Special sock required

[Nollywood]

I quite like the RS7. It will also appeal to a broad spectrum of users, who would appreciate the less "in your face" look.

Some folk prefer the understated look, I guess that's what Audi was looking at when it was designed. Different market, just like the D2 S8, which visually differs very little from an A8 2,8 Sport.

[Architex_mA8tey]

Originally Posted by Nollywood

I quite like the RS7. It will also appeal to a broad spectrum of users, who would appreciate the less "in your face" look.

Some folk prefer the understated look, I guess that's what Audi was looking at when it was designed. Different market, just like the D2 S8, which visually differs very little from an A8 2,8 Sport.

Hear hear that man, I agree totally, different horses for different courses and all that

[Singh]

Originally Posted by Nollywood

I quite like the RS7. It will also appeal to a broad spectrum of users, who would appreciate the less "in your face" look.

That's what 'S' models are for.

[Nollywood]

Originally Posted by Singh

That's what 'S' models are for.

Probably. But some may well prefer the extra power, coupled with a near-standard look. I doubt there's an exact look a particular model should have.

Over the years, Audi have moved back and forth with the aggressive look on high-end models. From the aggressive, flared-fendered Ur quattro, to the replacement Audi S2, which bar the wheels looked exactly the same as an Audi Coupe 2,8 quattro.

Then the first RS model, the RS2 shared all panels with the Avant S2, or the more lukewarm 80 Avant quattro 2,8E, bar front and rear bumpers, mirrors, lights etc.

The B5 RS4 obviously widebody, compared to the B5 S4. Then B7 was both sedan and Avant, so less exclusive. Again, a switch from the RS norm.

Pretty much the same whereby some may feel all RS models need to be force-induced, again, the B7 RS4, B8 RS4/RS5 deviated by ditching turbochargers in favour of high-revving naturally-aspirated FSI V8's.

In comparison, the B8 S4 was force-induced, giving the TFSI greater tuning potential than the B8 RS4/5!

So while there are many who would prefer (expect) RS models to be widebody, there are that many who wouldn't. So I suppose the market and insurance classification have a big impact on what rolls off the assembly lines.

So really, there's no set standard for S or RS models.

[Singh]

It doesn't even matter, they'll have slapped an RS badge on something else by the end of the week, probably the Q7 at the rate they are going. Great for business, I'm sure, but they've watered down the 'RS' badge too much for my liking. I know the RS 2 wasn't widebody, it's still a 10x cooler than this ever will be when this is circa 18 years old though. On another note, I wonder what the 8 speed tiptropic in this will be like, interesting they're not using S Tronic in the RS models, does the F10 M5 not have an S Tronic like box?