After having published separate articles on the sportiest versions of BMW and Mercedes-Benz , and as could not be otherwise, it is now the turn of the sportiest versions that we can find in Audi dealerships.
When Volkswagen took over the brand between 1964 and 1968, Audi's market positioning was certainly confusing , and it wasn't until the 1980s that Audi began a renewal of its models with the clear objective of competing with BMW or Mercedes-Benz. The first model of this "new" era was the 1982 Audi 100 C3 , a 4.79-meter-long sedan that, from its launch, featured four- and five-cylinder engines with a maximum power output of 136 horsepower.
This new vehicle was available in several trim levels, most notably the "CS," an intermediate trim between the luxurious "CD" and the more basic "CC." The CS had a slightly sporty feel and became the star of the famous advertisement featuring the car climbing the Kaipola ski jump in Finland. This experience was repeated in 2005 with an Audi A6 C6 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the brand's all-wheel-drive system.
Quattro GmbH
Competing head-to-head with the two major German brands was Audi's objective, and to achieve this, it not only improved the perceived quality of its new vehicles but also looked to the corporate structures of BMW and Mercedes-Benz as a model to follow . Thus, in October 1983, it created its own sports subsidiary, Quattro GmbH, just as its two new competitors had done previously. This new division of Audi established its headquarters in the former NSU factory.
For years, the activity of Quattro GmbH was based on the organization of the different competition sports teams and on the marketing of some sports accessories for the brand's models.
Audi S2: the first “S”
The hugely popular Audi Coupe B2 found its successor in the Audi Coupe B3 Typ 8B , launched in the European market in 1988. This new vehicle was based on the Audi 80 B3, although it had a shorter wheelbase. The front grille design and suspension system were different and would later be used in the 1991 Audi 80 B3.
When this coupe arrived on the market, it did so with a rather modest mechanical offering compared to what its competitors already offered. This situation changed in 1990 with the launch of the Audi S2, equipped with a five-cylinder engine producing 220 horsepower and 309 newton-meters of torque at just 1.900 revolutions per minute . This vehicle reached 100 kilometers per hour in 6.1 seconds, making it faster than the BMW E30 M3 and safer thanks to its Quattro® all-wheel drive. This engine wasn't new; it had debuted in 1989 in the Audi 200 C3 2.2 20v Turbo.
In 1993, improvements were made to the engine block, resulting in increased power, torque, and acceleration figures. Additionally, the S2 models, available as a sedan and Avant (station wagon), went on sale.
One interesting fact about this model is that it was not developed by the Quattro GmbH division but was the result of a collaboration between Audi and Konrad Schmidt Motorsport GmbH , a company specializing in sports transformations and now one of the most important Volkswagen Group dealerships in Germany.
The Audi RS2: the first “RS”
Based on the Audi 80 B4 , the Audi RS2 appeared on the market in 1994 with a turbocharged 2.226 cc inline five-cylinder engine capable of producing 315 horsepower and allowing it to reach 100 km/h in under five seconds thanks to the grip provided by its all-wheel drive. Its braking was equally impressive, thanks to four-piston brakes and wheel components derived from those fitted to the Porsche 911 933. In fact, Porsche logos can be seen scattered throughout the car, such as on the red brake calipers. The first units had 304 mm diameter brake discs, although these were later replaced with 322 mm discs.
This engine was designed to run on 98-octane fuel, although thanks to injection adjustments via knock sensors, it could also run on 95-octane fuel with a slight loss in performance. The only available transmission was a six-speed manual, and it featured Quattro® all-wheel drive with a locking system usable up to 25 kilometers per hour.
Interestingly, and to the surprise of the general public, this new super sports car was only available as a station wagon and, supposedly, in a short series of 2.200 units, which multiplied the exclusivity of this new product, quickly becoming an object of desire for a large part of its potential audience, who saw how in the end 2.891 vehicles were manufactured, 691 more than initially planned.
The vehicle's construction also featured components taken directly from Porsche's parts catalog , such as the front bumper lights, wheels, and side mirrors. Other elements, like the fenders, were modified in the style of the iconic Stuttgart model.
The Audi RS2 featured an exclusive interior that, depending on the exterior color, could be red or gray. It included electrically adjustable Recaro sport seats that could be upholstered in leather and Alcantara or entirely in "silk" leather. Furthermore, to emphasize its exclusivity and independence from other models, even the steering wheel spokes could be wrapped in Alcantara or leather.
As key safety features, the Audi RS2 was equipped from launch with the infamous Procon-Ten system , responsible for Audi's delay in airbag technology. However, a driver's airbag was offered as a no-cost option , although in this case the original steering wheel was replaced with a more traditional design. Additional optional equipment at extra cost included automatic climate control, a sunroof, and cruise control.
For everyday use, the Audi RS2 had a serious handling problem , but this didn't prevent it from being a huge success that paved the way for a whole generation of models that, to this day, are essential to understanding the brand. And, pending the unveiling of its successor, the Audi RS6 C6 Performance stands as its ultimate expression, thanks to its 605-horsepower engine. Undoubtedly, it's the dream of anyone who loves high-performance family cars.
Audi Sports GmbH
In 1996 this sports subsidiary changed its name to Audi Sport GmbH and, like its competitors, divided its work into several lines of action.
- Development of the S and RS lines of each Audi model
- Manufacture of sports accessories
- Organization and participation in competition.
The Audi R8 Typ 42: The first (and only) “R”
At the 2003 Frankfurt International Motor Show, Audi unveiled a mid-engined, all-wheel-drive concept car called the Audi Le Mans Quattro, developed to celebrate the brand's successes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The vehicle was very well received, and just three years later, the production model, the Audi R8 , was presented at the Paris International Motor Show.
This new Audi was the first, and so far only, vehicle developed and manufactured exclusively by the Quattro Sport GmbH department , thus repeating what Mercedes AMG and BMW M Sport had first done.
In the form of a large sports car and with a height of only 1.25 meters, this new product managed to incorporate everything the brand had learned in competition and in terms of street vehicles to offer the enthusiast (who could afford it) a vehicle with 420 horsepower (or 430, depending on the market) extremely lightweight thanks to the all-aluminum construction that also had magnificent road handling thanks to the mid-rear longitudinal engine (for the first time in an Audi) , the concept of a forward-mounted cabin on the chassis and the studied aerodynamics.
The engine block was the same one used in the Audi RS4 B7 , a 4.163 cc V8, although it featured a slightly modified lubrication system to lower the center of gravity, adapting it to its new location and, let's be honest, to make it look "nice." With this engine, the Audi R8 boasted a top speed of 301 km/h , acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, and an average fuel consumption of 7 liters per 100 km.
This vehicle featured intelligent all-wheel drive with a maximum torque distribution of 35% to the front axle . As for the transmission, it came standard with a six-speed manual gearbox, although the R-Tronic automated manual transmission was available as an option at an additional cost.
Starting in 2009, a new 5.2 FSI version was launched, featuring a ten-cylinder V engine with a displacement of 5.204 cubic centimeters and producing an impressive 525 horsepower and 530 newton-meters of torque. This engine, shared with the Lamborghini Gallado , allowed the Audi model to reach a top speed of 316 kilometers per hour and accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 3.9 seconds.
Throughout 2013, the Audi R8 underwent a minor update that included some aesthetic tweaks and the introduction of the new S-Tronic transmission . The entry-level 4.2 FSI model saw its power output standardized across all markets at 430 horsepower, while the most powerful model, the 5.2 FSI, was introduced in a new version called the V10 Plus, boasting 550 horsepower and carbon-ceramic brakes . It also incorporated several weight-reduction measures, such as the use of carbon fiber components.
With these measures, the Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10 Plus reaches 317 kilometers per hour , accelerates from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in 3.5 seconds and has a homologated average consumption of 7.6 liters, something totally incompatible with the figures mentioned above.
Limited series: even more power
The Audi R8 5.2 FSI V10 Plus was the most powerful model, but only among those produced in series . In 2009, as a limited edition, 666 units were manufactured (half coupes and half convertibles) marketed as the Audi R8 GT, boasting 560 horsepower and a homologated top speed of 320 kilometers per hour. Later, in 2012, another limited edition of eighty units was produced, called the China Edition (its intended market is self-explanatory), numbered from 1 to 99. The reason for this was the omission of any number containing the digit "4," considered unlucky in Chinese culture.
