Don't hold your breath for an Audi RS8
10-14-13, 05:11 PM
#1
Don't hold your breath for an Audi RS8
Don't hold your breath for an Audi RS8
There was a time not so long ago when Quattro GmbH produced essentially one model at a time. But that time is behind us. These days it's expanding into a full-fledged performance division to rival Mercedes-AMG and BMW's M department. Quattro GmbH is currently building the Audi RS4 Avant, RS5 coupe and cabrio, RS6 Avant, RS7, RS Q3 and the TT RS coupe and roadster – not to mention the R8. And while it's showing no signs of slowing down, but the latest intel from across the pond suggests we shouldn't count on an RS version of Audi's flagship sedan.
This according to Car and Driver, which spoke to Stephan Reil, the chief engineer at Quattro GmbH. Reil says Audi works on a teutonically rigid performance formula: an RS model has to have 20 to 25 percent more power than the existing S version. Considering that the existing S8 makes 512 horsepower and the RS7 a solid 553, we're not sure Audi really needs anything more powerful. But by Reil's calculations, the RS8 would need to pack between 630 and 655 hp, which would put it well ahead of rivals like the 550-hp Jaguar XJR, the 540-hp BMW Alpina B7, the 523-hp Maserati Quattroporte and even the new 577-hp Mercedes-Benz S63 AMG – and in league only with the even more powerful S65 AMG, which in its outgoing form produced 630 hp.
The question then comes down to whether there are enough customers lining up for the S65 that Audi would want to poach away from Mercedes. Or perhaps more pertinently, whether it might end up just taking customers from the new Bentley Flying Spur, which is already offering 616 horsepower in an even more prestigious, if less performance-focused package. Either way you look at it, Audi is apparently steering clear.
http://www.autoblog.com/2013/10/14/audi-rs8-not-likely/
10-14-13, 05:27 PM
#2
Lexus Test Driver
You'd think a chief engineer of all people could distinguish marketing from substance, much less would want to.
AMG's approach over the last 10 years or so has been "Why not?" as an answer to the question of "Why should every model have an AMG variant?". Audi seems to want to go down the same path, so why not an RS8? Do they seriously not think an Audi-head interested in the 8 platform wouldn't want one if it "only" had the RS7's 553hp, or even was bumped up to 580hp or 600hp? Having to aspire to market segmentation is a terrible reason not to produce a performance-oriented model, and one of the best arguments for why performance marques shouldn't aim to be widespread.
The notion of someone cross-shopping an RS8 and a Bentley seems a bit absurd, too.
AMG's approach over the last 10 years or so has been "Why not?" as an answer to the question of "Why should every model have an AMG variant?". Audi seems to want to go down the same path, so why not an RS8? Do they seriously not think an Audi-head interested in the 8 platform wouldn't want one if it "only" had the RS7's 553hp, or even was bumped up to 580hp or 600hp? Having to aspire to market segmentation is a terrible reason not to produce a performance-oriented model, and one of the best arguments for why performance marques shouldn't aim to be widespread.
The notion of someone cross-shopping an RS8 and a Bentley seems a bit absurd, too.
10-14-13, 06:58 PM
#4
Guest
Posts: n/a
You'd think a chief engineer of all people could distinguish marketing from substance, much less would want to.
AMG's approach over the last 10 years or so has been "Why not?" as an answer to the question of "Why should every model have an AMG variant?". Audi seems to want to go down the same path, so why not an RS8? Do they seriously not think an Audi-head interested in the 8 platform wouldn't want one if it "only" had the RS7's 553hp, or even was bumped up to 580hp or 600hp? Having to aspire to market segmentation is a terrible reason not to produce a performance-oriented model, and one of the best arguments for why performance marques shouldn't aim to be widespread.
The notion of someone cross-shopping an RS8 and a Bentley seems a bit absurd, too.
AMG's approach over the last 10 years or so has been "Why not?" as an answer to the question of "Why should every model have an AMG variant?". Audi seems to want to go down the same path, so why not an RS8? Do they seriously not think an Audi-head interested in the 8 platform wouldn't want one if it "only" had the RS7's 553hp, or even was bumped up to 580hp or 600hp? Having to aspire to market segmentation is a terrible reason not to produce a performance-oriented model, and one of the best arguments for why performance marques shouldn't aim to be widespread.
The notion of someone cross-shopping an RS8 and a Bentley seems a bit absurd, too.
10-15-13, 01:02 PM
#7
Lexus Fanatic
It doesnt make sense. I see where they are coming from. Nobody is needing an RS8 . The S8 is available and nobody will be doing track work in a 20 foot 4500 lb car. Its like asking for an elephant that does ballet. Why not stick with the gazelle??
Trending Topics
10-15-13, 01:11 PM
#9
Lexus Test Driver
Besides, what percentage of Audi owners or even RS owners do you think even track?
10-15-13, 03:22 PM
#12
Lexus Champion
It looks neat...............but personally, I'm an all-stock factory kinda guy. Hence, I would rather prefer Audi make an RS8 instead.
I guess yeah, this also applies to BMW who is reluctant on making an M7...............and will only go as far as making 760iL or that M770 xDrive.
Otherwise, you'd have to resort to something from Alpina
I guess in a nutshell, those two aren't as bold or as daring as:
AMG
or
Jaguar
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Hoovey689
Car Chat
4
07-20-12 02:15 PM
