The most high-performance models of all time from Audi

In 2019, Audi Sport GmbH (formerly known as quattro GmbH) launched its largest RS model offensive within a year and thus offers the largest product portfolio of all time. The sporty subsidiary of AUDI AG presented seven new versions of its then twelve-model range alone: the TT RS as a coupé and roadster, the RS 6 Avant, the RS 7 Sportback, the RS Q3 and the RS Q3 Sportback, and the RS Q8. There are also three comprehensive updates: for the RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Coupé and RS 5 Sportback.

The basis of this offensive is the new model strategy used by Audi Sport GmbH since 2014: the RS vehicles that it designs and implements are now available relatively soon after the respective basic models from large-scale production are launched. It is no longer the case that the RS vehicles are introduced within the last third of the respective basic model’s market runtime. “This reorientation was possible primarily thanks to the forward-thinking portfolio planning of our well-established team. This not only enabled us to significantly extend the market period of our RS models, but also to reduce our production breaks,” says Rolf Michl, Director of Sales and Marketing in 2019 and today Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. The characteristics of the sportiest road car models with the four rings are thus defined much earlier and their development runs in parallel to the work done on the respective road car models on which they are based. In addition to the design, the focus is on the drivetrain and chassis. After all, the sporty DNA that is in every Audi should be worked out to the maximum in the individual RS models.

Whether it’s a 2+2 coupé or roadster, or a sedan, or an Avant or an SUV coupé: every new RS model from Audi embodies a philosophy that is driven by the pursuit of maximum performance and perfection. “Each RS model expresses the passion with which we develop our high-performance cars – and with which we repeatedly combine the highest driving dynamics, pure emotion and, at the same time, a high level of suitability for everyday use, model after model,” says Sebastian Grams , Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH, responsible for high-performance models and vehicle customization. “For almost 30 years, our customers have experienced the RS models as superior and, at the same time, dynamic companions in everyday life, which convey the greatest possible driving pleasure. And we are already showing how fascinating sustainable mobility can be with our all-electric spearhead, the Audi RS e-tron GT,” adds Rolf Michl, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH, responsible for finance, procurement, strategy and motorsport.

Audi produces its high-performance models at four locations. The RS 3 Sportback, the RS 3 Sedan, the RS 4 Avant, the RS 5 Coupé and the RS 5 Sportback all roll off the production line at the main plant in Ingolstadt. The Neckarsulm site produces the RS 6 Avant, the RS 7 Sportback, the R8 Coupé, the R8 Spyder and the R8 racing cars (GT2, GT3, GT4), as well as the e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT. The Hungarian plant in Győr produces the TT RS as a coupé and roadster, as well as the RS Q3 and the RS Q3 Sportback. The RS Q8 comes from the Slovakian plant in Bratislava. All the RS models run in parallel with their sister models at common production facilities. The press shops of the Audi and Volkswagen Group supply the specific outer skin parts made of steel or often aluminum, which are then assembled in the body shop.

Also in 2019, Audi Sport GmbH rounds off its R8 range: the Audi R8 V10 RWS, introduced in 2018 as a limited special model, became the R8 V10 RWD – an integral part of the series of high-performance sports cars with the four rings. The new design features, which are analogous to the R8 quattro versions of the production model, make the mid-engine car with rear-wheel drive look even wider, flatter and therefore even more dynamic. From 2021, Audi Sport GmbH has delivered the R8 V10 performance RWD as a coupe and as a Spyder. In 2022, the sporty Audi subsidiary added further special editions and models to its range: In addition, the Audi TT RS Coupé iconic edition, the Audi RS 3 performance edition, the Audi RS Q3 edition 10 years and the Audi R8 Coupé V10 GT RWD, as well as the Audi RS 6 and the Audi RS 7 as performance models, all became available. The latest additions stand for exclusivity and driving pleasure at the highest level and mark the pinnacle of their respective road car models. The largest portfolio of Audi Sport GmbH to date currently includes 16 high-performance models.