Autocar - the finest RS model

[jaysrs4]

Be interesting to see what the residuals will be after they've all been contract hired for three years for sure.

[chunky79]

Well, fingers crossed I win the lotto this week. Straight down to my local jag for an F type, xfrs and xjr. Then to the Aston dealership. Think I'd do something I never thought I would a buy an Alfa, the 8c is sex wee inducing. Gotta be a big win.
Suppose I'd better test drive a B7 RS4 too, never been in one, liked my b6 s4 though.

[Mr V10]

Best I can do for the moment. Will try to load the full article with pictures later. Apologies to those who made a wasted visit to the newsagents

LoginRegister. HomeCar reviewsCar newsBlogsVideoUsed carsValuations6 issues £6Driving ExperiencesHistory of the Audi RS - picture special
With Audi’s RS division celebrating its 20th anniversary next year, we take a look back at the German manufacturer’s halo range of performance cars.

The first Audi RS model was released in 1994, with the launch of the RS2 Avant PrevNextTweet Widget

by Autocar
7 December 2013Follow @https://twitter.com/@autocar.Audi’s RS brand has been deeply rooted into the hearts of petrolheads for some time now, having solidified its reputation as equal company for the likes of BMW’s M and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG divisions. But where did it all begin?

After the success of Audi’s S2 coupe and the original ‘C4’-derived S4 saloon from 1991, the German carmaker decided to push the envelope further, when in 1994, Audi’s high performance Quattro GmbH division spawned a new halo performance sub-brand called RS – standing for RennSport, literally translating to ‘racing sport’.

Later that year, Quattro GmbH gave birth to the first two-lettered badge Audi in the form of the RS2 Avant. A brawny variation of the Audi 80 ‘B4’ model, the RS2 Avant (only available in estate form) was co-developed with Porsche; adopting the 993-generation 911’s wheels, fog lights and exterior mirrors and Porsche-designed brakes and suspension.

A highly potent car in its day, the RS2 Avant was powered by a 2.2-litre five cylinder 20-valve turbocharged engine, producing 311bhp and hooked up to a six-speed manual, shooting the car from 0-62mph in 5.4sec and on to a top speed of 163mph. The first RS-badged Audi proved a trendsetter in its day, with room for five adults, luggage and the ability to keep pace with the likes of the Honda NSX and Porsche 993 Carrera.

Fast-forward six years and a new mid-size platform of the ‘B5’ Audi A4 laid the foundations for the next S and RS derivatives, the halo model becoming the RS4 Avant – again only in estate form. The B5 RS4 Avant came propelled with a Cosworth-fettled 2.7-litre V6 twin-turbocharged unit, making 382bhp.

Engine aside, the B5 RS4 was Audi’s own project, having severed its ties with Porsche. The 0-62mph sprint was now dispatched in 4.9sec and the estate would accelerate on to a limited top speed of 155mph. Demand for the B5 RS4 Avant was so high that Audi doubled its production volumes. Production ceased after only a year in 2001, with over 6,000 examples made.

In 2002, Audi unleashed an entirely new model to its RS line-up – the A6-derived RS6 saloon and estate. With a muscular body, aluminium mirror caps and two large oval pipes for the exhaust, both the estate and saloon had an intimidating presence.

Again, Cosworth handled the engine - its 4.2-litre V8 endowed with two turbochargers for good measure, serving up 444bhp. Partnered with Audi’s five-speed tiptronic transmission, it enabled the RS6’s hefty frame to dash from 0-62mph in 4.7sec, while again being reigned in at 155mph. The RS6 plus debuted in 2004, with power increased to 480bhp and speed limited to 174mph. However, the C5 RS6 was plagued by vague steering feel and a heavily-understeering character.

