Audi Sport History: Every Audi RS Model Ever Made!

Audi RS for Renn Sport

All Audis are designed to be luxurious, technologically advanced, and high performing. However, if you spot one with the RS badge, that means something else entirely. The luxury and technology are still there, but the performance takes a dramatic leap forward. The RS models are derived from motorsport. RS stands for ‘Rennsport’ which is German for racing sport.

Audi has been selling RS models to the public for nearly 30 years now. There have been about two dozen iterations during that time, so here's a look back at each one along with their performance figures and characteristics. 

All photos sourced from Audi AG & Audi USA

Audi RS 2 Avant (B4: 1994-1995)

• Engine: 2.2L Turbo 5 Cylinder
• Horsepower: 311
• 0-60mph: 5.3s
• Top Speed: 163mph
• Not available in the U.S.

Although enthusiasts recently started importing these stunning longroofs, the RS 2 Avant was never sold new in the United States. (A trend that continued for many of the vehicles on this list, sadly.) Some have also made a case for this being the first-ever Porsche wagon. It was assembled in the Porsche factory and included many Porsche parts lifted from the 993-generation 911. It was the first Audi model to break the symbolic 155 mph top speed barrier. It is a rare car as it was produced for only two years and less than 2,900 were ever made. But it is also one of the most important Audi vehicles ever. It helped to establish Audi as a performance car brand and kicked off the entire RS line of vehicles.

Audi RS 4 Avant (B5: 2000-2001)

• Engine: Twin-turbo 2.7L V6
• Horsepower: 375
• 0-60mph: 4.9s
• Top Speed: 155 mph (limited)
• Not available in the U.S.

Another piece of forbidden RS fruit in America, the Audi RS 4 Avant was the second high-performance wagon from Audi. This time Porsche was not involved. The car was built by Quattro GmbH, the in-house Audi subsidiary responsible for building custom cars. The first RS 4 made a stout 375 horsepower thanks to larger KKK turbochargers and beefed-up internals fitted to the 2.7L V6 lifted from the A6 sedan. And it could blast to 179 mph if not for the 155 mph limiter. The RS4 Avant also got an upgraded suspension and larger brakes.

Audi RS 6 Sedan, Avant, & Plus (C5: 2002-2004)

• Engine: Twin-turbo 4.2L V8
• Horsepower: 450-473
• 0-60mph: 4.6s
• Top Speed: 155mph

An Audi RS finally comes to America (the sedan only), and it is the quickest and most powerful one yet. The C5 generation RS 6 was also available in “Plus” trim which was a more aggressive tune that boosted horsepower from 450 to 473. That is an insane amount of power in 2002. More than a Corvette Z06 of the day. And this is in an Audi sedan or wagon. Like the RS4 Avant, the folks at Quattro GmbH did the engine magic here. This time taking the 4.2L V8 from the A8 sedan and bolting on a couple of turbos and modifying the cylinder heads. It was hooked up to an automatic transmission because at the time Audi didn’t have a manual that could handle this amount of power.

Audi RS 4 Sedan, Avant, & Cabriolet (B7: 2006-2008)

• Engine: 4.2L V8
• Horsepower: 420
• 0-60mph: 4.8s
• Top Speed: 155mph
• Avant is not available in the U.S.

For 2006 we got what some consider one of the all-time best Audi RS models. The RS 4 sedan, convertible as well as the (not for the U.S.) Avant eschewed turbochargers this time. A naturally aspirated, direct injection V8 sat under the hood. It made 420 horsepower and sounded great doing it. This car came with a 6-speed manual transmission. The brake rotors were borrowed from the Lamborghini Gallardo. Flared fenders gave the super Audi a muscular look. The combination of the wonderful V8, hooked up to a manual transmission, and the powerful looks is what helps make the case for calling this one of the best RS cars ever.  

Audi RS 6 Sedan & Avant (C6: 2008-2010)

• Engine: Bi-turbo 5.0L V10
• Horsepower: 580
• 0-60mph: 4.3s
• Top Speed: 155-188mph
• Avant not available in the U.S.

580 horsepower from a twin-turbo 5.0L V10 engine. What else do you need? The 2008 RS 6 could now officially be referred to as a super sedan. OK, it comes only with a 6-speed Tiptronic transmission but that is hardly worth crying over. This car has the usual RS bits like a revised suspension and brakes. But there is no denying the fact that the star of the show is that big V10 borrowed from Lamborghini under the hood. If you can find one of these for sale, buy it. (Although you'll be once again limited to the sedan if you live in America.)

