What is an Audi RS?

Layer upon layer of mountains. Winding roads, like fine threads, stitch their way endlessly through the majestic scenery. This is the European Alps, where beautiful mountain ranges reaching 2,000 meters divide Europe north and south—a traditional barrier to travel. Personally, I had always wished to drive through here with a powerful sports model, and that dream has finally come true. And with the perfect car for these challenging mountain roads—.

As its name suggests, "Rennsport," or "Racing Sport" in English, "RS" is a special designation awarded only to Audi's exceptionally sporty models. Its planning and development are handled by quattro GmbH, a collective of specialists within Audi comprised of the most passionate enthusiasts. It is through their efforts that Audi RS models are created through a process significantly different from that of regular catalog models.



Audi also offers a model line called "S" in addition to RS. What, then, is the decisive difference between S and RS? The product manager at quattro GmbH, whom I interviewed for this piece, offered this insight:

"While both RS and S models feature powerful engines, reinforced suspension, and quattro all-wheel drive, the defining characteristic of RS, beyond that of S, is undoubtedly passion. Driving an RS immerses you in a special emotion; through elements like the sporty exhaust sound and the unique materials used in the interior, the driver can directly feel the passion of the creators."

Indeed, when driving models like theRS 6 Avantor theRS 7 Sportback, which boast over 500 horsepower and approach 600 horsepower, one cannot help but feel the passion the creators intended. Furthermore, when considering driving such powerful models on public roads, all-wheel drive becomes indispensable. In this regard, Audi's RS models, which have consistently developed and refined quattro technology, possess an advantage not found in the sports models of rival manufacturers.

Quattro: Delivering Speed and Confidence

The event I participated in, aptly named "Land of quattro 2013 Alps tour," was a grand expedition that took the latest RS models from Klagenfurt in Southern Germany, across the Alps, to Monaco, and then back to Klagenfurt. My segment involved driving approximately 800 km from Interlaken, Switzerland, to the turnaround point in Monaco, a journey completed over two days.

On the morning of the first day, I began by getting behind the wheel of the most powerful current RS model: the RS 6 Avant, equipped with a 4.0-liter V8 twin-turbo engine.

The moment I sat down, I was slightly taken aback by the firm ride, unusual for recentAudis. However, upon closer inspection, the sharp edges of the impacts from the road surface were smoothly rounded, making it far from uncomfortable. Instead, I was able to enjoy the crispness of the suspension, supported by powerful dampers, as I navigated the winding roads.



However, Audi's full-time four-wheel-drive system, "quattro," is exceptionally controllable and forgiving of driver errors. RS models are not just fast; this sense of security, underpinned by advanced technology, is their greatest characteristic.

The Versatile RS 7 Sportback

Next, I test-drove the RS 7 Sportback. While it shares the same engine, gearbox, and all-wheel-drive system as the RS 6 Avant, its driving feel is significantly different. Compared to the RS 6 Avant, its suspension is considerably softer, offering a higher level of comfort.

This makes it suitable not only for high-speed driving but also for everyday tasks like quick shopping trips or commuting. Nevertheless, its composure during hard cornering is unwavering, allowing it to maintain the same pace as the RS 6 Avant on winding roads. Consequently, I felt the RS 7 Sportback has a much wider range of usability than the RS 6 Avant.



In any case, the V8 4.0-liter twin-turbo engine, producing 560 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque, is faultlessly powerful. Moreover, it delivers explosive torque from the low end, and its throttle response is so sharp that there's no hesitation when exiting corners.

In fact, if you truly press the accelerator, you'll experience an overwhelming G-force that feels as if your body is sinking 2 cm into the supple leather sports seats.

Incidentally, both models achieve 0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, placing them among the fastest production cars in the world. While it's understandable that top speed is limited by a governor, the option to raise this limit from 250 km/h to a maximum of 305 km/h is available in Europe, giving you a clear idea of their incredible performance.

The Quick and Compact RS Q3

The next day, I started by taking the wheel of theRS Q3. As the first RS model in the Q line, the RS Q3 is equipped with a transversely mounted inline 5-cylinder 2.5-liter turbo engine and a powertrain that drives all four wheels via an electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch. Its fundamental structure is essentially the same as theTT RS.

However, its maximum output is 310 horsepower, slightly milder than the TT RS's 360 horsepower. Accordingly, the suspension is also more compliant, providing a ride comfort even superior to the RS 7 Sportback.



Nevertheless, as befits the "RS" designation, I found no fault with its cornering performance. Furthermore, it exhibits less of the high center of gravity typical of SUVs, and its compact body allows it to keep pace with the RS 6 Avant on narrow roads, demonstrating impressive speed.

Its electronically controlled hydraulic multi-plate clutch all-wheel-drive system also contributes to less understeer during turn-in compared to the Torsen-based quattro system, making it a highly appealing model, especially considering its accessible price point.






The RS 5 Cabriolet: Enjoying Natural Aspiration and Open-Air Driving
Finally, I test-drove theRS 5 Cabriolet. Its high-revving 4.2-liter V8 naturally aspirated engine produces 450 horsepower at 8,250 rpm, and paired with a 7-speed S tronic transmission, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.9 seconds.

The most captivating aspect of this model is the smooth, linear power delivery characteristic of a naturally aspirated engine. Furthermore, being a convertible, the suspension is not overly stiff, which is a welcome feature. As I enjoyed the Alpine air with the top down, I found myself arriving at the Col de Turini, famous for the Monte Carlo Rally.

From the Col de Turini to Monaco, the route was a descent along winding roads. The width of the roads in this area is extremely narrow, and contemplating the skill and courage of rally drivers who navigate these sections at full speed in powerful rally cars is beyond astonishing; it's simply mind-boggling.



As we neared the foothills, the gradient eased, and the road gradually widened. As the sun began to set, casting a warm glow in the west, the port of Monte Carlo came into view below. I had visited many times before for coverage of the F1 Monaco Grand Prix, but this was my first time reaching it by road from Switzerland. Thinking about it, the lights emanating from the boats bobbing in the harbor seemed to sparkle with exceptional beauty.

Thus, the two-day, 800 km journey came to an end. Reflecting on the experience, what comes to mind are the beautiful Alpine landscapes; I recall no moments of fear or discomfort from the long drive.

This, I believe, is the true strength of quattro and the essence ofAudi'scar manufacturing philosophy.