Audi is exploring the possibility of bringing more RS models to the American market, after years of on-and-off importation of select vehicles like the RS4 and RS6.

Both the TT-RS and RS5 are slated to be introduced for the 2012 model year, and the vehicles will be priced well above even the most expensive TT and A5 models. Like BMW’s M cars, the the RS models are sold in low volumes but are relatively high margin vehicles for Audi. The average transaction price for Audi vehicles has risen steadily since January of 2010, while rivals Mercedes-Benz and BMW have seen theirs fall (though their transaction prices are still higher overall)

Peter Scwarzenbauer, Audi’s U.S. sales head, suggested that future RS products could make their way to America, but declined to specify what was in the pipeline.

[Source: Left Lane News]

We can expect some powerful figures for the next round of Audi’s S and RS models, thanks to the miracle of turbocharging in motion.

The Audi S8 will feature a twin-turbocharged V8 developed with the help of Bentley, churning out in excess of 500 horsepower. This is 50 horses more than the outgoing V10, but at 20% less fuel consumption. And as befitting Audi’s S-flagship, quattro four-wheel drive and an 8-speed transmission are standard.

The S6 and S7 are set to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this year, and each will be packing no less than 440 and 470 horsepower (respectively). The S1 will join the fray next year to fight the Mini Cooper JCW, but no figures have been revealed for that yet.

Lastly, the almighty RS6 will drop in Avant form, making all of 580 twin-turbocharged horsepower—or 20 more than the new BMW M5. After all, like Simba, the Circle of Horsepower is just like the Circle of Life: unavoidable, and never-ending.

[Source: Autobild]

Arguably one of our favorite cars over the past decade has been the Audi RS4. With 414-hp from a high-revving 4.2-liter V8, the RS4 packed plenty of fun thanks also to its quattro all-wheel drive system and the fact that it was available exclusively with a six-speed manual transmission.

An aggressive stance, flared fenders an a simply stunning interior make the RS4 a car that you couldn’t help but lust after.

With limited production between 2006 and 2008, the car’s rarity makes it even that much more desirable.

Sadly, we won’t be looking forward to driving the next RS4, as there won’t be one. According to a report by Car & Driver, Audi has no plans to give the RS4 a successor. This isn’t all that surprising as the RS4 has, historically, skipped generations.

An RS6 is, however, planned, using a twin-turbo V8 engine – which is also rumored to power an upcoming RS7 model and make as much as 600-hp.

[Source: Car & Driver]

That certainly didn’t take long. Shortly after Audi revealed its new 2012 Audi A6 sedan, a digital artist that goes by the name EDL went straight to work, rendering up what a future RS6 version of the luxury saloon might look like.

Noticeably missing is the traditional RS-series widebody, but we think we can all be in agreement the more aggressive front is fitting for an RS6. Other details include a set of massive rims, big brakes, a nice lowering job and some small tweaks like the silver mirror covers.

Audi’s 2012 A6 will initially come with a 3.0L TFSI Supercharged V6, but we’re willing to assume that the RS6 might be powered by a large V8 or V10 powerplant with a few turbos strapped to it. We’re also excited to see the level of luxury Audi plans to offer on its new RS6 models considering just how impressive the interiors of its standard cars are.

GALLERY: Audi RS6 Sedan

[Source: Carscoop]

Even though the current generation Audi RS6 is being discontinued, Cargraphic has decided that now is an opportune time to give those owners something to look forward to. Tuned wagons are some of our favorite vehicles, especially since no one ever expects it and they look absolutely killer when done right. Having 656-hp to back it all up helps too.

Cargraphic takes the twin-turbo Audi V10 to a whole new level bumping it from 572-hp to 656-hp, with very little details on how it’s achieved. We’re going to safely assume it’s an ECU upgrade of some sort since they do take the liberty to mention an exhaust bolt-on option. The exhaust is so aggressively tuned in fact that it’s not legal for use in German and only available for export use only.

Along with their exhaust options are a set of 21×10.5-inch Cargraphic GT-R wheels wrapped with 285/30/21 rubber. It’s a good thing this wagon pumps out over 650-hp to help spin those bad boys.

Official press release available after the break.

GALLERY: Cargraphic Audi RS6

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The current generation Audi RS6 was never sold here in North America, but that doesn’t mean we can’t pour out a 40 of motor oil when Audi discontinues the impressive machine later this year.

Introduced in 2008, the current RS6 is the second-generation of the car, offered in both wagon and sedan forms, although only the first-generation sedan ever made it to North America. The sedan model was rumored to be offered in the U.S., but plans to do so were likely scrapped during the recession.

The current model gets its motivation from a Lamborghini-sourced 5.o-liter V10 engine with twin turbochargers making 580-hp and enabling the car to hit 60 mph in just 4.6 seconds.

Audi has yet to say if a third-generation RS6 is in the works with rumors pointing in opposite directions. Some suggest with the next A6 due out next year, an RS6 is certain to follow, while other sources indicate that an RS7 model based on the upcoming A7 would make any future RS6 models redundant.

