I'm eagerly anticipating the arrival of the RS4 in the U.S. With each passing day, however, more and more disappointing information becomes available.

1) The recommended fuel is 98 RON, or 95 RON (our equivalent of 91 octane using R+M/2 method) with slight performance reduction. Will CA cars make less power?

2) Obviously 420hp DIN does not equal 420hp SAE; it equals about 414hp.

3) The Euro-spec RS4 is about 200lbs lighter than the S4, but it comes with a smaller standard radio, no rear power windows, and manual seats. The US-spec version is reported to be "fully loaded."

4) About those seats: US-spec version will have the same Recaros that we B6 S4 owners already have, not the ultra-cool (and probably very light) Euro-spec seats.

5) And the latest? We won't get the same steering wheel and possibly the "Sport Mode" button that comes with it. Sport Mode reportedly adjusts the DBW map and firms up the dampers.

My question to all of you is this: how de-contented was the US-spec RS6 compared to the Euro-spec version? Your answers might corroborate a pattern that is starting to emerge. Thanks for your time!

Not quite sure what you are asking.

US donut spare tire, Euro battery put there; no Nav+ here;

A few off the top of my head.

1. Blacked out exterior trim as opposed to our aluminum trim.
2. Foglights to run independent of the headlights being on.
3. Different ECU software mapping for the transmission. (Harder/quicker shifts)
4. E-code headlights??

I also thought I read on the RS2/4/6 forum that their cars only had one rear foglight as opposed to the two rears we have.

figure out from a production point why they just don't sent the same equiped cars to the US...Our road conditions can't be that different from Europe. Hey but what do I know..I am just a housewife with a fast red car...ha

I can understand certain seat issues due to side airbag regulations, but the steering wheel (in the case of the new RS4)? C'mon!

Hows it going Icon? So you getting an RS4 or what...off that Nobel idea?

I am almost done with the S4 project....just got the STaSIS diffs in, center and LSD(not acid) rear. STaSIS is also building a new gearbox for me. Shorter 3rd, 4th and 5th...should help with the 60mph to 130mph.

Going to Buttonwillow then car is going to LA for some additional tunning. Then wrapping it up with RS4 bumper

I think, the Noble just won't fit into my car plans so I <b>AM</b> considering the RS 4. But, as this thread is discussing, I have to see what the US incarnation will be--read, how heavy--before I commit.

The S4 sounds awesome, those STaSIS guys must love you.

how about the most glaring omission, no Avant version. The ultimate sleeper sport wagon...I understand it would have been extremely low volume as most Americans still equate "station wagons" to Buick Roadmasters and Oldsmobile Vista Cruisers...but still, how many of you would have bought an Avant over the sedan?

I seriously hope they consider bringing both the sedan and avant versions of the new RS4, that would sell me, I'll forgo the other omissions, and maybe pick up a few bits on eBay

<center><img src="http://www.audiworld.com/news/05/022105/rs4-interior.jpg"></center><p>

...weighs nearly the same as the S4. The only aluminum panels in the RS are going to be the two front fenders and hood--for a savings of maybe 20 pounds. We will probably get power windows all 'round, power seats, Nav, blah blah blah. Doesn't leave much room for weight savings.

to try one out to feel the difference, also seeing it in person probably helps too.

off the top of my head:

interior leather options (e.g. Valvona, Alcantara)
interior trim options (e.g. black piano laquer)
steering wheel (e.g. Alcantara, multi-function)
body-colored side-view mirrors
front Parktronic (w/Parktronic disable switch)
different trip-computer operating switches
UV-rejecting glass
regular vs. slotted brakes (U.S. got the slotted)
18" RS4 wheels standard; 19" RS6 wheels optional
tire pressure monitoring system
Navigation Plus
Recaro seats
battery taking space in the stupid trunk
Avant or sedan
no speed limiter if requested

RS6 Plus adds:
2 extra small radiators
titanium-colored 19" RS6 wheels
black-out trims replaces matt-alu trims
stiffer, lowered sport suspension
latest Navigation Plus system

there are probably more...

I keep pulling forward until one of those unused, front button, sensor thingys goes flying off. Works great!

Audi USA has THE most paranoid legal dept. in the world. My guess it's because of the whole unintended acceleration thing with the 5000. They are the same folks that make you acknowledge the warning not to be distracted every time you start up MMI, took launch control out of the TT 3.2 and presumably don't allow the fingerprint recognition keyless start they is in the Euro. A8. My guess is they are the ones to blame for the missing seats and wheel.

Maybe the new head of AoA will have some influence. His interview in Automotive News a couple of weeks ago makes it sound like he doesn't agree with the way too many things have been done over here.