Audi TT RS & TT RS Roadster (A5: 2009-2013)

• Engine: 2.5L Turbo 5 cylinder
• Horsepower: 340
• 0-60mph: 4.6s
• Top Speed: 155-174mph
• No Roadster in the U.S.

It took over a decade for the Audi TT to finally earn an RS badge. In 2009, the TT RS got a 75 horsepower bump over the previous top-of-the-line TTS. The extra power was sent to all four wheels via a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission. The TT RS also rides 10 mm lower than the standard TT, has unique springs and dampers as well as upgraded brakes. The TT RS can be easily spotted thanks to the more aggressive looks from the chin spoiler and larger air intakes. Some accused the Audi TT model of being soft, but the TT RS changed all that in a big way.

Audi RS 5 Coupe & Cabriolet (B8: 2010-2017)

• Engine: 4.2L V8
• Horsepower: 450
• 0-60mph: 4.4s
• Top Speed: 155-174 mph
• The coupe came to the U.S. in 2013
• Cabriolet debuted in 2012

The free-revving V8 found in the Audi RS 5 is a hand-built unit that is closely related to the one that you would have found in the R8 supercar of the day. You get a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission that sends 60 percent of the power to the rear wheels under normal driving conditions. But the trick differential will allow up to 85 percent of the power to go to the rear wheels. As is typical of the RS cars the RS 5 sits lower and has more aggressive styling.

Audi RS 3 Sportback (A5: 2011-2012)

• Engine: 2.5L Turbo 5 cylinder
• Horsepower: 340
• 0-60mph: 4.6s
• Top Speed: 155mph
• Not available in the U.S.

The little RS 3 is based on Volkswagen Golf architecture, but it gets the 2.5L turbo 5-cylinder that powered the TT RS of the day. That provides the diminutive car with big performance. 155 mph and a 0 to 60 time of 4.6 seconds makes for one heck of an entertaining hatchback. Sure, the RS 4 and RS 5 cars had more impressive stats. But the RS 3 was significantly less expensive and offered all the performance you could reasonably ask for on the street.

Audi RS 4 Avant (B8: 2012-2015)

• Engine: 4.2L V8
• Horsepower: 450
• 0-60mph: 4.7s
• Top Speed: 174mph

The RS 4 is back and this time packing a 450 horsepower V8 punch. This jewel of an engine revs all the way to 8,500 rpm. It will push the wagon to 174 mph. That’s right, in a wagon. Even over a decade later that is impressive speed. The only transmission offered is the 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. You get the giant exhaust pipes out back and the sculpted styling you come to expect from an RS car. But overall, this is one of the more discreet Audi RS models. We suspect that many sports car drivers were dismayed to find themselves being gapped by what looked to be a simple wagon.

Audi RS 6 Avant & RS 6 Avant Performance (C7: 2013-2018)

• Engine: Twin-Turbo 4.0L V8
• Horsepower: 560-605hp
• 0-60mph: 3.8s
• Top Speed: 190mph
• Avant only, not available in the U.S.

If the RS 4 Avant in the previous slide can be considered a sleeper wagon, then this RS 6 Avant is a super sleeper wagon. This is the first Audi RS car that can accelerate to 60 mph in less than 4 seconds. When this variation came out in 2013 it had to make do with ‘only’ 560 horsepower. But in the RS 6 Avant Performance model the horsepower number swelled to an almost comical 605. At the top end, the car would be knocking on the door of 200 mph. The kids would never be late for soccer practice. At nearly $150K the car was quite expensive. But for that money, you got super car performance, all-weather capability, and wagon practicality. It was the ultimate car for those that had to have one car for everything.

Audi RS 7 & RS 7 Performance (C7: 2013-2018)

• Engine: Twin-Turbo 4.0L V8
• Horsepower: 560-605hp
• 0-60mph: 3.4-3.2s
• Top Speed: 190mph

For those that didn’t need or want the wagon body style, Audi offered the same mechanical bits in the sleeker RS 7 and RS 7 Performance. Underneath the skin the RS 6 and RS 7 are basically identical. But that skin is drastically different. The RS 7 is a 4-door sedan that has sleek lines and more dramatic styling than the RS 6 Avant. Some love it, some don’t. But the real beauty is that Audi offered a choice in how you wanted your 605 horsepower monster to look. Sedan or wagon, you can’t lose.

Audi RS Q3 (A5: 2013-2016)

• Engine: 2.5L Turbo 5-cylinder
• Horsepower: 306-362
• 0-60mph: 4.8s
• Top Speed: 155mph
• Not available in the U.S.

