This subject has been discussed on a variety of other performance car forums. In case you don't have the time to trawl through them all, I thought it might be helpful to include a synthesis of what other people are saying we should expect of the next RS4:
1. 4.2.naturally aspirated V-8 Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) engine good for about 400bhp.
2. New engine expected to be smaller/ more compact than current V-8 and mated to a new shorter length gearbox will allow engine to fit further back in chassis improving overall weight distribution - but it still won't be 50:50.
3. Torsen differential altered so that power now split 40:60 between front: rear, versus current 50:50. (I expect this will improve handling and turn in, but I'd be grateful if the real petrolheads out there could explain the benefits of this to amateur enthusiasts like me.)
4. Given overall quality of B6 chassis, the handling should be better than the current RS6, even though it will have less power.
5. Expected to be shown at March 2005 Geneva Autoshow and made available soon after.
There a some other unconfirmed factors that are interesting if not yet certain:
6. Audi is developing a DSG gearbox for its higher performance cars which may be avaiable on the RS4.
7. Everyone agrees that the RS4 needs to shed some weight. Weight savings could come from including aluminium bonnet, boot and miscellaneous other body panels. The suspension could also utilise aluminium. This is likely to be costly without a significant gain. What it really needs is an aluminium platform, but this won't happen because of the time/ cost to engineer one.
8. Expect beefed up brakes that force induct air to ensure efficient cooling, hence large inlet ducts on protype seen lapping the Ring.
One thing everyone agrees on is that this car cannot come soon enough. Some people think it is coming too late in the model cycle.
Given recent developments across the high-performance category, this car should be a mighty beast. Whereas the current S4 may not comprehensively eclipse the M3 - a debate that is sure to continue - I think we can all be sure that the RS4 will definitely eat it for breakfast.
Many people who saw the new A6 at Geneva are surpised at how god the new grille looks in the flesh. The overall lines show that Audi's design language is progressive without being too contraversial. The new grille with more agressive additions to the current A4 body shape should result in a car that looks sensational.
My own personal hope is that the RS4 will have a DSG gearbox and better fuel consumption. (FSI technology does deliver greater economy as well as meeting Euro 4 emission requirements.)
I welcome any additions or corrections to this data - it is just an edited version of what others are saying - not fact from an industry source - so please, anyone close to Quattro Gmbh, give us the scoop - and Audi, if you're listening please release the RS4 as soon as you can. As soon as the final specification is officially announced, my order is going in. ('Bye 'bye M3)!
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). The new 40/60 torque split sounds promising. As you state the weight savings seems unlikely due to costs so it will be interesting to see if the car weights any less than the S4. But we do want it to come soon!
