Audi S and RS models
Audi [|S] and [|RS] models are a range of high performance versions of certain car models of the German automotive company AUDI AG. These cars primarily focus on enhanced "sport" performance. Production of Audi "S" cars began in 1990 with the S2 Coupé, whilst the first "RS" car appeared four years later with the Audi RS 2 Avant.
Today's S and RS models are based on the A/TT/Q models with the same number, but the "Ur-S4" from 1991 — 1994 was based on the Audi 100/200 later named A6 and the first S2/RS2 generation from 1990 — 1995 was based on the Audi 80/90 platform later replaced by the A4.
History
The history of road versions of Audi racing cars begins in the 1980s, from models Audi Quattro and Audi Sport Quattro made by concern Audi AG in the city of Ingolstadt. In 1983, the company Quattro GmbH was founded in the city of Neckarsulm responsible for the development of sports models of cars of Audi brand. In 1990, appeared based on the model Audi 80 sports model S2 as a receiver Audi Quattro but already under the designation of the series "S" in the name and having a capacity of 220 hp. And in 1994 there was even more powerful model Audi RS2 Avant based on Audi 80 model of joint development of Audi and Porsche having 315 hp. The model was equipped with components from Porsche. As in 1973, Audi, together with Porsche, also developed a prototype based on the Audi 100 Coupé S, produced in 1968, which has 112 hp. the "Grand tourer" class. which received the name "100 Coupé S V3" and was equipped with a V8 engine with a power of 350 hp.Since 1994, the development of the Audi S and RS sports series was started directly from the Quattro GmbH.
S models
Numerous "S" models, from most of Audi's mainstream model ranges have been produced over the years. These cars are recognisable by their "S" badges, and unique emphasis lines on their front grills and on the back side, instead of the letter "A" in the designation of numbers and also in use in the notation "S3", "TTS" and "SQ5".All Audi [|"S" models] are equipped with Audi's 'trademark' quattro four-wheel drive system as standard. Unique internal combustion engines, along with larger, more powerful brakes, stiffer suspension systems, additional exterior body styling, and carbon fibre interior trims set them apart from their related "siblings" of their respective model range.
In the past, some Audi S models competed directly with BMW M and Mercedes-AMG models, such as the B6 Audi S4 4.2 FSI versus the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG. Since 2010 however, Audi S models have been positioned more as optional engine trims. For instance the base Audi A4 engine is the 2.0 TFSI turbo four-cylinder, and with the discontinuation of the 3.2 FSI V6, that makes the Audi S4's 3.0 TFSI V6 the performance option. The Audi A6 no longer has a V8 engine upgrade in the non "S" range, with the discontinuation of the C6 Audi A6 4.2 FSI that was offered from 2004 – 2011, one must go to the C7 Audi S6 4.0 TFSI..
Audi "S" models should not be confused with the Audi "A, Q, TT" series, equipped with a package "S line" models, which feature leather trim, S-line badging, sports steering wheel and sports suspension, but they are not equipped with a high-power engine.
RS models
, AUDI AGs high performance private subsidiary, creates even higher performance versions, known by their "RS" badging. The "RS" initials are taken from the RennSport — literally translated as "racing sport". The characteristics and cost of these cars are equated to cars belonging to the supercar class.RS is Audi's highest performance 'top-tier' trim level, positioned distinctly above the "S" specification level of Audi's regular model range. All "RS" cars pioneer some of Audi's latest and most advanced technology and engineering prowess, therefore, "RS" cars could be described as "halo vehicles". Audi RS cars are some of the most powerful vehicles ever offered by Audi as well as R8. Audi RS 6, for instance, is more powerful than the physically larger Audi S8 However, the 2012 — 2015 Audi S8 shares the same engine as the 2013 —... Audi RS 6 and Audi RS7, albeit in a lower state of tune, while for the 2016 — 2017 model years, the Audi S8 plus features an uprated engine with the same output as the smaller RS 6 and RS7.
Available for limited time and only in select markets, on a restricted model range, these "RS" models are wholly designed, developed and produced in-house by Audi AG's high performance private subsidiary company, Audi Sport GmbH, at its Neckarsulm factory.
Unlike Audi "S" models whose interiors are well-furnished in order to retain the feel of sport luxury, the interior of Audi "RS" models are often spartan by comparison as the emphasis is more on track performance than luxury. The 2008 Audi RS 4 sold in Europe had lightweight racing-style front seats and roll-up windows for the rear doors, although its counterpart sold in the United States has luxurious power-adjustable front seats and power windows for all doors .
