It’s been three years since we said goodbye to the last Audi RS4, and what a car it was.  Car nuts, the world over, loved its high-revving 4.2-litre V8 and the whole steroided-up family car look.  

By the looks of things, the latest paparazzi snaps suggest that Audi might be trying to re-kindle the RS4 magic.  A quick glance at the photo might suggest an S4 Avant, but this car has larger RS5-style wheels and brakes, a hint that maybe the next RS4 could be using the same 450hp 4.2-litre V8 as the RS5, as well as its seven-speed dual-clutch S-tronic transmission.

Other sources are claiming that a new RS4 could use the upcoming turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 set to do service in other high-end Audis and the Bentley Continental GT, or an even more powerful version of the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 found in the current S4.

Whatever engine the RS4 ends up having, it will be great to have one of the most popular hot-rod station wagons back on the market.  If Audi is indeed making an RS4, expect it to be unveiled sometime towards the end of 2011 or beginning of next year.

Audi is ready to take on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS & GT2, Ferrari 458 Italia and Lamborghini Gallardo Superleggera with this, the R8 GT.  The R8 GT is essentially a stripped down and steroided up version of the R8 V10, meaning that it now comes with 560 hp from its 5.2l V10 engine, 42 hp more than the standard V10. Torque is rated at 398 lb ft @ 6800 rpm.

If the engine specs look familiar, it is because the engine is the same unit as the Lamborghini Superleggera's, only the engine in the R8 GT gets a different exhaust system.  Power is still channeled through an all-wheel drive system, with power being distributed 15/85 front to rear as standard, but that figure can change to 30/70 if ever the front end requires more grip as a result of slip.  The gearbox is a strengthened version of the R8's six speed robotised R-tronic manual, while a mechanical locking diff is fitted as standard on the rear axle. 0-60 mph is done within 3.6 seconds while the top speed is 199 mph.

Together with an increase in power, the R8 GT weighs some 95kg less than the standard car.  The weight savings comes as a result of using a carbonfibre liftback, less sound deading from the engine bay, a fixed rear wing, better brakes, and a lightweight windscreen.  A revised chassis and suspension system is also included in the R8 GT.

It will be easy to distinguish the R8 GT from the other R8 models, thanks to a new front splitter, carbonfibre winglets, and that fixed rear wing. But the interior also gets unique features as well, such as a greater use of alcantara, a uniquely designed intrument panel, different gear selctor lever, and unique door sills. 

Only 333 R8 GT are to be made, and are expected to be sold for around 142,000 GBP, making it a lot more expensive than the 103,000 GBP standard V10.  Customers will be able to order the R8 GT starting this summer while deliveries will be made early next year.

Source: www.autocar.co.uk

The new Audi RS5 continues where the RS4 left off, for two years Audi has had no mid-level performance vehicle to go against the BMW M3, now the new RS5 looks set to take on the challenge.  Many RS enthusiasts will be glad to know that the RS5 comes with an updated version of the 4.2l V8 that was in the RS4.  It posesses a 30hp advantage over the RS4 and BMW M3, which brings a total of 450hp and 317.15 lb ft of torque, all this being channeled through Audi's 7 speed S-tronic double clutch gearbox (launch control included), and an upto date Quattro system.

Along with being able to sprint the 1725 kg RS5 from 0-100 km/h in 4.6 sec and achieve a top speed of 250 km/h (electronically limited, but Audi can adjust the speed to 280 km/h upon request) Audi also claims a fuel economy figure of 10.8l per 100 km (21.78 mpg). As mentioned before the RS5 features updates to the engine and Quattro system. The engine now features a revised intake and exhaust system for better breathing, adjustable camshafts and tumble flabs in the intake manifold.  The result is an engine that can rev all the way to 8250 rpm, where it produces peak horsepower. The RS5 will feature a sports exhaust system, which features flaps that open when the engine goes past certain rpms - just like the RS4.

As for Audi's new Quattro all wheel drive system, the RS5 sees the introduction of a Crown-gear differential for its center diff unit.  The default setting of torque distribution is 40:60 front to rear, but thanks to the way the new crown-gear diff works, you can expect upto 70% of drive going towards the front wheels or upto 85% to the rear.  Audi can also place the new unit at the rear axle at the demand of customers.

19 inch 5 spoke wheels come as standard, while 20 inch items can be had as an option.  The brake discs are 365mm in diameter, with black brake calipers bearing an RS logo. Customers will also be able to opt for carbon ceramic brake discs measuring some 380mm in diameter.  The RS5 also comes with an elctronic power-steering system called Servotronic.

Audi will let the public see the RS5 at the Geneva motorshow next week, pricing the sleek-looking coupe from 77,700 Euros with sales expecting to start in the spring.