It has been hard to pinpoint just what will power the much-anticipated Audi RS5 and next-generation Audi RS4 models. With the S4’s impending move to a six-cylinder supercharged 3.0-TFSI and the current S5 running an FSI V8, we know that Audi is pushing for variation between the two similarily sized S-cars. Then, just last week a report from Car Magazine suggested Audi will opt for an even more-powerful 3.0 TFSI in the RS4 – paraphrasing a discussion their writer had with an un-named Audi executive over dinner at a new model launch in Valencia Spain. If this is right, then it marks a significant change for the RS4 and opens up the further question of differentiation between the upcoming RS offerings. With so many rumors flying around, we began to put together what we knew and put those questions to a wide list of contacts. And oh yeah, we were also headed to Valencia so we figured we'd ask around.

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Are those S quad pipes on the RS4?

I also think the box flares are likely - at least on the RS5. I've always thought the design of that car with its accentuated tornado line was meant to highlight something more dramatic than the standard wheelwells of the A5/S5. It did seem, though, from the interview with Stephan Reil that he felt the box flares of the RS6 were more in keeping with that car's executive flavor. That didn't make sense to me, though, since it seems like enlarged standard style flares are more understated than box flares.

01 Audi TT 225Q Roadster
88 Vanagon Wolfsburg Edition

I also purposefully made this car Nogaro Blue. I love that color and would love to see it return as a color exclusive to RS cars like Avus Silver.

I'm also hoping for the TT RS--or whatever they decide to call it--to have forced induction as well.

But, that is all IMO.

R8 will be a normally-aspirated high-rev V10.

RS6 twin turbo is cool and sounds absolutely awesome, but with the hammer down on the back straight of the EuroSpeedway, I couldn't reel in a V8 R8. Granted, he couldn't get away either, but it is what it is.

Audi seems to have three main directives - normally aspirated with emphasis on fuel savings, high-rev and forced induction. They will continue to cultivate all.

My little car review page

My money's on 4.2 high-rev. Anyone who wants to bet a beer, I'm taking wagers.

I don't think it will be an issue: As I would guess it will use the same type of Eaton supercharger the S4 is rumored to have (..and share with the ZR1 and CTS-V). Which, I understand is ideal for packaging.

With that said: Audi has too many likely options available, as mentioned. I can still see the higher output version of the S4's 3.0 TFSI, as rumored by Car. (...Have you seen the potential output Eaton lists on their supercharger? ... even the ZR1 is likely running a seemingly low output, given the chargers claimed potential -- listed on Eaton's site)

Given both the RS4 and 5 will have the same engine, I would almost bet on a 4.0 TFSI (which the S7 is rumored to get).
-Although ideally I think it would be best to stay consistent, and give the RS5 the re-tuned 4.2 and the RS4 the 4.0 or 3.0 TFSI.

I could see them phasing out the 4.2 with the RS5 .. given the rumor that the S5 will get the 3.0 TFSI in ~2 years. Meaning I could see the RS4 getting the 4.0 TFSI first, and maybe the RS5 would follow suite later down the line.

*note: I wouldn't bet on anything against George's sources.

[edit: just saw the 7/29 update]

Modified by ylwghost at 3:47 PM 7-29-2008

I suggested that months ago, probably wouldn't have the necessary torque, but I'd love to see something like an A5 Allrad with a 400 PS version, somewhat high ground clearance, adjustable suspension, skid plates, and a fastback design (conventional trunk), like the Ur. Oh, and 6MT only.