Audi "RS" models are considered direct competitors to similar sized hardcore sport models from BMW M and Mercedes-AMG, whereas the Audi "S" models have been positioned more as engine upgrades. Taking the 2012 model year for example, the Audi RS 5 competes directly with the BMW M3, M4 whereas the Audi S5 competes with the BMW 335i, while the Audi RS 6 competes with the BMW M5 and the Audi S6 competes with the BMW 550i. However the Audi RS 6 was never exported to the United States due to emissions regulations, leaving the Audi S6 as the top performing trim to compete against the BMW M5 in that market .
There used to be only one RS model in production at a time, but recently Audi has revised its policies and decided to make more than one RS model at a time, claiming that "customers want them, then why not give it to them".
Model range
The following Audi "S" and "RS" high performance models are being, or have been produced, or are speculated to be in future production:Current models
| Audi model name | VW Group platform | Typ code | engine type | max.motive power | acceleration 0—62 mph | top speed | car body style | weight | production year | image |
| Audi RS Q8 | MLB | n/a | 3,993 cc V8 TFSI | 3.8 sec. | 190 mph | 5 dr, 5 seat Crossover | 2,390 kg | 2020 | ||
| Audi RS Q3 & RS Q3 Sportback | n/a | n/a | 2,480 cc I5 20v TFSI | 4.5 sec. | 155 mph | 5 dr, 5 seat Crossover 5 dr, 4 seat Crossover | 1,790 kg 1,775 kg | 2020 | ||
| Audi RS 7 | MLB Evo | C8 | 3,993 cc V8 TFSI | 3.6 sec. | 190 mph | 5 dr, 4 seat Sportback | 2,140 kg | 2020 | ||
| Audi RS 6 Avant | MLB Evo | C8 | 3,993 cc V8 TFSI | 3.6 sec. | 190 mph | 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 2,150 kg | 2020 | ||
| Audi S8 | MLB Evo | D5 | 3,993 cc V8 TFSI | 3.8 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon | 2,305 kg | 2020 | ||
| Audi SQ8 | MLB | 3,956 cc V8 TDI | 4.8 sec. | 155 mph | 5 dr, 5 seat Crossover | 2,440 kg | 2019 | |||
| Audi SQ2 | MQB | n/a | 1,984 cc I4 TFSI | 4.8 sec. | 155 mph | 5 dr, 5 seat Crossover | 1,585 kg | 2019 | ||
| Audi RS 4 Avant | MLB Evo | B9 | 2,894 cc V6 TFSI | 4.1 sec. | 155 mph 174 mph | 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 1,820 kg | 2019 | ||
| Audi RS 5 | MLB Evo | F5 | 2,894 cc V6 TFSI | 3.9 sec. | 174 mph | 2 dr, 4 seat mid-size Coupé 5 dr, 4 seat Sportback | 1,782 kg 1,817 kg | 2019 | ||
| Audi S5 | MLB Evo | F5 | 2,967 cc V6 TDI 2,995 cc V6 TFSI | 4.8 sec. 4.9 sec. 5.1 sec. | 155 mph | 2 dr, 4 seat mid-size Coupé 5 dr, 4 seat Sportback 2 dr, 4 seat mid-size Cabriolet | 1,835 kg 1,870 kg 1,915 kg | 2019 | ||
| Audi TTS | MQB | 8S | 1,984 cc I4 TFSI | 4.5 sec. 4.8 sec. | 155 mph | 2 dr 2 seat compact Coupé | 1,480 kg 1,570 kg | 2019 | ||
| Audi TT RS | MQB | 8S | 2,480 cc I5 20v TFSI | 3.7 sec. 3.9 sec. | 174 mph | 2 dr, 2 seat compact Coupé | 1,515 kg 1,605 kg | 2019 | ||
| Audi S3 | MQB | 8V | 1,984 cc I4 TFSI | 4.7 sec. 4.7 sec. 5.2 sec. | 155 mph | 5 dr, 5 seat Sportback 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon 2 dr, 4 seat Cabriolet | 1,565 kg 1,570 kg 1,740 kg | 2019 | ||
| Audi RS 3 Sportback & Sedan | MQB | 8V | 2,480 cc I5 20v TFSI | 4.1 sec. | 155 mph 174 mph | 5 dr, 5 seat Sportback 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon | 1,605 kg 1,610 kg | 2019 | ||
| Audi S4 | B9 | 8W | 2,967 cc V6 TDI | 4.8 sec. 4.9 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 1,860 kg 1,900 kg | 2019 | ||
| Audi SQ5 | MLB Evo | FY | 2,967 cc V6 TDI | 5.1 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Crossover | 2,055 kg | 2019 | ||