The first RS SUV in history and it is yet another model that is not available in the U.S. This spicy Audi crossover does battle with the Porsche Macan. Of course, the Audi differentiates itself with the turbo 5-cylinder engine. In the top RS Q3 Performance trim, power is a robust 362 horsepower and top speed is limited to 155 mph. This might not be the most powerful or fastest of the Audi RS models, but for those looking for a compact SUV with some get-up-and-go, the RS Q3 is a compelling choice.

Audi RS 3 Sportback & Sedan (8V: 2015-2019)

• Engine: 2.5L Turbo 5-cylinder
• Horsepower: 362-400
• 0-60mph: 4.3s to 4.1s
• Top Speed: 174 mph

The second generation RS 3 Sportback debuted for the 2015 model year making 362 horsepower. For 2017 power was bumped to a nice and even 400 horsepower, improving 0-60 runs by two-tenths of a second. 2017 also saw the sedan debut in Europe (while the U.S. saw the sedan arrive for the 2018 model year). Top speed is limited to 174 mph. This whole combo is enough to embarrass many Porsche Cayman drivers of the day. And you are in a car that is more practical and less expensive. One of the few drawbacks is that it comes with only an automatic transmission. But other than that one annoyance, you will be piloting one of the great performance Audis ever made.

Audi TT RS Coupe & Roadster (8S: 2014-2023)

• Engine: 2.5L Turbo 5 cylinder
• Horsepower: 400
• 0-60mph: 3.4s
• Top Speed: 174mph

The final generation of Audi TT RS uses the same mechanical bits as the RS 3 we discussed in the previous slide. But here on top of the whiz-bang engine and other oily bits you are treated to a truly stunning design. For over 20 years, the TT has had a design language all its own. And with the RS model it had the performance to back up the bold looks. Sadly, this marked the end of the line for the TT. In Europe, Audi gave the car a proper send off with a limited Final Edition model. These final cars have some unique design elements, but the excellent powertrain remains the same.

Audi RS 5 Coupe & Sportback (B9: 2017+)

• Platform: F5 MLB Evo
• Engine: Twin-turbo 2.9L V
• Horsepower: 444
• 0-60mph: 3.5s 
• Top Speed: 174mph
• Sportback introduced in 2019

Palindrome fans would be happy to see the 444 horsepower figure that the current Audi RS 5 is capable of producing. Performance car fans would be happy with the 0 to 60 mph times in the mid three second range. They would be even happier with a 2023 model as that offers an available Competition Package that includes a more aggressive suspension, Pirelli Corsa P Zero track tires, and a modified exhaust system. On the inside you are treated to the typical high end Audi interior with available diamond stitching on the seats, and a fully digital gauge cluster. It is the perfect place to spend time devouring the miles.  

Audi RS 4 Avant (B9 MLB Evo: 2017+)

• Engine: Twin-turbo 2.9L V6
• Horsepower: 444
• 0-60mph: 
• Top Speed: 155-174mph
• Not available in the US

Stop us if you heard this before. But the Audi RS 4 Avant is not available in the U.S. And that is a darn shame. Under the hood is the same engine that powers the RS 5 we highlighted on the previous slide. That means you get the same Porsche-designed 2.9L twin-turbo V6. But of course, the RS 4 Avant adds wagon practicality. We are thankful that we do get the bigger and more powerful RS 6 Avant but having a slightly smaller and considerably less expensive RS 4 Avant available to us would be awfully exciting.

Audi RS 7 & RS 7 performance (C8 MLB Evo: 2019+)

• Engine: Twin-Turbo 4.0L V8
• Horsepower: 591-621
• 0-60mph: 3.5s
• Top Speed: 190mph

The current RS 7 Sportback offers 591 horsepower, but starting for 2024 with the arrival of the RS 7 performance, that number will be rising to 621. But when you are talking about this level of power, an extra 30 ponies may not be noticeable. What is noticeable is the stunning RS 7 shape and 190 mph top speed. The current RS 7 Sportback is electrified. You get a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V-8 and it is paired with a 48-volt hybrid system. Audi claims the car can hit 60 mph in 3.5 seconds, but independent tests have reported times as quick as 3 seconds flat. Mighty impressive for a luxury 4-door sedan that weighs nearly 5,000 pounds.

Audi RS 6 Avant & RS 6 Avant perforamnce (C8 MLB Evo: 2019+)

• Engine: Twin-Turbo 4.0L V8
• Horsepower: 591 to 621
• 0-60mph: 3.5s to 3.3s
• Top Speed: 190mph
• First RS Avant available in the U.S.

