Audi S and RS models
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Gesellschaft mit beschränkter Haftung | |
Industry |
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Founded | 1983 |
Headquarters | Neckarsulm, Germany |
Area served | Worldwide |
Parent | Audi AG |
Website |
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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.[1] 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 (e.g S4/RS 4 is based on the A4 or the TT RS based on the TT), but the "Ur-S4" from '91-94 was based on the Audi 100/200 later named A6 and the first S2/RS2 generation from '90-95 was based on the Audi 80/90 platform later replaced by the A4.
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 vertical emphasis lines on their front grills.
All Audi "S" models are equipped with Audi's 'trademark' quattro four-wheel drive system as standard.[1] 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 (B8) 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 B8 Audi S4 3.0 TFSI positioned closer to the E90 BMW 335i than the BMW M3). The Audi A6 (C7) 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 2004–11, one must go to the C7 Audi S6 4.0 TFSI.
Audi "S" models should not be confused with the Audi "S line" models, which feature leather trim, S-line badging, sports steering wheel and sports suspension.
RS models
quattro GmbH, AUDI AGs high performance private subsidiary, creates even higher performance versions, known by their "RS" badging. The "RS" initials are taken from the German: RennSport - literally translated as "racing sport".
RS is Audi's highest performance 'top-tier' trim level, positioned distinctly above the "S" ("Sport") 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. The Audi RS 6 5.0 TFSI quattro, for instance, is more powerful than the physically larger Audi S8 5.2 FSI quattro.[1]
Available for limited time and only in select markets, on a restricted model range, these "RS" (and "S" models)[2] models are wholly designed, developed and produced in-house by Audi AG's high performance private subsidiary company, quattro GmbH, at its Neckarsulm factory.[3]
Unlike Audi "S" models whose interiors 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 (as of 2010) have been positioned more as engine upgrades. Taking the 2012 model year for example, the Audi RS 5 competes directly with the BMW M3 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 (C6) was never exported to the United States due to emissions regulations, leaving the Audi S6 (C6) as the top performing trim to compete against the BMW M5 (E60) 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
(In model range order)
Audi model name | VW Group platform | Typ code | engine type | max. motive power | specific power | car body style(s) | production year(s) | image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audi S5 quattro | MLB Evo | 2,995 cc V6 TFSI | 260 kW (354 PS; 349 bhp) | 2-dr, 4-seat mid-size Coupé 4-dr, 4-seat fastback 2-dr, 4-seat mid-size Cabriolet | 2018 | | ||
Audi S1 | PQ25 | EA888 2.0 litre turbo | 170 kW (231 hp) and 370 Nm (272.90 lb-ft) | 3-dr, 5-seat supermini 5-dr, 5-seat supermini sportback | 2015 | |||
Audi TTS quattro | MQB | 8S | 1,984 сc I4 TFSI | 228 kW (310 PS; 306 bhp) | 2-dr 2-seat compact Coupé 2-dr, 2-seat compact Roadster (convertible) | 2014 | ||
Audi S3 | MQB | 8V | 2.0 I4 TFSI | 220 kW (299 PS; 295 bhp) | 3-dr, 5-seat hatchback 5-dr, 5-seat hatchback 4-dr, 5-seat saloon (sedan) 2-dr, 4-seat cabriolet | 2014 | ||
Audi RS 3 Sportback | MQB | 8V | 2,480 cc R5 16v TFSI | 270 kW (367 PS; 362 bhp) | 5-dr, 5-seat hatchback | 2015 | ||
Audi S4 quattro | B8 (PL48) (Audi MLB/MLP) | 8K | 2,998 cc V6 TFSI | 245 kW (333 PS; 329 bhp) | 81.7 kW (111.1 PS; 109.6 bhp) | 4-dr, 5-seat saloon (sedan) 5-dr, 5-seat Avant (estate/wagon) | 2008 | |
Audi RS 4 quattro | B8 (PL48) (Audi MLB/MLP) | 8K | 4,163 cc V8 FSI | 331 kW (450 PS; 444 bhp) | 5-dr, 5-seat Avant (estate/wagon) | 2012 | ||
Audi S5 quattro | B8 (PL48) (Audi MLB/MLP) | 8T | 2,998 cc V6 TFSI 4,163 cc V8 FSI | 245 kW (333 PS; 329 bhp) 260 kW (354 PS; 349 bhp) | 81.7 kW (111.1 PS; 109.6 bhp) 62.5 kW (85.0 PS; 83.8 bhp) | 2-dr, 4-seat mid-size coupé 2-dr, 4-seat cabriolet (convertible) 4-dr, 4-seat fastback | 2007 2011(facelift) | |
Audi RS 5 quattro[4] | B8 (PL48) (Audi MLB/MLP) | 8T | 4,163 cc V8 FSI | 331 kW (450 PS; 444 bhp) | 2-dr 4-seat mid-size coupé 2-dr, 4-seat cabriolet (convertible) | 2010 2013 (facelift) | ||
Audi S6 | MLB | 4G | 3,993 cc V8 TFSI | 309 kW (420 PS; 414 bhp) | 4-dr, 5-seat saloon (sedan) 5-dr, 5-seat Avant (estate/wagon) | 2012 | ||
Audi RS 6 | MLB | 4G | 4.0 V8 TFSI | 412 kW (560 PS; 553 bhp) 435 kW (591 PS; 583 bhp)(performance) | 5-dr, 5-seat Avant (estate/wagon) | 2014 2015(facelift) 2016(performance) | ||
Audi S7 | MLB | 4G | 3,993 cc V8 TFSI | 309 kW (420 PS; 414 bhp) 331 kW (450 PS; 444 bhp)(facelift) | 5-dr, 4-seat fastback | 2012 2014 (facelift) | ||
Audi RS 7 | MLB | 4G | 3,993 cc V8 TFSI | 412 kW (560 PS; 553 bhp) 445 kW (605 PS; 597 bhp)(performance)(2016) | 5-dr, 4-seat fastback | 2013 2014(facelift) 2016(performance) | ||
Audi S8 | MLB Evo | 4H | 3,993 cc V8 TFSI | 382 kW (519 PS; 512 bhp) 445 kW (605 PS; 597 bhp)(plus) | 4-dr, 5-seat saloon (sedan) | 2012 2016(plus) | ||
Audi RS Q3 | MQB | 8U | 2,485 cc R5 TFSI | 228 kW (310 PS; 306 bhp)(2013) 250 kW (340 PS; 335 bhp)(2014) | 4-dr, 5-seat crossover | 2013 2014(facelift) | ||
Audi SQ5 | MLB | 8R | 2,995 cc V6 TFSI 2,967 cc V6 BiTDI | 260 kW (354 PS; 349 bhp) 230 kW (313 PS; 308 bhp) | 4-dr, 5-seat crossover | 2013 | ||
Audi SQ7 | MLB | 4M | 3,956 cc V8 TDI | 320 kW (435 PS; 429 bhp) | 4-dr, 5-seat crossover | 2017 |
Former models
(In chronological order of production end - oldest first)
Audi model name | VW Group platform | Typ code | engine type | max. motive power | specific power | car body style(s) | production year(s) | image |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Audi 80 S2 | B3, B4 | 8B, 8C | 2.2L l5 20vT | 162–169 kW (220–230 PS; 217–227 bhp) | 2-dr, 5-seat Coupé, 5-dr, 5-seat Avant (estate/wagon), 4-dr, 5-seat saloon (sedan) | 1990–1995 | ||
Audi 100 S4 ("Ur-S4") | C4 | 4A | 2.2L l5 20vT | 169 kW (230 PS; 227 bhp) | 4-dr, 5-seat saloon (sedan) | 1991–1994 | ||
Audi 80 RS 2 | B4 | 8C | 2.2L l5 20vT | 232 kW (315 PS; 311 bhp) | 5-dr, 5-seat Avant (estate/wagon) | 1994–1995 | ||
Audi S6 ("Ur-S6") | C4 | 4A | 2.2L l5 20vT 4.2 V8 | 169 kW (230 PS; 227 bhp) 213 kW (290 PS; 286 bhp) | 4-dr, 5-seat saloon (sedan), 5-dr, 5-seat Avant (estate/wagon) | 1995–1997 | ||
Audi S6 Plus | C4 | 4A | 4.2 V8 | 240 kW (326 PS; 322 bhp) | 4-dr, 5-seat saloon (sedan), 5-dr, 5-seat Avant (estate/wagon) | 1996–1997 | ||
Audi RS 4 Avant | B5 (PL45) | 8D | 2.7 V6 T | 285 kW (387 PS; 382 bhp) | 5-dr, 5-seat Avant (estate/wagon) | 2000–2001 | ||
Audi S8 quattro | D2 (PL62) | 4D | 4.2 V8 | 250–265 kW (340–360 PS; 335–355 bhp) | 4-dr, 5-seat saloon (sedan) | 1996–2002 | ||
Audi S4 quattro | B5 (PL45) | 8D | 2.7 V6 T | 195 kW (265 PS; 261 bhp) | 4-dr, 5-seat saloon (sedan), 5-dr, 5-seat Avant (estate/wagon) | 1997–2002 | ||
Audi S6 quattro | C5 | 4B | 4.2 V8 | 250 kW (340 PS; 335 bhp) | 4-dr, 5-seat saloon (sedan), 5-dr, 5-seat Avant (estate/wagon) | 1999–2002 | ||
Audi S3 quattro | A4 (PQ34) | 8L | 1.8 I4 20vT | 154–165 kW (209–224 PS; 207–221 bhp) | 3-dr, 5-seat hatchback | 1999–2003 | ||
Audi RS 6 quattro | C5 | 4B | 4.2 V8 40vT | 331 kW (450 PS; 444 bhp) | 4-dr, 5-seat saloon (sedan), 5-dr, 5-seat Avant (estate/wagon) | 2002–2004 | ||
Audi RS 6 Plus quattro | C5 | 4B | 4.2 V8 40vT | 353 kW (480 PS; 473 bhp) | 5-dr, 5-seat Avant (estate/wagon) | 2004 | ||
Audi S4 quattro | B6 (PL46) | 8E | 4.2 V8 40v | 253 kW (344 PS; 339 bhp) | 4-dr, 5-seat saloon (sedan), 5-dr, 5-seat Avant (estate/wagon), 2-dr, 4-seat Cabriolet (convertible) | 2003–2005 | ||
Audi RS 4 quattro | B7 (PL47) | 8E | 4,163 cc V8 FSI | 309 kW (420 PS; 414 bhp) | 4-dr, 5-seat saloon (sedan), 5-dr, 5-seat Avant (estate/wagon), 2-dr, 4-seat Cabriolet (convertible) | 2006-2008 (sal), 2006-2007 (Avant), 2007-2008 (Cab) | ||
Audi S4 quattro | B7 (PL47) | 8E | 4.2 V8 40v | 253 kW (344 PS; 339 bhp) | 4-dr, 5-seat saloon (sedan), 5-dr, 5-seat Avant (estate/wagon) 2-dr, 4-seat Cabriolet (convertible) | 2005–2008, 2006-2009 (Cab) | ||
Audi S6 5.2 FSI quattro | C6 | 4F | 5,204 cc V10 FSI | 320 kW (435 PS; 429 bhp) | 61.5 kW (83.6 PS; 82.5 bhp) | 4-dr, 5-seat saloon (sedan), 5-dr, 5-seat Avant (estate/wagon) | 2006–2011 | |
Audi RS 6 5.0 TFSI quattro | C6 | 4F | 4,991 cc V10 TFSI | 427 kW (581 PS; 573 bhp) | 85.6 kW (116.4 PS; 114.8 bhp) | 4-dr, 5-seat saloon (sedan), 5-dr, 5-seat Avant (estate/wagon) | 2008–2010 | |
Audi S8 5.2 FSI quattro | D3 (PL63) | 4E | 5,204 cc V10 FSI | 331 kW (450 PS; 444 bhp) | 63.6 kW (86.5 PS; 85.3 bhp) | 4-dr, 5-seat saloon (sedan) | 2006–2010 | |
Audi S3 quattro | A5 (PQ35) | 8P | 1,984 cc I4 TFSI | 195 kW (265 PS; 261 bhp) | 98.3 kW (133.7 PS; 131.8 bhp) | 3-dr, 5-seat hatchback | 2006–2012 | |
Audi S3 Sportback quattro | A5 (PQ35) | 8P | 1,984 cc I4 TFSI | 195 kW (265 PS; 261 bhp) | 98.3 kW (133.7 PS; 131.8 bhp) | 5-dr, 5-seat compact estate/wagon | 2008–2012 | |
Audi RS 3 Sportback quattro | A5 (PQ35) | 8P | 2,480 cc R5 TFSI | 250 kW (340 PS; 335 bhp) | 100.8 kW (137.0 PS; 135.2 bhp) | 5-dr, 5-seat compact estate/wagon | 2011–2012 | |
Audi TTS quattro | A5 (PQ35) | 8J | 1,984 cc I4 TFSI | 200 kW (272 PS; 268 bhp) | 100 kW (136.0 PS; 134.1 bhp) | 2-dr, 2-seat compact Coupé, 2-dr, 2-seat compact Roadster (convertible) | 2008 - 2014 | |
Audi TT RS | A5 (PQ35) | 8J | 2,480 cc R5 TFSI | 250 kW (340 PS; 335 bhp) | 100 kW (136.0 PS; 134.1 bhp) | 2-dr, 2-seat compact Coupé, 2-dr, 2-seat compact Roadster (convertible) | 2009 - 2014 | |
Audi S line
Audi produce a specification of optional sports trim packages to their mainstream models, 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 quattro 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 (made by AUDI AG), and the "RS" models (made by quattro GmbH); Audi cars with S line trim bear identical performance figures to their counterparts with base or SE trim levels.
See also
References
- 1 2 3 Audi of America Press Site 25 Years of Audi Quattro 22 February 2005
- ↑ http://www.audi.com/corporate/en/company/production-sites/from-ingolstadt-to-jakarta/ingolstadt.html
- ↑ quattro GmbH - Investor Relations for Audi AG
- ↑ "RS 5 Coupé < A5 < Models < Audi UK". Audi.co.uk. Archived from the original on 8 November 2010. Retrieved 2010-11-25.
External links
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Audi S and RS vehicles. |
- Audi international - Audi S and RS models - full model range from Audi MediaServices (English) & (German)
- Audi UK - RS models
- Audi S models microsite (English) & (German)
- Audi Sport (English)
- Audi Sport® USA (English)
- Audi RS models and the Audi R8 (English)
Audi, a marque of the Volkswagen Group, car timeline, North American market, 1980–present | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | |
Compact car | A3 (8P) | A3 / S3 (8V) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4000 (81) | 80 / 90 (89) | 90 (8C) | A4 (8D/8E/8H/8K) | A4 (8W) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
4000 CS quattro | S4 (8D/8E/8H/8K) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mid-size car | 5000 (43) | 5000 (44) | 100 / 200 (44) | 100 (4A) | A6 (4A) | A6 (4B) | A6 (4F) | A6 (4G) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Ur-S4 | Ur-S6 | S6 (4B) | S6 (4F) | S6 (4G) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
A7 (4G) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
S7 (4G) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Full-size car | V8 (4C) | A8 (4D/4E/4H) / S8 (4D/4E) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Coupé | Coupé (81) | Coupe Quattro (89) | A5 / S5 (8T) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
TT Coupé (8N) | TT Coupé (8J) | TT Coupé (8S) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Roadster | TT Roadster (8N) | TT Roadster (8J) | TT Roadster (8S) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Convertible | Cabriolet (8G) | A4 Cabriolet / S4 Cabriolet (8H) | A5 / S5 (8F) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Sports car | Quattro (Ur-Quattro) | RS6 (4B) | RS4 (8E/8H) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
R8 (42) | R8 | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Crossover | allroad quattro (4Z) | allroad (8K) | A4 allroad (8W) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Compact SUV | Q3 (8U) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Mid-size SUV | Q5 (8R) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Full-size SUV | Q7 (4L) | Q7 (4M) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||