| Audi SQ7 | MLB | 4M | 3,956 cc V8 TDI | 4.8 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Crossover | 2,395 kg | 2019 | ||
| Audi Q5 Audi RSQ5 | MLB Evo | C8 | 2,967 cc V6 TDI | 5.1 sec. | 155 mph | 5 dr, 4 seat Sportback | 2,085 kg | 2019 | ||
| Audi S6 | MLB Evo | C8 | 2,967 cc V6 TDI | 5.0 sec. 5.1 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 2,030 kg 2,095 kg | 2019 |
Former models
| Audi model name | VW Group platform | Typ code | engine type | max. motive power | acceleration 0—62 mph | top speed | car body style | weight | production year | image |
| Audi S2 | B3, B4 | 8B, 8C | 2,226 сс l5 20vT | 6.1 — 5.8 sec. | 150 — 153 mph | 2 dr, 5 seat Coupé 5 dr, 5 seat Avant 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon | 1,525 kg | 1990 — 1995 | ||
| Audi 100 S4 | C4 | 4A | 2,226 сс l5 20vT | 6.8 sec. | 152 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon | 1,610 1,730 kg | 1991 — 1994 | ||
| Audi RS 2 | B4 | 8C | 2,226 сс l5 20vT | 4.8 sec. | 163 mph | 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 2,100 kg | 1994 — 1995 | ||
| Audi S6 ' | C4 | 4A | 2,226 сс l5 20vT 4.2 V8 | 6.9 — 5.9 sec. | 150 — 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 1,730 kg 1,780 kg | 1995 — 1997 | ||
| Audi S6 plus | C4 | 4A | 4,172 сс V8 | 5.6 sec. 5.7 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 1,730 kg 1,780 kg | 1996 — 1997 | ||
| Audi RS 4 Avant | B5 | 8D | 2,671 сс V6 T | 4.9 sec. | 155 mph | 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 1,620 kg | 2000 — 2001 | ||
| Audi S8 | D2 | 4D | 4,172 сс V8 | 6.8 — 5.5 sec. 6.6 — 5.4 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon | 1,730 kg 1,845 kg | 1996 — 2002 | ||
| Audi S4 | B5 | 8D | 2,671 сс V6 T | 5.8 — 5.6 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 1,535 kg 1,680 kg | 1997 — 2002 | ||
| Audi S6 | C5 | 4B | 4,172 сс V8 | 6.7 — 5.7 sec. 6.8 — 5.8 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 1,815 kg 1,825 kg | 1999 — 2002 | ||
| Audi S3 | A4 | 8L | 1781 сс I4 20vT | 6.9 sec. 6.6 sec. | 148 mph 238 km/h 151 mph 243 km/h | 3 dr, 5 seat Hatchback | 1,375 1,420 kg | 1999 — 2003 | ||
| Audi RS 6 | C5 | 4B | 4,172 сс V8 40vT | 4.9 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 1,840 kg 1,865 kg | 2002 — 2004 | ||
| Audi RS 6 plus | C5 | 4B | 4,172 сс V8 40vT | 4.4 sec. | 174 mph | 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 1,880 | 2004 | ||
| Audi S4 | B6 | 8E | 4,163 сс V8 40vT | 5.8 — 5.6 sec. 5.9 — 5.8 sec. 6.2 — 5.9 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon 5 dr, 5 seat Avant 2 dr, 4 seat Cabriolet | 1,660 kg 1,720 kg 1,855 kg | 2003 — 2005 | ||
| Audi RS 4 | B7 | 8E | 4,163 cc V8 FSI | 4.8 sec. 4.9 sec. 4.9 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon 5 dr, 5 seat Avant 2 dr, 4 seat Cabriolet | 1,650 - 1,680 kg 1,710 kg 1,845 kg | 2006 — 2008 2007 — 2008 | ||
| Audi S4 | B7 | 8E | 4,163 cc V8 40v | 5.8 — 5.6 sec. 5.9 — 5.8 sec. 6.2 — 5.9 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon 5 dr, 5 seat Avant 2 dr, 4 seat Cabriolet | 1,660 1,895 kg | 2005 — 2008, 2006 — 2009 | ||
| Audi S6 | C6 | 4F | 5,204 cc V10 FSI | 5.2 sec. 5.3 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 1,910 kg 1,970 kg | 2006 — 2011 | ||
| Audi RS 6 | C6 | 4F | 4,991 cc V10 TFSI | 4.6 sec. | 155 mph 188 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 1985 – 2,025 kg | 2008 — 2010 | ||
| Audi S8 | D3 | 4E | 5,204 cc V10 FSI | 5.1 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon | 1,940 kg | 2006 — 2010 | ||
