The First and Oddest RS - The Porsche Audi RS2 Wagon
The very first Audi RS was quite unique. Check out this super station wagon that people still talk about.
1. The Audi/Porsche Joint Venture
In 1994, a collaboration between Audi AG and Porsche introduced the Audi RS2 to the world. The unique station wagon was much more powerful than it looks, and although some may see it as a soccer-mom wagon, it could get kids to practice much quicker than most. This collaborative vehicle was based on the Audi's 80 Avant, which is a compact executive car.
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2. The First RS Badge
The Audi RS2 Avant was the very first car to hold the RS badge. The RS initials stood for RennSport, which is German for Racing Sport. The RS badge gained popularity over the years, and now, when you see an Audi with an RS badge, know that it is fully equipped, as well as specially designed by a special Audi team. The RS was put on Audis that have track features in them, and although they aren't as luxurious as the Audis with an "S" on them, they are much more capable on the track.
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3. Worldwide Popularity
The Audi RS2 Avant quickly captured the hearts of car enthusiasts around the world. Its huge popularity was strange, simply because the RS2 wasn't exported in too many places outside of Europe, except for Hong Kong, South Africa, Brazil, and New Zealand. Numerous experts claim that this was the first car to establish Audi as a performance automaker. Only 2,200 RS2s were produced, and only 180 of those were right-hand drive, which were built for the UK, New Zealand, and South Africa.
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4. RS2 Engine and Performance
The RS2 Avant's engine was based on a motor that Audi was already producing, except it was quite modified for this specific vehicle. The RS2 Avant used the regular five-cylinder engine, but Porsche replaced the turbocharger with a larger unit, as well as added a heavy-duty intercooler, higher-flow fuel injectors, a modified camshaft, and a low-pressure exhaust system, and some other modifications to complements these. The RS2 was quite capable with this engine, going from 0 to 100 kph in 4.8 seconds, which translates to 0 to 62.1 mph. After reaching the 62.1 mph mark, the RS2 had a maximum speed of 162.8 mph, even though it weighed a hefty 3,527 pounds.
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5. RS2 Interior
The RS wasn't known to be as luxurious as most Audis; in fact, the MO of the RS was track, speed, and performance. The RS2 had a three-spoke leather steering wheel and Recaro bucket seats, which were available in leather or a leather/suede mixture. The center console was available in wood or carbon fiber, which gave the interior two completely opposite looks.
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