page_title: Audi S and RS models
section_title: RS models
hierarchical_section_title: Audi S and RS models / RS models
caption_attribution_description: Audi RS5 DTM (R17) of Abt Sportsline
context_page_description: 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. 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, but the "Ur-S4" from 1991 — 1994 was based on the Audi 100/200 later named A6 and the first S2/RS2 generation from 1990 — 1995 was based on the Audi 80/90 platform later replaced by the A4.
context_section_description: Audi Sport GmbH (formerly 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". The characteristics and cost of these cars are equated to cars belonging to the supercar class.
  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 as well as R8. Audi RS 6 (5.0 TFSI quattro), for instance, is more powerful than the physically larger Audi S8 (5.2 FSI quattro) However, the 2012 — 2015 Audi S8 shares the same engine as the 2013 — ... Audi RS 6 and Audi RS7, albeit in a lower state of tune, while for the 2016 — 2017 model years, the Audi S8 plus features an uprated engine with the same output as the smaller RS 6 and RS7.
  Available for limited time and only in select markets, on a restricted model range, these "RS" (and "S" models) models are wholly designed, developed and produced in-house by Audi AG's high performance private subsidiary company, Audi Sport GmbH, at its Neckarsulm factory.
  Unlike Audi "S" models whose interiors are 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 2008 BMW M3 vs. 2007 Audi RS 4, 2008 M-B C63 AMG.
  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, M4 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 2013 Audi S7.
  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".
caption: Audi RS5 DTM ABT Sportsline
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