| Audi S4 | B8 | 8E | 2,998 cc V6 TFSI | 5.3 — 5.1 sec. 5.4 — 5.2 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 1,725 1,825 kg | 2009 — 2011 | ||
| Audi S3 | A5 | 8P | 1,984 cc I4 TFSI | 5.7 sec. | 155 mph | 3 dr, 5 seat Hatchback 5 dr, 5 seat Hatchback | 1,530 1,590 kg | 2006 — 2012 2008 — 2012 | ||
| Audi RS 3 Sportback | A5 | 8P | 2,480 cc R5 TFSI | 4.6 sec. | 155 mph | 5 dr, 5 seat Hatchback | 1,650 kg | 2011 — 2012 | ||
| Audi S8 | D4 | 4H | 3,993 cc V8 TFSI | 4.2 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon | 2,050 2,065 kg | 2012 — 2013 | ||
| Audi TTS | A5 | 8J | 1,984 cc I4 TFSI | 5.4 — 5.2 sec. 5.6 — 5.4 sec. | 155 mph | 2 dr, 2 seat compact Coupé 2 dr, 2 seat compact Roadster | 1,470 1,570 kg | 2008 — 2014 | ||
| Audi TT RS | A5 | 8J | 2,480 cc R5 TFSI | 4.6 — 4.3 sec. 4.7 — 4.4 sec. 4.3 — 4.1 sec. 4.4 — 4.2 sec. | 155 mph 174 mph | 2 dr, 2 seat compact Coupé 2 dr, 2 seat compact Roadster | 1,525 1,610 kg | 2009 — 2014 | ||
| Audi RS 3 Sportback | MQB | 8V | 2,480 cc R5 20v TFSI | 4.3 sec. | 174 mph | 5 dr, 5 seat Hatchback | 1,595 kg | 2015 | ||
| Audi S4 | B8 | 8K | 2,998 cc V6 TFSI | 5.1 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 1,725 – 1,825 kg | 2012 — 2015 | ||
| Audi S5 | B8 | 8T | 2,998 cc V6 TFSI 4,163 cc V8 FSI | 5.6 — 4.9 sec. | 155 mph | 2 dr, 4 seat mid—size Coupé 2 dr, 4 seat Cabriolet 5 dr, 4 seat Sportback | 1,750 kg 1,955 kg 1,820 kg | 2007 2011 | ||
| Audi RS 5 | B8 | 8T | 4,163 cc V8 FSI | 4.6 sec. 4.5 sec. 4.9 sec. | 250 km/h 280 km/h | 2 dr, 4 seat mid—size Coupé 2 dr, 4 seat Cabriolet | 1,790 –1,800 kg 1,995 kg | |||
| Audi RS 4 | B8 | 8K | 4,163 cc V8 FSI | 4.7 sec. | 174 mph | 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 1,795 kg | 2012 — 2015 | ||
| Audi SQ5 | MLB | 8R | 2,995 cc V6 TFSI 2,967 cc V6 TDI | 230–250 kW | 5.4 sec. 5.1 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Crossover | 1,830 kg | 2013 | |
| Audi RS Q3 | A5 | 8U | 2,485 cc R5 TFSI | 5.2 sec. 4.8 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Crossover | 1,655 kg | 2013-2016 | ||
| Audi S6 | MLB | 4G | 3,993 cc V8 TFSI | 4.9 / 4.8 sec. 4.6 / 4.4 sec. | 155 mph | 4 dr, 5 seat Saloon 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 1,970 kg 2,035 kg | 2012 2014 | ||
| Audi RS 6 Avant | MLB | 4G | 3,993 cc V8 TFSI | 3.9 sec. 3.7 sec. | 190 mph | 5 dr, 5 seat Avant | 2,025 kg | 2014 2015 2016 | ||
| Audi S7 | MLB | 4G | 3,993 cc V8 TFSI | 4.7 sec. 4.6 sec. | 155 mph | 5 dr, 4 seat Sportback | 2,030 kg | 2012 2014 | ||
| Audi RS 7 | MLB | 4G | 3,993 cc V8 TFSI | 3.9 sec. 3.7 sec. | 190 mph | 5 dr, 4 seat Sportback | 2,005 kg | 2013 2014 2016 | ||
| 'Audi S1 | PQ25 | 8X | 1,984 cc I4 TFSI | 170 kW | 5.8 sec. | 155 mph | 3 dr, 5 seat Supermini 5 dr, 5 seat Supermini | 1,315 kg | 2015 |
Audi S line
Audi produce a specification of optional sports trim packages to their mainstream models A/Q/TT, known as the S line. This is merely a trim specification which allows customers to effect a sporty appearance in their mainstream Audi model. Whilst the specific S line trim parts are designed and produced by Audi Sport GmbH at its Neckarsulm factory, these mainstream cars are still manufactured and assembled by AUDI AG at their relevant factories on the same production lines alongside their other standard models.Cars with S line trim are not to be confused with the specific high performance offerings — the "S" models, and the "RS" models ; Audi cars with S line trim bear identical performance figures to their counterparts with base or SE trim levels.