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Next-gen Audi RS4 coming, might make it to America

Let us be frank: The second-generation Audi RS4 was one of the best, most exciting cars of the past decade. A four-door sedan with a 4.2-liter V8, all-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual transmission? What wasn't to like? While you can still get a taste of the B7 RS4's character with the current RS5, it isn't quite the same. That's why we're giddy about a new report from Car and Driver, which claims that not only is a new RS4 on the way, but that it could, maybe, possibly return to the United States. As previously reported, the fourth-generation RS4 will go back to a twin-turbocharged V6, after two generations of unassisted V8s under the hood. As per RS4 tradition, it will also be limited to a five-door Avant body style, because "that is what people expect from the RS4," Quattro GmbH boss Heinz Hollerweger told Car and Driver. An RS5 Sportback could also be in the offing, which might remain more true to the character of the first US-market RS4. The US question, though, remains an iffy one, largely because of the Avant shape. Audi has reduced the number of wagons it's offered in the US over the years, dropping the A4 and A6 Avant, although the former is sort of still offered in the form of the Allroad. But that position might be enough to keep the next-gen RS4 off our shores, although as the Quattro boss told CD the US market is changing and "there is more demand there [for wagons], so maybe that will change." Well, Herr Hollerweger, we're here to tell you that America loves wagons, and that you should put the next-gen RS4 on sale over here post haste. Danke.

Audi boss: no to minivan

Well done to you, Rupert Stadler. We salute you. The Audi exec went on record during an interview with Automotive News and basically shut the door on the idea of a Audi-badged minivan. When asked by AN, Stadler pointed to the high conquest rate enjoyed by crossovers and SUVs compared to minivans. On top of that, Stadler argued against vehicles like the BMW 2 Series Active Tourer by pointing out that customers tend to shy away from minivans because of the image they put forth. "Consumers are more likely to switch to an SUV and are more likely to pay a premium price because SUVs are considered more emotional," Stadler told AN. "We would rather be the emotional choice than the rational choice." It's not all good news, though. Stadler gave a resounding "no" to an A8 wagon, based on the Prologue Avant Concept, as well as a BMW 6 Series rival. Instead, Audi will focus on the upcoming Q8 SUV, which the exec said was "more likely to be a winner than a large coupe." The company is also hard at work on additional Sportback models, although Stadler didn't elaborate on which models could get the five-door treatment. Related Video:

Who doesn't want an Audi RS7 with turbo horns?

Very little is known about the origins of this exhaust-horned and turbo-eyed beast. The guys at Road & Track tracked it down as far as a Russian tuner named Total Race. Aside from that, what we have here is video of an Audi with no hood and two huge turbos sitting on top of its 4.0-liter V8 instead of nestled in the engine's vee where they belong. And those crazy and haphazardly routed exhausts. We also don't know how much power this thing is making, but from the way it launches away from the camera, we're going to go with "a lot." The YouTube clip claims this is the Stage 10 tune, but who knows. Granted, the drivetrain probably can't take everything this Frankensteined engine could theoretically put down, so there's likely some kind of electro-wizardry at play limiting output until it at least hooks up. And if traction control still exists somewhere in there it might be helping keep the tires from melting. Chances are some part of the driveline will grenade itself if you try this too many times, but hey, as long as you get one or two decent YouTube vids first, right? Even if it doesn't add any meaningful power output beyond the RS7 Performance's already plentiful 605 ponies, we can't bring ourselves to care. The high-pitched sound of the exhaust from those heat-wrapped pipes jutting out like the horns of a crazed antelope are simply priceless. Thank you, Russia. Related Video: