source: http://www.autoweek.com
" Here’s the car, most likely powered by a bi-turbo version of the all-aluminum 3.0-liter V6, running test laps at Nürburgring"

 

Audi steps up the performance in it's mid size performance model by going from a V8 to a blown V6 while the rumored AMG C class upgrade goes from a blown V6 to a V8. Who's going in the right direction?

Anyone who was thinking of getting a V8 S4 for street/track/canyon duty may want to put their wallet back in their pocket until next year.

 

The shot from the rear of the car says "A4 3.0 Quattro" on the back. If it were the test mule for the RS4, I would've have a more outragious bodykit and blk tape all over it.

I've heard from other people that that car is the test mule for the A4's new pkg that's something close to the BMW 3's Performance Package.

here's the rear

 

Audi would not put fender flares, 19-inch wheels, and that aggressive looking exhaust system on a little sport pack car. That is the new RS4. That front bumper is only seen on the old RS4 and the current RS6.

I personally think you are falling for Audi's trick by thinking that the car is an A4 3.0 by looking at the deck lid badges. Look at the suspension and the front and rear track. That car is not your normal A4. Now when will MB learn to flare fenders again (aka W124 500E) and put such great wheels on their cars? I love the look of a car with a well designed fender flares and increased wheel size. Check out the clearance between the tire and the fender lip. That is the wonder of a factory moded car.

Hope Audi is ready for many turbo warranty claims when everyone starts chipping that new RS4! That is one of the main reasons they exchanged the 2.7 bi-turbo S4 for the current S4's N/A V8. Looks like the bi-turbo is back! Lets see what MTM and APR can get out of that car! I know I want one!

On a side note...I saw the new 5 series parked in Westlake CA last night (looks better in person -- still all taped up though). It had the badges all taped over and the BMW badge was missing. The car looked as if it was a high mile car and the mileage log on the passenger seat said 86,xxxkm. It was a 6 cyl. model and it has a very small back seat (more C-Class sized than E-Class sized). I wanted to talk to the driver and see if he remembers me when I was chasing him back when they were testing the Z4 I love chasing BMW testers in the canyons! They drive like complete animals! Maybe that is why BMW's are so-cal canyon approved! LOL. I ran with the new 545i and it is one quick car. I can’t wait to drive one. The 645csi and the X3 are the new cars to get to the so-cal test areas. I will try to get some canyon pics!

 

the car in the picture has the same fender flare as the regular A4, the track seems wider probably because of the 18" wheels. The sport pkg A4 already has the wide enough look, if you added the 18 it would probably look the same as the one in the picture.

the RS bumper has those brake cooling ducts on the side. As for the muffler, why not, after all 330i Performance Package has a slightly different muffler, 18" wheels, suede interior trim, and has the M technic bodykit.

for all we know, that car could be anything, but fat chance that thing is the RS4 undisguised.

 

I see intercoolers in the left and right grills! Something tells me a 3.0 NA motor does not need two shinny intercoolers!

Looks like a turbo to me!

And the person who took the photo most likely heard a nice little whooooshing noise as those wonderful turbos spooled

Have a good weekend!

 

haha...it's all good...I did say we'll have to wait and see...

my weekend already started and it sucks already...couldn't find anyone that has free time to watch Bad Boys II with...

 

ah...them old 500e and hammer cars...them flared fenders are practically horizontal at the arches...almost makes the tire width limitless...

 

found a couple new pics of the new sport pkg for A4 I was talking about and they look much like the one in autoweek's report. judge for your self...

 

That looks pretty nice. Hmmm. Kinda gives me more ideas for my gf A4 now.