Even more powerful variants are produced by Audi Sport GmbH (previously quattro GmbH), the high-performance private division of AUDI AG, and are designated with the “RS” badge. The German term RennSport, which means “racing sport,” is the source of the initials “RS.” These vehicles are compared to supercars in terms of both price and features. [11]
The “RS” (“Sport”) specification level of the standard model range of Audi is clearly above the highest performance “top-tier” trim level offered by the automaker. Some people refer to “RS” automobiles as “halo vehicles” because they all represent the cutting edge of Audi’s engineering expertise and technology. Along with the R8, Audi RS cars are some of the most potent automobiles the company has ever produced. For instance, the physically larger Audi S8 is less powerful than the Audi RS 6 (5.0 TFSI quattro) (5.2 FSI quattro). [6] While the facelifted Audi S8 plus for the 20162017 model years is regarded as “an “RS” in anything but name” as it comes equipped with an upgraded engine that has the same output as the smaller RS 6 and RS7, the 20122015 Audi S8 shares the same engine with the 2013… Audi RS 6 and Audi RS 7, albeit in a lower state of tune. [12] In contrast to other versions of the S8, which were produced by Audi on the main assembly line with other A8 variants, the 201617 S8 Plus was produced by Quattro GmbH and can be recognized by its VIN number, which begins with the letters WUA.
These “RS” (and “S” models)[13] models are exclusively designed, developed, and produced in-house by Audi Sport GmbH, the high performance private subsidiary company of Audi AG, at its Neckarsulmfactory. They are only available for a short period of time and only in specific markets, on a limited model range.
[14]
The interior of Audi “RS” cars is frequently sparse in comparison since the emphasis is more on track performance than luxury, in contrast to Audi “S” models whose interiors are well-furnished to maintain the feeling of sport luxury. While its American counterpart has opulent power-adjustable front seats and power windows for all doors, the 2008 Audi RS 4 released in Europe had lightweight racing-style front seats and roll-up windows for the back doors. 2007 Audi RS 4 vs. 2008 M-B C63 AMG; 2008 BMW M3
While the Audi “S” variants (as of 2010) have been positioned primarily as engine upgrade trims, the Audi “RS” vehicles are considered direct competitors to comparable sized hardcore sport cars from BMW M and Mercedes-AMG. The Audi RS 5 immediately competes with the BMW M3, M4, while the Audi S5 directly competes with the BMW 335i, the Audi RS 6 directly competes with the BMW M5, and the Audi S6 directly competes with the BMW 550i. Due to emissions laws, the Audi RS 6 (C6) was never sold to the US, leaving the Audi S6 (C6) as the top trim to compete against the BMW M5 (E60) in that market for the 2013 Audi S7.
Audi previously only produced one RS model at a time, but recently changed its policies and opted to produce multiple RS models concurrently, stating that “customers want them, so why not give it to them?”
In This Article...
Has Audi ceased producing the RS3?
The sportiest version of Audi’s smallest sedan is back for 2022 after a break for the 2021 model year. In the United States, the RS3 enters its second generation and is heavily influenced by the completely revamped A3 and S3. The A3 is powered by a 201-hp turbo four while the S3 has a 306-hp variant of the same engine, despite the fact that the three vehicles have the same base, interior proportions, and many other similar features.
What factory makes Audi RS3s?
At its lone facility in Neckarsulm, quattro GmbH has always only been able to build one unique model at a time. From 1994 to 1996, the Audi RS2 Avant, a joint venture between Porsche and quattro GmbH (and actually built at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen plant), was the first quattro GmbH model created. With the exception of the Audi TT RS, all following vehicles have been exclusively manufactured at Neckarsulm by quattro GmbH since this inaugural joint venture. The C4 S6 Plus, which was built from April 1996 to July 1997, was the second vehicle. The 2003 C5 RS6 quattro came in fourth, followed by the 20002001 B5 RS4 Avant quattro in third, and the 2005 B7 A4 DTM Edition saloon in fifth. The 2006 B7 RS4 Quattro came in sixth, the 2006 B7 S4 25 Quattro came in seventh, and a limited-edition A4 S-Line with 220 hp (223 PS; 164 kW) and additional options for local markets came in eighth. The 2008 C6 RS6 5.0 TFSI quattro is the ninth and most recent model available as of 2009. Other examples include the UK’s “Special Edition” with a black optics pack, ventilated cross-drilled front disc brakes, black exhaust pipes, and two-tone leather interior; the Swedish “TS” designation with the same features; and the Swedish “TS” designation with the same features plus ventilated cross-drilled front disc brakes, S4 chassis, sport seats, and [2][4][6]
In a brand-new, entirely separate quattro GmbH facility in Neckarsulm, the Audi R8 is constructed.
Both the most recent Audi TT RS and the Audi RS3 mark significant breaks from this Neckarsulm-only production custom. Although quattro GmbH entirely created the TT RS and RS3 in Neckarsulm, they are produced alongside non-RS Audi vehicles, with the TT RS being made in Gyr, Hungary, by AUDI AG subsidiary Audi Hungaria Motor Kft. [9]
The second and third digits of the World Manufacturer Identifier section of the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) of Neckarsulm-made quattro GmbH automobiles can be used to identify them. Whereas AUDI AG automobiles in Germany start with the letters “WAU,” quattro GmbH automobiles begin with the letters “WUA.”
[9]
Is the Audi RS3 pricey enough?
Many people have questioned us about whether the RS3 is worth the significant premium Audi charges for it over the S3, and we are certain that it is. There are several justifications for that viewpoint, but I’d contend that the engine alone is persuasive enough to exclude the less expensive of the two go-faster A3s: it is just breathtaking.
