offers 0-62mph in four seconds flat. Gulp.

-= mike =-

 

I stopped in at my local Audi dealer earlier - apparently there is a limited run of 400 RHD models and they're all sold.

 

Hope it doesn't handle like the Audi on "Driven" last night...
LOL
Mike

 

I'd imagine a well sorted STI would give it a run for it's money for half the price.

The phrases 'german cars' and 'value for money' never seem to go together, do they ?

How much cheaper would the RS4 be if they got rid of the unnecessary crap like flash stereo, air-con and all the electronic gizmos that aren't part of driving ? Maybe they should release a Type R for 10k less.

 

400BHP sure, but what's the BHP per tonne? Much lower I guess. A bit of a tank if you ask me......

 

Sorry to rain on anybody's parade, but it's not even particularly heavy. ISTR less than 150kg heavier than a 4-door Impreza, which means it weighs about the same as a Lancer Evo.

The difference between a well-sorted STi and an RS4 is not going to be huge, but I can't get past PeteC or Stef on a track day and I've got nearly 80bhp more than either of them, so it's as well to keep things in proportion. However, if you start from 400bhp, imagine where you can go from there... I would imagine 460-480 to be easily attainable, for the kind of money that I spent getting my STi to 320.

As regards the "unnecessary" bits, I must admit I've never really been in love with my car's interior.

Make no mistake, I love my Scooby, and I won't be selling it to jump ship for an RS4. It does seem to be an exceptional car, however, the latterday equivalent of the Ur Quattro, and lest we forget, our cars wouldn't even *exist* if it wasn't for that particular spritual forebear...

-= mike =-

 

You only have to look at the old RS2, I think that's what it was called, to see it will be serious bit of kit. If you think the Sti will wipe it easy, think again, these things shift.

The old one had the 993 brakes as well, not bad for an Estate car!!

 

I had the choice. I went with the STI 3 RA V-Limited over the RS2. I'm happy with the decision...

 

Do NOT underestimate the power of the RS4

 

Hmm, A car with the performance pedigree of the TT ? Yeah, right !?!

Sorry, not for me . . . I want to live to see my daughters grow up !

Audi lost it completely when they pulled out of rallying (which their CEO claimed had increased their sales by AT LEAST 15% - his words not mine). Strange decision but such are the politics of large motor manufacturers!

just MHO
Paul

 

I work for the company that owns Audi.

I'm with Mike on this one having seen the RS4 up close.

One of the first RS's was recently bent slightly when somebody was showing of to his work mates.

 

Paul, in that case you'll be thoroughly terrified to know that an RS-TT is planned, with an officially quoted power output of 400bhp (presumably 420+ if the RS4 is anything to go by). Mind you, this was announced before the lethal-liftoff scandal, so maybe those plans have been discretely filed. Whatever, Audi seem intent on doing RS models of the whole range. RS3 should be suitably monstrous also.

 

Would luv one but can not afford it.

Saj
S3 WRC

 

Saj,

How is redline in 5th?