RacerBice
January 13th, 2006, 10:46
Being fully aware of the fact that not too many of you (if anyone at all) will have reacted as myself, I simply have to say that I am utterly disappointed with both the exterior styling and the unique interior features of the new RS4. As compared to the S4 sedan, the RS4 is almost kit-car-like. At the very least, it gives you the impression of having been tuned by Mr Joe Average himself with the use of left-overs in his own garage.
In particular; the air intakes on the sides of the front end spoiler (similar to those of the A4 DTM and the 25th Anniversary S4) and the sharp line over the regular air intakes in the front end spoiler as well as the overall rectangular shape of the latter are not in harmony with the styling of the rest of the car. In fact, they're not particularly pretty even from an isolated view. Furthermore, the extra air intake below the single-frame looks more like a perforated metal plate, the integrated "spoiler" in the trunk is fair and square ugly, and there don't seem to have been any intelligent consideration at all put into the design of the rear "diffusor". Finally, the bullish side skirts (the basic design of which is carried over from the old RS4 and found also on the RS6) neutralise the sleek impression which the A4 body otherwise gives.
The only RS4 exterior feature I like is the wider body, which in fact adds to the sporty impression without making the car look clumsy. Nevertheless, to me, the "regular" S4 has better styling, with an exquisite front and much more balanced lines all around the car.
As for the interior, the RS4 gear box shifter, optional steering-wheel and RS seats are...well, basically horrendous. The Audi designers responsible for those no-brainers would definitely have some severe deductions made from their salaries, if I had had any influence in the matter.....
In particular; the air intakes on the sides of the front end spoiler (similar to those of the A4 DTM and the 25th Anniversary S4) and the sharp line over the regular air intakes in the front end spoiler as well as the overall rectangular shape of the latter are not in harmony with the styling of the rest of the car. In fact, they're not particularly pretty even from an isolated view. Furthermore, the extra air intake below the single-frame looks more like a perforated metal plate, the integrated "spoiler" in the trunk is fair and square ugly, and there don't seem to have been any intelligent consideration at all put into the design of the rear "diffusor". Finally, the bullish side skirts (the basic design of which is carried over from the old RS4 and found also on the RS6) neutralise the sleek impression which the A4 body otherwise gives.
The only RS4 exterior feature I like is the wider body, which in fact adds to the sporty impression without making the car look clumsy. Nevertheless, to me, the "regular" S4 has better styling, with an exquisite front and much more balanced lines all around the car.
As for the interior, the RS4 gear box shifter, optional steering-wheel and RS seats are...well, basically horrendous. The Audi designers responsible for those no-brainers would definitely have some severe deductions made from their salaries, if I had had any influence in the matter.....