The Audi RS4 May Return to the U.S.

Audi RS 4 Avant (Credit: © Audi)

Audi only recently unveiled its updated A4, which means an updated RS 4 is in the works and set for debut in the coming years. With this in mind, Car and Driver queried the head of Audi Quattro Gmbh, Heinz Hollerweger, about the potential RS 4.

Hollerweger was pretty candid in his response, as he let out that the RS 4 will change over from the current 4.2-liter V-8 that produces 420 horsepower to a turbocharged V-6. What’s more, this six-cylinder engine should be even more powerful than the snorting V-8.

Along with the extra horsepower will come increased torque and decreased weight over the front axle. The result should be significantly quicker sprints to 60 mph and improved agility.

Hollerweger also addressed the possibility of the RS 4 returning to the U.S. after a 7-year hiatus. Though he stopped short of confirming the RS 4 will arrive in the U.S., he made it clear that America has become a more important market than Europe. He also addressed the fact that America is starting to see wagons in a more favorable light, which indicates even more that we could get the RS 4, as it will likely come only as an Avant (station wagon).

However, he did show some concern about the U.S. being fully primed for a hot wagon, which led him to mention that Audi is looking at other body styles that will offer about the same performance as the RS 4. One body style that he is certain would work in America is a four-door Sportback, like the RS 7. Given the S5 is already available in some markets as a Sportback and rides on the same platform as the A4, we very well may see an RS 5 Sportback instead of the RS 4 Avant, but with the same drivetrain.

We should start seeing some clarity in this soon, as Hollerweger made it clear that the RS 4 would debut early in the new A4’s lifespan.