It’s an absolute thrill to use the full rage brought up by this warble-tastic 2.5-litre engine, especially in a performance car scene where turbocharged four-cylinder engines are becoming more and more prevalent. Its 395 horsepower and 354 pound-feet of torque may not be much more than the 3.0-liter straight-six in the BMW M2 or the 2.0-liter “45” inline-four from Mercedes-AMG, but it feels far more powerful than both.
At 2000 rpm, the twin-scroll turbocharger begins to wake up, giving you a hint of what’s to come, but it’s not until 4000 rpm and beyond that all hell completely breaks loose. It has a wonderful punch and drama, and sure, the throaty roar that comes from its twin tailpipes is incredible. Let’s hope it remains for a considerable amount of time.
Is the Audi RS3 coming to the USA in 2022?
According to a recent announcement from Audi USA, the 2022 RS3 will cost $58,900 ($59,095 plus a $1,095 destination tax). The new performance sedan is arrived to quicken the heartbeats of Audi enthusiasts. It is wider, lighter, and more powerful than the outgoing model.
The 2.5-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that powers the 2022 Audi RS3 will still produce 401 horsepower (299 kW/406 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. Actually, that is more than the European model, which is only capable of 394 horsepower (294 kW/400 PS).
In June, Audi informed us that the increase in power was due to “a specific request from Audi USA.
But they added that because the increase is so slight, they did not expect a noticeable change in performance.
What Audi RS has the best speed?
One of the newest additions to the Audi RS range, the Audi RSQ8, which can reach 190 mph, might be for you if speed is your main priority. The Audi RS3 Sportback, Audi RS3 Saloon, or Audi RS5 Coup all have a top speed of 174 mph, which is equally amazing. The peak speed of the other models in the lineup is around 155 mph, which is hardly a meager top speed.
Some drivers may be more interested in Audi RS performance, such as how quickly the Audi RS range reaches 0-62 mph, due to UK road law prohibiting the Audi RS range from reaching their highest speed:
The best Audi RS is which one?
Four-wheel drive technology helped Audi establish its reputation. One car on this list only has power for two of its wheels rather than all four, despite the fact that the name “Quattro” has become as much a part of the company’s brand as its four-ring insignia.
Although the second-generation R8 is an incredibly powerful and competent vehicle, it loses the grace and delicacy that made the first model such a beguiling vehicle to drive. The R8 V10 RWD is the exception, though. Because it lacks adaptive dampers, dynamic steering, and four-wheel drive, the RWD is much simpler than other variations and more enjoyable to drive as a result. Its 5.2-litre V10 engine is also a tremendous show-stopper.
Where the limited edition RWS left off, the RWD continues. The RWS was a more interesting variety of R8, which was also rear-wheel drive, due to its relative simplicity. In total, just 999 specimens in coupe and roadster body types were produced. Read our professional assessment of the Audi R8 and look for one on CarGurus.
When was the initial RS3 produced?
The Audi RS 3 is the go-to hot hatchback (or hot saloon) when it comes to power. It’s incredible that you get so much power in such a usable form; this is a car that was made to be driven every day.
The RS 3 prioritizes unflappable all-weather performance above truly flamboyant pleasure while you’re driving at the limit, like many other fast Audi vehicles do, but it will embarrass most cars twice its price as a means of getting from point A to point B swiftly. But thanks to some significant under-the-skin modifications brought about by the 2017 facelift, driving is far better than it used to be.
Although the five-cylinder engine in the RS 3 has been around for some time, Audi has worked hard to extract every bit of efficiency it can, so economy and CO2 emissions are more than acceptable considering the incredible performance on offer.
When compared to competitors like the BMW M2, Ford Focus RS, and Mercedes-AMG A45, the Audi RS 3 Sportback and RS 3 Saloon provide an alluring alternative. They are a pair of high-performance flagship vehicles that sit atop the Audi A3 lineup.
In 2014, when the RS3 was marketed as the most potent hot hatch in mass production, Audi began selling the model with a 335bhp five-cylinder turbocharged engine. The most recent RS 3 performs even better and was improved in 2017 from 362bhp to a hardly credible 395bhp. With that incredible amount of power, it surpasses both the Mercedes-AMG A 45 (376 bhp) and the BMW M2 (365 bhp), which is no small accomplishment.
Is there actual Quattro in the RS3?
Although all Audi A3/S3/RS3 models have the “Quattro emblem on their trunks, none of them have ever utilized true Quattro all-wheel drive. With a Torsen limited-slip diff in the middle of the drivetrain, which distributed power to the front and rear axles, Audi invented Quattro. Haldex systems, which have multi-plate clutches to transfer power to the rear wheels, are used for smaller transverse-engine Audis like the Audi RS3, according to the manufacturer. With Audi’s own tuning, it is effectively the same system as Volkswagen’s 4Motion.
However, it now appears that Volkswagen may really calibrate the new Audi RS3. According to rumors, the new RS3 could have Haldex similar to that found in the brand-new Volkswagen Golf R, which has a “Drift Mode.”
Is the Audi RS3 quick?
The new Audi RS3 has a top speed of 290 kilometers per hour.
The 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine in the new Audi RS3 gives it the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 3.8 seconds.
By:
revised on:
The RS3 sedan, according to Audi, had not undergone any modifications before to the lap run.
After breaking a new lap timing record at the Nrburgring Nordschleife of 7:40.748 minutes, the new Audi RS3 sedan has surpassed all other compact cars as the quickest vehicle. According to a press statement from the German luxury automaker, in June 2021, Audi Sport racing and development driver Frank Stippler improved upon the previous lap record for the compact class by 4.64 seconds.