In 2014, as a farewell to the end of its production run , another limited series of 99 units was launched, called the Audi R8 LMX, with a maximum power of 570 horsepower and 540 newton-meters of torque . It reached a top speed of 320 kilometers per hour and could accelerate from 3 to 100 kilometers per hour in 4 seconds. All 99 units were equipped with the seven-speed S-Tronic transmission and became the first vehicle homologated with the LED Matrix lighting system , a combination of LED technology and laser diodes. Aesthetically, it was distinguished by its fixed rear wing, designed to increase downforce.
It goes without saying that the commercial reception of this vehicle was spectacular. In its first two full years on the market, 2007 and 2008, 4.125 and 5.656 units were manufactured respectively. Furthermore, Audi launched a second generation in 2015 , something that, for example, the BMW M1 did not have.
Of course, the Audi R8 also had its shadows:
- A diesel version was projected that did not get past the prototype phase.
- An electric version was released to great fanfare but it did not have the expected reception and discreetly disappeared.
Audi SLine Edition
It may seem repetitive, but again following in the footsteps of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, Audi's sportiest department developed a specific line for its "street" models that gives them a sportier look.
Over the years, and thanks to its warm reception by the public, this package became part of the optional equipment for all models that Audi currently sells, from the A1 to the A8. As you can imagine, the Audi R8 Typ 4S already comes with the sport package as standard, since it is a model developed by Audi Sport GmbH and not by Audi AG.
However, despite the fact that it may seem that the three German brands work in unison, Audi's S Line has, in my opinion (a completely personal opinion), a number of advantages over the sporty lines offered by Mercedes Benz or BMW.
- On the one hand, the price of the S Line sports package is much cheaper than the AMG from Mercedes Benz or the M Sport from BMW.
- Audi offers the possibility of mounting the complete sports package, only the exterior part or only the interior part. BMW does not contemplate that option and Mercedes-Benz offers it, but not in Spain.
- The exterior design of the Audi sports package, perhaps the key to its success, gives the car a sporty touch that in no way makes it visually aggressive. In this sense, perhaps the Mercedes-Benz AMG package is more similar to that offered by the brand of fours since the BMW M Sport package offers some aesthetic additions that can be exaggerated depending on which versions.
Unlike the sport packages offered by BMW and Mercedes-Benz, the aforementioned features make Audi's S-Line package fully compatible with its entire range. In fact, the subtle sporty touch it adds makes it equally suitable for a station wagon like the Audi A4 Avant , a city car like the Audi A1 , or a large sedan like the Audi A8.
Another advantage of Audi's sport packages is that they are being integrated into the range as a new trim level, the S Line Edition , allowing buyers to choose from various upholstery options and colors. Not many years ago, the S-Line interior packages were only available with black upholstery.
Audi Sports GmbH
Changed in 2016, this is the new name of Audi's sportiest division . Now that competition has taken a back seat, Audi Sport GmbH's business function within the group is:
- Design, testing and production of high-performance Audi models such as the R8.
- Modifications of mechanical elements of Audi focused on improving their performance or dynamic behavior, such as sports suspensions
- Design of sports elements for the Audi range, such as sports packages.
- Marketing of accessories (Audi Lifestyle), such as a wallet.
In recent years, Audi's performance division has developed a new product line, Audi Exclusive , aimed at customers who want to personalize their vehicles with new custom paint finishes, premium leather upholstery, and interior trim in woods sourced from around the world . For example, taking the brand's flagship model, you can choose a custom color for €3.785 or exclusive gray interior upholstery for €17.840 (which requires an additional €10.000 in linked options). It's all a matter of doing the math for a model that starts at €100.000 in its most basic configuration (prices according to the Audi A8L configurator ).
The curious thing about this new ultra-luxurious division is that it does not modify any mechanical aspects or give the car a sportier appearance, which in theory collides head-on with the supposed role of Audi Sport Gmbh. Is this something new? I dont know; maybe the folks at BMW Individual Manufaktur have the answer…