In 2019, Audi is celebrating the 25th anniversary of their formidable RS range, which was launched way back in 1994 with their Audi RS2 Avant. Since then, Audi has released 25 different RS models which all command a certain level of respect out on British roads.
The RS-branded Audis are the spearheads of their respective models, each equipped with power, prowess and styling which sets themselves above and beyond the already-epic ‘S’ range, and there is plenty more to come.
Before the end of 2019, there will be 6 Audi Sport models introduced, of which 2 will be brand new cars. These high-performance cars will all undoubtedly become day-to-day vehicles which can comfortably handle daily tasks, but all will possess an ultra-aggressive alter-ego which can be summoned when the conditions are appropriate.
Oliver Hoffmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH, said “Every RS model expresses the passion that we put into developing our high-performance cars,”
“For 25 years, our customers have been experiencing the RS models as masterful companions for everyday life that convey pure emotion and maximum driving enjoyment.”
The RS2 Avant was introduced in 1994 hosting a unique 5-cylinder engine which boasted a massive 319 horsepower. This model gained huge amounts of attention and took centre stage in the slightly niche high-performance station wagon market. A section of the market that Audi has long since dominated. The RS2 Avant had motor racing in its DNA.
In 1999 Audi launched their RS4 Avant, another wagon built to destroy the autobahn. This time Audi developed a 2.7-litre V6 engine which pushed out a solid 380 horsepower, which was unheard of at the time.
The stakes were raised even higher in 2005 when the Audi RS4 was gifted a massive V8 engine which dished out 420 horsepower, you could see at this point that Audi was taking this market extremely seriously. This high-revving engine would later make it into the back of the R8 supercar upon introduction in 2005.
In 2008 the ‘business station-wagon’ (particularly large estate car) market had grown in popularity and Aud swiftly occupied the void by sticking a massive V10 engine in their Audi A6 Avant, making it the RS6. This is finally where Audi’s insistence on increasing the number of cylinders in the RS models peaked.
The RS3 came along as another landmark car for Audi in 2011. A 5 door, all-wheel-drive hatchback with launch control and a truly stupid amount of power. There was 340 horsepower on offer from that engine - figures that simply had not been seen before on the hatchback market. Audi’s RS range has always pushed the boundaries of what’s possible with regular, practical and reliable cars, from hatchbacks to SUVs.
Right now there are 5 cars on sale in the RS range, you have the TTRS Coupe/ Roadster, the RS3 Sportback/ Saloon, RS4 Avant, RS5 Coupé and RS5 Sportback. Every one of these is capable of serving day-to-day tasks and the most mundane of errands, while all being able to instantly transform into demonic powerhouses upon request. While the RS models demand a significantly higher price tag than the regular Audi range, the RS models equally demand significantly more respect.