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.

And for those of you wondering what some of the options on the RS4 that might balloon that price, here is basically a comprehensive list of whats available in the UK for options:
-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

The new RS4 is so sweet. I wish I could even think about affording one. Did you see the episode of Top Gear where they tested it? Pretty nice...

If that pricing is true, there will be NO better bang for the buck, hi-performance luxury AWD sedan on the market. Sick, sick, sick!!!!

Ive seen a RS6 around here so its either already here or they imported it. This is in the uber rich Newport Beach area where M3's are the standard and kids get dropped off to school in their dads lambo or ferrari. I wouldnt be surprised if it is a real RS6.

I've heard that the 997 GT3s are already running around that area but since Audi just introduced the S6 and S8 (and Audi doesn't seem to pander to special buyers as easily or readily as Porsche) I kind of doubt it. I suppose it could have been built by their quattro gmbh company though. The new S6 uses a slightly detuned version of the V10 found in the Gallardo and the S8. The Old RS6 (which also came in a RS6+ form) used a biturbo V8.
If you want to get pictures and specs of a new RS6 then feel free.

Also I think you'll just have to wait for real prices on the RS4 from Audi. Trying to translate a price from GBPs to USD is mixed with changing exchange/interest rates, taxes, and pricing issues. A new high demand car like the RS4 wouldn't have to be as competitively priced. Also, I've read that it is illegal for European dealers to markup over the MSRP like dealers here - not sure if that could apply to UK or not. Last point is that the automakers have traditionally price gouged the UK market compared to the rest of the EU.

i'll have to dig through my stack of magazines since 2 of them i thought listed the price as being around $63k which is what i thought it was going to be. if i can find them i'll scan the pages and post them up. i'm hoping they are $63k since i might have a shot at actually affording one in a few years when i decide to turn the STi into a weekend/track car and i'll need a new daily driver.

Darksands- the previous generation RS6 was out for a year or two, so that's probably what you saw. There is no current or concept RS6 that I've seen thus far. The new S6 will have a 5+L V-10.

johnei- While it is just speculation with taxes and all that stuff different, I just took the base prices and translated the difference in percentage increase per model which seemed to be fairly consistent, and that's how I reached my conclusion. Sure it isn't perfectly accurate, but it leads to a better conclusion than many automotive journalists were speculating at an $80k price tag. The M5 starts at $81,200 and it's bigger, more power, etc...

I think in a year or two if I eat my corn flakes with water and cut out that extra meal a day I might be able to afford one in about 15 months. Well not that drastic a cut-back, but realistically, I might be able to do it at that price point (less a number of my close family and friends think I'm utterly out of my mind.) :lol: Just the perfect present for yourself when you hit 25 and those insurance rates drop. :p

If that pricing is true, there will be NO better bang for the buck, hi-performance luxury AWD sedan on the market. Sick, sick, sick!!!!

Hardly. If you're going to pay 63k for this thing, you'd be better off buying a C6 Z06 for a marginal amount more.

It depends what you're looking for in a car though zzyzx. The Vette may be remarkably quick, but quality of the interior it lacks and ability to carry at least 2 adults and 2 smaller adults or kids is something the Vette lacks. Each has their own purpose. To each their own I say.

Hardly. If you're going to pay 63k for this thing, you'd be better off buying a C6 Z06 for a marginal amount more.

I know your a reasonably intelligent person, but that has to be the most ignorant post of the day... :confused:

The RS4 is much more than just raw performance numbers. Reread my post above.

Here is the US product release info
http://www.eshaun.com/pics/s4info/2007_RS4.pdf

Heres the US pricing info
$66,000 base price.
Few options available including a $4,000 Premium Package that will include Nav, Bluetooth among other things.
So about $70k-$72k very nicely equipped.


They are not including a bunch of stuff on the US cars, most important the Seats and steering wheel. :mad:

Well the price isn't incredibly bad, the loss of those seats and wheel are hitters for me, quite disappointing. I knew they were gonna be swapped, but they could have designed something better. Hell, my GT wheel is nicer than that one! Those seats couldn't be uglier also.