Audi regained form in 2006, when it launched the new RS4 after a long hiatus. Available in saloon, Avant and cabriolet guise, the B7 RS4 variant is still regarded as Quattro GmbH’s ‘sweetspot’ and finest RS model. Drive was supplied by an all-new, high-revving 4.2-litre naturally-aspirated V8, pumping out 414bhp at a heady 7800rpm and mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. Zero to 62mph was taken care of in 4.8sec while (still conforming to the voluntary agreement) being limited to 155mph. De-restricted B7 RS4s were capable of cracking 180mph. After just 18 months Audi brought a premature halt to the B7 production line.

To this day, the beautifully proportioned B7 RS4 is fondly remembered at Autocar for its fluid ride, engaging handling and superb powertrain.

In 2008, the engineers at Neckarsulm went on a power craze, launching the ‘C6’ Audi RS6 with a 572bhp twin-turbocharged 5.0-litre V10, spearheading its BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG rivals in the evident ‘power war’ at that time. Despite a chunky kerb weight of 2025kg the beefy RS6 could still hustle to 62mph in 4.6sec, though even on a combined cycle fuel consumption was poor. Despite possessing very fast acceleration for such a big car, some questioned the integrity of the RS badge – it was refined, almost too civilised and heavier at the front than perhaps was necessary.

The following year and Audi had the Porsche Cayman firmly locked in its crosshairs when it released the TT RS. Possessing a more anabolic appearance and a lower ride height over the standard TT with a large rear spoiler, the TT RS looked a much meaner machine. A 335bhp 2.5-litre five-pot turbocharged engine provided power. In 2012, the TT RS plus was launched, lifting power to 355bhp and removing the top speed limiter, enabling the TT RS plus to hit 174mph. The TT RS was famed for being blindingly quick, unexpectedly economical but with a jarring ride.

With an aim to rekindle some of the B7 RS4 magic, Audi launched the RS5 coupe in 2010. Powered by the same naturally-aspirated 4.2-litre V8 as the B7, but with mild tweaking to increase power to 444bhp with an all-singing 8500rpm redline, it was only available with a seven-speed twin-clutch gearbox. Zero to 62mph was covered in 4.6sec and it had genuine all-weather performance. However, it lacked just a touch of engagement and still felt weighty.

That same year, the Audi RS3 was hastened into production. With the TT RS’ 2.5-litre five-pot turbocharged engine shoehorned into the bonnet and mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox, the RS3 proved to be a more than capable performance hatchback. Despite the engine character, everyday usability and practicality, the RS3’s dynamic prowess was dampened by its inert steering and lack of chassis finesse.

In 2012, Quattro GmBH reverted back to its traditional format for the new RS4, launching it in estate form only. The styling was turned up a notch, with steroidal wheel arches, triangular air intakes on the front fascia and large oval-tipped exhausts at the rear, which added up to a wonderfully macho-looking car. It utilised the same 4.2-litre V8 444bhp motor from the RS5 with 0-62mph covered in 4.7sec while being limited to 155mph. An optional extra would allow this to be stretched to 174mph.

That year also saw the debut of the C7 RS6, with Audi retiring its predecessor’s mighty V10 powerplant in favour of a downsized 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 making 553bhp. Even with the reduced engine capacity, the new RS6 remains quicker than its predecessor – rattling off the 0-62mph sprint in a staggering 3.9sec and passing the quarter-mile mark just three-tenths slower than a Porsche 997 GT2.

With Audi launching an all-new model in the form of the RS7 this year and confirming the Q1 will go into production in 2016, as well as Quattro GmbH readying a high performance version of its A1 hatchback, can the performance division once again return to the dizzying heights of its B7 RS4 with its future models?

Aaron Smith

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Format makes it difficult to read.

First few paragraphs about the RS 2 being a quattro GmbH product were all wrong, that's where I stopped reading.

The B7 RS 4 the best RS of all time?

Looks
Noise
Arches
Handling
Manual

I can see why, and reckon I would agree after driving one.

Chunky - I've always said I would have an 8C after a lotto win, too.

[jaysrs4]

If you can find an 8C! 500 for the Competizione and 500 for the Spider I believe.

If I'd managed to bag one, I wouldn't be letting go that's for sure.

[PetrolDave]

Suppose I'd better test drive a B7 RS4 too, never been in one, liked my b6 s4 though.