After years of waiting patiently (and impatiently), Audi finally brought an RS wagon to America! And it's a big hit, outselling the RS 7 by a pretty wide margin. The recipe at this point will be familiar. Twin-turbo (bi-turbo) 4.0L V8 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. Optional 22-inch wheels. Dynamic ride control suspension. And, starting with the 2024 model year, the return of the performance nameplate, which pushes the horsepower rating back over the six hundred mark to 621. (It's otherwise 591, through 2023.) Now, the RS 6 and RS 7 are still technically second fiddles to the RS e-tron GT when it comes to straight-line acceleration. But in terms of driving dynamics, the RS 6 & 7 are still superior -- better braking, better corner carving. And, of course, to angelic screaming of a glorious V8 engine. All in a practical 5-seat family hauler. 

Audi RS 3 Sportback & Sedan (8Y: 2020+)

• Engine: Turbo 2.5L 5 cylinder
• Horsepower: 401
• 0-60mph: 3.8s
• Top Speed: 155-180mph
• Sportback not available in the U.S.

Aside from the missing wagon option here in America, the RS 3 is practically perfect in every way. After it's most recent refresh, the RS 3 has never been more powerful, with the iconic turbo 5-cylinder engine putting out up to 401 horsepower (slightly less in Europe). Coupled with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission and the optional Dynamic package with carbon ceramic brakes and sticky track tires, the RS 3 will rip to 60mph in under 4 seconds and stop with impressive force all day long. The real trick to this current model, though, is the torque vectoring rear differential which allows the RS 3 to have a front bias, rear bias, or 50-50 split. There's even a freaking drift mode! And while track-capability is a priority, the RS 3 is also supremely comfortable around town as well. And, as priced in the $60,000 range, it's arguably the best value in the RS world.

Audi RS Q3 (A2: 2020+)

• Engine: 2.5L Turbo 5 cylinder
• Horsepower: 394 
• 0-60mph: 4.1s
• Top Speed: 155-174mph

As I write this, the Audi RS Q3 is celebrating its tenth anniversary for the 2023 model year. Imagine a lifted RS 3 Sportback and you kinda get the idea. With the same 2.5L Turbo 5-banger and 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, the RS Q8 is a track-ready compact SUV that will hurl your family to 60mph in just over 4 seconds. The extra weight and height don't really help with the dynamics, naturally. But this sporty SUV is otherwise a perfect blend of performance and practicality. Which is why the Americans reading about it can only drool with envy because, like so many of these amazing RS vehicles, we can't get one here.

Audi RS Q8 (MLB: 2020+)

• Engine: Twin-Turbo 4.0L V8
• Horsepower: 591
• 0-60mph: 3.7s
• Top Speed: 190mph

The RS Q8 answers the question, what would happen if Audi took the powertrain from the RS 6 Avant or RS 7 and stuffed it in the company's most luxurious SUV? This results in, along with its cousin, the Lamborghini Urus, arguably one of the quickest and best-handling SUVs of all time. It's brilliant. Now, the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 are a little quicker and dynamically superior. But the RS Q8's adjustable-height air suspension is much more comfortable than the other 4.0L V8 RS models. Seriously, it rides on 23-inch tires and the ride is almost as smooth as the S8. Plus, in America where everyone is driving large trucks and SUVs, the RS Q8 provides better visibility and sightlines (literally) over its car-siblings, which is nice. 

Audi RS e-tron GT (J1 2021)

• Engine: dual permanently excited synchronous motors (PSM)
• Battery: 84 kWh usable
• Horsepower: Up to 637hp during overboost
• 0-60mph: 2.9s
• Top Speed: 155mph

Audi's first all-electric supercar, launching the RS e-tron GT feels like taking off in a roller coaster... Because the technology involved in making coasters blast off from a standstill -- permanently excited magnets -- is what makes the RS e-tron GT go, baby, go. This A7-sized super sedan shares its battery and 235 horsepower front motor with the standard e-tron GT. But out back, the RS version gets a more powerful permanently excited synchronous motor capable of making up to 450 horsepower. When combined, the RS e-tron GT puts out 590 horsepower most of the time. But, place the saloon in RS mode and simultaneously hold the brake and accelerator to the floor, and you'll enter overboost with 637 horsepower for up to 2.5 seconds. This results in a launch that's in line with the mid-engine R8 V10 Plus, making the RS e-tron GT the quickest RS model of all time. It's nothing short of spectacular (although we miss the engine sounds) and represents a preview of where Audi's RS models will likely be heading as the company pivots to an all-electric future.