[Source: Focus.de]

Ever wonder how Top Gear gets all those cool rolling shots of cars sliding around their own airfield? It’s certainly not done by standing in a field with a camcorder and a tripod.

The trick to getting those kinds of shots is to use a camera car with a vehicle mounted crane, a very common tactic in Hollywood movies and anything with high production values. Greg Harvey of cranecar.com directed this short, featuring an Audi R8 V10, and while it may look like any other well-made hoonage video, you only need to visit the website to see their awesome Audi RS6 camera car (painted matte black) to get an idea of exactly what goes into making a video like this.

Video After The Jump

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The engineers at MTM are self-crazed Audi fanatics. Even though they tune other lines of automobiles including VW, Seat, Skoda, Bentley, Lamborghini, KTM, Spyker and Porsche, their roots date back to the early days of Audi quattro technology. The founder of the company was actually an engineer on the team developing the famed Audi five-cylinder in-line engine and in 1990 he founded MTM which stands for Motoren Technik Mayer.

While they’re not the most popular brand in North America for Audi tuning, compared to say, APR, there’s no denying their tuning prowess and success with their products. Their newest release is the MTM RS6 Clubsport which develops a whopping 730-hp and close to 580 ft-lbs of torque out of the 5.0L V10 Biturbo engine. This is quite the impressive upgrade from the factory 580-hp and 480 ft-lbs.

With these performance figures, the Audi RS6 now blasts the quarter mile at 12.6 @ 124 mph while hitting 0-60 in a mere 4.1 seconds. This is all achieved thanks to an ECU upgrade, air filter and exhaust system. Chances are the bulk of the power is made through the ECU, increasing the boost and ensuring the fuel curve keeps the motor nice and fed. Don’t look past the simple bolt-ons though; a properly tuned intake and exhaust on a V10 really frees up breathing space.

MTM also offers plenty of aesthetic upgrades on the RS6 with a set of 21-inch MTM Bimoto wheels for rollers, a carbon fiber diffuser for the rear and matching carbon fiber front lip spoiler. Suspension-wise, the RS6 can be lowered with a set of MTM individually adjustable springs.

All this power means more safety and with all MTM Clubsport models, this is a track-ready machine with a roll cage, six-point harness and carbon Recaro Pole Position seats.

Sadly the RS6 isn’t offered on this side of the Atlantic, so we’ll have to wait and see what MTM has in store for the S6, supercharged S4 and naturally aspirated S5.

GALLERY: MTM Audi RS6 Clubsport

Years ago Cadillac was strictly geared towards an “older” generation and market. Nowadays though, the American luxury car manufacturer has set their sights on capturing a market mostly dominated by European sport sedans. The Cadillac CTS-V has been GM’s entry into the luxury sport-sedan market competing against BMW’s M5 and Mercedes-Benz’s E63 AMG. From the factory it pumps out 556-hp and 551 ft-lbs of torque from its 6.2L LSA CTS-V supercharged engine. But given that it’s a supercharged power plant, it’s no surprise that the aftermarket has embraced it with open arms. Lingenfelter Performance Engineering is a name that has become world-renowned and legendary in the world of domestic tuning. It would be a disappointment if Lingenfelter didn’t get their hands dirty with the new Cadillac CTS-V.

And dirty they have gotten, with hours and hours of research and design into a new Supercharger Pulley Upgrade Package for the new Cadillac CTS-V. More power means more fun, and this pulley upgrade offers an impressive increase. Lingenfelter’s CTS-V has tested to 630 brake horsepower and 630 ft-lbs of torque. An increase any performance enthusiast would be crazy over. Boost level is increased to 12-13 psi, still relatively safe numbers for the 6.2L. Best of all, the price tag on Lingenfelter’s pulley upgrade is attractive too, especially considering the Cadillac CTS-V tips in at over $60,000. One can be hand for as low as $589.95 retail, labor excluded. For those that just want to drop it off along with a check book, Lingenfelter will do a complete in-house installation, taking possession of the vehicle, testing and a full dyno report before and after the install.

The full press release is available after the jump.

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Just days after Audi released its V10-powered R8 Spyder, news has emerged that the German automaker is planning to do away with the massive ten cylinder engine. In its place will be a turbocharged V8 powerplant, that will offer as much (if not more) power with improved fuel economy.

The news, as reported by Germany’s AutoBild magazine, is not surprising considering numerous rumors that as BMW will also move away from a V10 powerplant, opting for a turbocharged V8 for the next M5.

Audi has already started to downsize its engines across the board, choosing a supercharged V6 in the S4, rather than the old 4.2-liter V8. The automaker has also done away with V6 options in many of its vehicles, choosing to only offer the more popular turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder.

Currently Audi offers a V10 in the Audi R8 Coupe and Spyder and a turbocharged version of that same engine can be found the RS6 (pictured above). The same Lamborghini-sourced V10 comes in the S6, while the S8 model was recently put on hold.

There is no word on if the V10 will continue on in the Lamborghini models.

[Source: Autobild via LeftLaneNews]