Cummon Subaru, Legacy STI (everyone chant with me!)

adam in "family business" drives a red rs6

The RS4 is much more than just raw performance numbers. Reread my post above.

If you want a luxury car, yes. If you want a sports car, no.

And given the pricing that was posted, looks like the new Z06 is marginally (if at all) more expensive.

If these two were ever put in a similarly-priced comparo type sports car test, Audi would have serious egg on it's face.

Don't get me wrong here... it's a cool sedan. It's isn't, however, a good buy.

Well apparently the media sure likes the car, Jeremy Clarkson thinks it's even better than the current M3. I think numbers show it's worthy of acclaim. Just some numbers to compare off the Top Gear Test track...

Murcielago - 1.23.7
Noble - 1.25.0
Gallardo - 1.25.8
Porsche Cayman - 1.26.2
Lotus Exige - 1.26.4
Chevrolet Corvette - 1.26.8
Mercedes CLS 55 AMG - 1.26.9
Porsche 911 GT3 - 1.27.2
BMW M3 CSL - 1.28.0
Mitsubishi Evo VIII - 1.28.9
Subaru Impreza STI - 1.30.1
Audi S4 - 1.30.9

The new RS4 apparently got around the track over a second quicker than the Cayman's 1.26.2 and in the 1.25 bracket, so that is a quite quick time, particularly for a track that does have a few sections that really favor much lighter and more agile vehicles, I don't think it does too bad at that.

I don't think the Audi has egg on it's face here, besides, there are those of us who want to carry more than just two people. A sport saloon or estate is perfect IMO and few have the soul and character like this car.

BTW, cars are never good purchases unless it's a collector car, as they soak up money like a mop. But they sure can be fun in the process. :)

The above seems confusing - if that track favors lighter, more agile vehicles, how did the CLS 55 do so well? Look what got beat - GT3, M3CSL, EVO, STi!!! How? That car may be powerful, but it's a pig.

I think you need to watch some Top Gear episodes to understand their little circuit. :) And I said a few sections seem to favor those types of vehicles, there are also some nice larger faster sections too, though the tighter sections as always are what makes the biggest difference in time, how those sections can be negotiated.

If you want a luxury car, yes. If you want a sports car, no.

And given the pricing that was posted, looks like the new Z06 is marginally (if at all) more expensive.

If these two were ever put in a similarly-priced comparo type sports car test, Audi would have serious egg on it's face.

Don't get me wrong here... it's a cool sedan. It's isn't, however, a good buy.


I usually just let things die when someone doesn't understand something but here goes anyway:

If that pricing is true, there will be NO better bang for the buck, hi-performance luxury AWD sedan on the market. Sick, sick, sick!!!!

I don't see anywhere in my post above where it mentioned sports car. The Z06 may be very well the SPORTS CAR bargain of the century, but to contradict my post above with the comparison of it to the RS4 just oozes the fact that someone didn't read or reread it properly.

Murcielago - 1.23.7
Noble - 1.25.0
Gallardo - 1.25.8
Porsche Cayman - 1.26.2
Lotus Exige - 1.26.4
Chevrolet Corvette - 1.26.8
Mercedes CLS 55 AMG - 1.26.9
Porsche 911 GT3 - 1.27.2
BMW M3 CSL - 1.28.0
Mitsubishi Evo VIII - 1.28.9
Subaru Impreza STI - 1.30.1
Audi S4 - 1.30.9


The Cayman is faster around their track than the GT3!?! That is interesting, unless the GT3 did the track in the wet, which it did I just checked. But anyway, I'm surprised by the cayman. I know that the GT3 RS did it in 1.22.3

Damn, Porsche always does it. But with the RS4, damn nice car. Looks good, goes fast. So what if its 66k...I bet its worth it.

I think in a year or two if I eat my corn flakes with water and cut out that extra meal a day I might be able to afford one in about 15 months.
So.. what are you going to cut back on to keep the thing running? It's an Audi. It will break, and it will be expensive to repair, and it will be hard to work on.

Haha, na, I wouldn't have to do that. Would be my garage queen anyhow.