Only VW/Audi related News & Rumors are allowed in this thread.

Enjoy :)

2007 Audi S8
http://www.autoweek.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20060116/FREE/60106004/1009

Supposedly VW will replace the Golf with a new version in 2008. They may be switching to a 5 year product cycle instead of 7.
http://www.bild.t-online.de/BTO/auto/fotogalerie/2006/01/golf__VI/4069275-VW_20Golf_206_20475x244,property=Bild.jpg
http://www.bild.t-online.de/BTO/auto/fotogalerie/2006/01/golf__VI/4069277-VW_20Golf_206_20_20350x265,property=Bild.jpg

Golf SUV? via auto-news.de
http://www.auto-news.de/webcore/data/content/Auto_Article_EXT/16023_1137167754348.jpg
http://www.auto-news.de/webcore/data/content/Auto_Article_EXT/16023_1137167787399.jpg
http://www.auto-news.de/webcore/data/content/Auto_Article_EXT/16023_1137167838763.jpg

That golf SUV thing makes the Tribeca look as graceful as an aston.

Is the new golf even out in the US yet? I thought it was just being released this year. Why would they be redesigning again for 08?

~~Quentin

Considering the Audi RS4 is coming out this spring in the USDM and I'm sure we all remember who off the wall many of the automotive journalists seemed with their estimated pricing numbers of around $80k, I wanted some quantitative numbers. Since the RS4 is already priced in the UK I used that market as a comparison to the US market. I used comparable 4-series models all with Quattro AWD, 6MT and in sedan form. I list the price times the base price for models above the base.

A4 2.0T.......£20,497.87 - $30,340.00
A4 3.2FSI.............1.16 - 1.17X
S4.......................1.56 - 1.53X
RS4.....................2.04 - 2.04..$61,893.60

I believe this gives beyond a reasonable doubt that $80k is a bit over the true mark. I feel that with BMW and a couple of other makes out there becoming more competitive, Audi must still at least be reasonably competitive and since they also have new S6 and S8 models and I can't remember if a new RS6 is on the way, but they don't have a real good reason to make this model super expensive as suggested by the press.

Just thought this is an interesting bit of those who desire the RS4 like myself. Especially since the Legacy STI seems so ellusive.

I read on VW Vortex that the fully equipped RS4 will top 77K, from a 65K base. Seems like a bit too much cash for what you get - of course, not sure how much "rumor" was in that post...

I'm just comparing base for base MSRP. $65k would stray a bit high IMO from what the regular statistics are at about an extra 10% premium over the European model comparison at 215%. I'm guessing $60-62k will be closer to the base. I don't really doubt one could option it to 77k, but I'm sure most of the goodies will be available standard if the options list is similar to that of the UK model. Their options include:
-Technology Pack with DVD Nav and 6-Disc Changer
-18x8.5" wheels and 255/40R-18 tires (std is 19)
-Sport Suspension Pack (10mm lower and stiffer)
-Audio Symphony II Radio
-Cassette Storage Compartment
-6 CD Auto Changer
-GSM Phone prep on dash
-GSM phone prep in center console armrest
-SatNav System
-TV Reception
-Electric front Recaro sport seats
-Heated front and outer rear seats
-Audi exclusive leather equipment and trim packages
-Adaptive lighting
-Auto-dimming rear view mirror
-Child seat prep
-Homelink
-Rear side airbags
-Custom color seat belts
-Black suede RS sports steering wheel
-Auto air recirculation with filter
-Electric interior blinds for side windows and rear window
-Cool glove box
-Leather control package for gear shift, handbrake
-Front center armrest compartment
-RS4 floor mats
-Floor mats with leather piping
-Auto opening boot lid
-Electric glass sunroof
-Electric solar sunroof
-Black optic pack for black external trim

Basically, there's a LOT of options though in my opinion few would interest me as most options on many makes and models do. At most I could see myself with about $2k in options on a car like this such as the firmer suspension, seat heaters, auto dimming mirror, homelink, floor mats, leather shifter and handbrake. All the simple things.

I tend to find it funny when people mention what the decked out cost will be. Sure, it might be high but very few people will do that. Kinda like going online to buy a PC, how many people option out the $2k PC and end up with $10k, I know most certainly not me. Maybe another grand of upgrades, but not that huge margin.

Just my 20 cents.

I can't stay away from the options - I would be the idiot with the 75K sticker... not colored seat belts, mind you, but in addition to the ones you mention, certainly the cool glove box for tasty beverages, NAV, so I don't have to mapquest, and sunroof for the nice days. For me, without the luxury, a modded STi seems like a better option, at least on paper.