If you liked your B6 S4 then you'll love a B7 RS4 - I had 2 B6 S4's which kept me happy for 6 months or so and then just got "boring", but I've had my B7 RS4 for over 7 years now and still love every moment driving it. I'm going to keep my B7 RS4 until it's all rust

[chunky79]

Suppose I'd better test drive a B7 RS4 too, never been in one, liked my b6 s4 though.

If you liked your B6 S4 then you'll love a B7 RS4 - I had 2 B6 S4's which kept me happy for 6 months or so and then just got "boring", but I've had my B7 RS4 for over 7 years now and still love every moment driving it. I'm going to keep my B7 RS4 until it's all rust

Problem is, I've got used to the power in the RS6. The s4 had plenty of grunt but nothing compared to the rs6. I bet a charged rs4 is just amazing though. The sound from a sorted rs4 is something else I must admit.

[chunky79]

If you can find an 8C! 500 for the Competizione and 500 for the Spider I believe.

If I'd managed to bag one, I wouldn't be letting go that's for sure.

I would get the father in law to source one, he is well in with Alfa. He's had around 6 new motors from them in the last 9 years and had LOADS of issues (no suprise there) they bend over backwards to help him out now cause he's very good at moaning

[Graeme4130]

If you can find an 8C! 500 for the Competizione and 500 for the Spider I believe.

If I'd managed to bag one, I wouldn't be letting go that's for sure.

I would get the father in law to source one, he is well in with Alfa. He's had around 6 new motors from them in the last 9 years and had LOADS of issues (no suprise there) they bend over backwards to help him out now cause he's very good at moaning

There's a couple for sale on piston heads
Lovely looking car, but don't think they'll hold value past 5yrs
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/ ... a-romeo/8c

[jaysrs4]

Damn they are just so beautiful.

[Graeme4130]

Damn they are just so beautiful.

There was a customer car in the new Alfa dealer in Swindon for a while.
It was a stunning looking car and loads of nice little finish details. Probably much better to look at than drive though

[Rick_RS4]

the rs5 is boring to look at too, just looking at a black one now and I didn't even get a twitch,

You gotta be ghey, the RS5 is schexy. What happens down stairs when you look at an R8 or Jag F type?

the first time i saw a f type i was a wet mess, id loveone but depreciation will be a killer, an R8 will most probably be my next car when the v10s are a bit more reasonable,

the rs5 series are nice but not worth the extra cash to change to one

[TimDogg]

Thanks nial335 - Petroldave I'm with you. My RS4 will be a small pile of rusted steel and bits of aluminium being blown away in the wind before I buy another performance car - To replace it, obviously - I'd by a 458 but just keep the RS

[sakimano]

i
RS 5 is not an avant and is 2nd in looks only to the R8 (obviously I'm biased just like the B7 community ).

the updated RS5 kills anything currently sold by audi, r8 in the looks department.

[Nickyboy]

If you can find an 8C! 500 for the Competizione and 500 for the Spider I believe.

If I'd managed to bag one, I wouldn't be letting go that's for sure.

I would get the father in law to source one, he is well in with Alfa. He's had around 6 new motors from them in the last 9 years and had LOADS of issues (no suprise there) they bend over backwards to help him out now cause he's very good at moaning

There's a couple for sale on piston heads
Lovely looking car, but don't think they'll hold value past 5yrs
http://www.pistonheads.com/classifieds/ ... a-romeo/8c

I really wouldn't buy one at those prices. 2nd hand Ferrari for me if I was spending that money.

[Dave7]

I'd have an m4 over an rs5 personally as it'll be a much more engaging machine.
It looks good I admit but it does get slated with regards to its dull chassis compared to the b7.
I also think a pumped up estate car is cooler... If I can use that term at 37!

Interesting you like the 8c. Isnt it supposed to be awful to drive / dynamically flawed?

If Money were no object I'd have a new model Range Rover, my b7 avant and a 991 gT3.

I think that's the perfect 3 car combo!