Audi says more RS models quickly on their way
Quattro GmbH, Audi's high-performance subsidiary, is responsible for all manner of RS, S, S-line and "Exclusive" hotness for the automaker and has seen a substantial increase in sales over the last seven years. Back in 2000, it sold about 2,500 units. In 2007, it has produced just over 360,000 models imbued with Audi's distinct brand of performance street cred. Those numbers are expected to further rise with even more models being S- and RS-ified, including the R8, which is currently being produced at a rate of 27 vehicles per day.
Auto Motor und Sport sat down with Werner Frowein, the director of Quattro GmbH, where he let loose that the former strategy for RS model production will be laid to waste in the coming years. Traditionally, RS cars are produced in the last two years of the vehicle's lifecycle, but a new shift in production will allow new models to benefit from the RS-treatment after the first two years of their run. The TT-RS and RS5 are two of the models on the horizon, while an RS version of the R8 has been rumored since its introduction earlier this year. More RS is hardly a bad thing, unless premium gas prices continue their northward trajectory.
[Source: Auto Motor und Sport via World Car Fans]
Get a WordPress.com Blog
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Philip 5:07PM (2/15/2008)
Don't forget the RS3, take same engine from the TT-RS. And you have an awsome hatchback.
Reply
aman 4:33PM (11/26/2007)
RS4theworld!
I'm kinda glad that Audi is stepping up to the plate to seriously battle against the likes of BMW, Mercedes, and maybe even Porsche. i really hope they have more power though, or less weight. either is fine by me
Reply
TheCleaner 4:37PM (11/26/2007)
if they RS the R8, will it be an RS8.. a little confusing considering theres the A8 line of audi's... then again, maybe it'l be the R8S, or R8RS...
either way, i love the RS cars, the RS4 seems so amazing, and pretty decent on the track too given its recent nurburgring achievement of 7:58
Reply
EMC 5:30PM (11/26/2007)
Probably be the RR8 ;P
Papi L-Gee 6:58PM (11/26/2007)
R8 RS, I've read elsewhere.
Elevatus 3:49PM (11/29/2007)
Agreed, it should be the following:
A4
S4
RS4
RS4 Avant
A6
S6
RS6
RS6 Avant
A8
S8
RS8
RS8 Avant (which would be a HUGE wagon) :)
R9 is what that super card should be called since it bears no resemblance to any of the 8 level cars.
Tsunami Racer 4:52PM (11/26/2007)
but more RS models doesn't mean squat if audi (of america, not just the dealer) can't take care of their premium customers. I just sold my RS4 because of their inability to properly service the car and provide customer service on par with a $70K+ car.
best car i've ever driven; worst ownership experience i've ever had.
Reply
Danny Boy 5:10PM (11/26/2007)
I hope their not going to be like AMG. Which AMG-izes just about every model that MB puts out. I have no doubt in my mind that these Audis are going to be real match for the BMW M cars. I'de buy an M3 or RS4 any day over the AMG C class.
Reply
zamafir 9:42PM (11/26/2007)
Audi's already are a match for BMW and in a few cases exceed them (ie: go track the previous and current gen M3 against the RS4... or any BMW car with the R8), and I doubt they'll ever go "AMG" on us.
Toy Yoda 5:37PM (11/26/2007)
I'm really hoping for the rumored R4, the "cheaper" and lighter version of the R8 with a V6 motor.
Reply
YouFaceTheTick 5:47PM (11/26/2007)
Um, all gas prices are going up, so the twenty cent gap per gallon has less and less of an impact. When regular gas was 80 cents a gallon, then people could whine that $1.00 a gallon for premium was too much. Now that regular is $3.30 a gallon and premium 3.50, I don't think this argument holds much water. A 6% premium isn't much of a premium.
Reply
eddie 7:02PM (11/26/2007)
I bet an RS5 would look awesome. Id like to see an RS8 to compete with the S63/65.
Audi is really stepping their game up. I like almost everything they have to offer.
Reply
mxrz 7:07PM (11/26/2007)
o/ OOOO
Reply
WillDaThrill 7:33PM (11/26/2007)
Nice cars, wish I could have one but the price is too steep. Make me drool when you pull up next to me, kthx.
Reply
CT 1:06PM (11/27/2007)
I wish they'd start bringing over their diesels over to th U.S. already. We have more than enough gas guzzlers.
Reply
jb 9:06AM (11/27/2007)
Until Audi gets it's AC rear in gear I won't buy another Audi.
Drove an RS4 in 95F weather in Rockville, MD, and the car wouldn't cool down in 20 minutes. Unacceptable.
Otherwise an ok car.
Reply