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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 model with the same number (e.g S4/RS4 is based on the A4), but the "Ur-S4" from '91-94 was based on the Audi 100/200 later named A6 and the first S2/RS2 generation from '90-95 was based on the Audi 80/90 platform later replaced by the A4.

S models

Numerous "S" models, from most of Audi's mainstream model ranges have been produced over the years. These cars are recognisable by their "S*" badges, and vertical emphasis lines on their front grilles.

All Audi "S" models are equipped with Audi's 'trademark' quattro four-wheel drive system as standard. Unique internal combustion engines, along with larger, more powerful brakes, stiffer suspension systems, additional exterior body styling, and carbon fibre interior trims set them apart from their related "siblings" of their respective model range.

In the past, some Audi S models competed directly with BMW M and Mercedes-AMG models, such as the B6 Audi S4 4.2 FSI versus the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG. Since 2010 however, Audi S models have been positioned more as optional engine trims. For instance the base Audi A4 (B8) engine is the 2.0 TFSI turbo four-cylinder, and with the discontinuation of the 3.2 FSI V6, that makes the Audi S4's 3.0 TSFI V6 the performance option (the B8 Audi S4 3.0 TSFI positioned closer to the E90 BMW 335i than the BMW M3). The Audi A6 (C7) no longer has a V8 engine upgrade in the non-S range, with the discontinuation of the C6 Audi A6 4.2 FSI that was offered from 2004–11, one must go to the C7 Audi S6 4.0 TFSI.

Audi "S" models should not be confused with the Audi "S line" models, which feature leather trim, S-line badging, sports steering wheel and sports suspension.

RS models

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 Template:Lang-de - literally translated as "racing sport".

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. The Audi RS6 5.0 TFSI quattro, for instance, is more powerful than the physically larger Audi S8 5.2 FSI quattro.

Available for limited time and only in select markets, on a restricted model range, these "RS" models are wholly designed, developed and produced in-house by Audi AG's high performance private subsidiary company, quattro GmbH, at its Neckarsulm factory.

Unlike Audi "S" models whose interiors 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 RS4 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.

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 RS5 competes directly with the BMW M3 whereas the Audi S5 competes with the BMW 335i, while the Audi RS6 competes with the BMW M5 and the Audi S6 competes with the BMW 550i. However the Audi RS6 (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.

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".

Model range

The following Audi "S" and "RS" high performance models are being, or have been produced, or are speculated to be in future production:

Current models

(In model range order)

Former models

(In chronological order of production end - oldest first)

Future models

Audi S line

Audi produce a specification of optional sports trim packages to their mainstream models, known as the S line. This is merely a trim specification which allows customers to effect a sporty appearance in their mainstream Audi model. Whilst the specific S line trim parts are designed and produced by quattro GmbH at its Neckarsulm factory, these mainstream cars are still manufactured and assembled by AUDI AG at their relevant factories on the same production lines alongside their other standard models.

Cars with S line trim are not to be confused with the specific high performance offerings - the "S" models (made by AUDI AG), and the "RS" models (made by quattro GmbH); Audi cars with S line trim bear identical performance figures to their counterparts with base or SE trim levels.

See also

• Audi Ur-S4 / Ur-S6
• Audi S2
• Audi RS2
• Audi S3
• Audi S4
• Audi RS4
• Audi S6
• Audi RS6
• Audi S8
• Audi R8

References

1. ^ Audi of America Press Site 25 Years of Audi Quattro 22 February 2005
2. quattro GmbH - Investor Relations for Audi AG
3. "RS 5 Coupé < A5 < Models < Audi UK". Audi.co.uk. Archived from the original on 8 November 2010. Retrieved 2010-11-25. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
4. http://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/scoop/hot-220bhp-audi-s1-supermini-breaks-cover

External links

• Audi international - Audi S and RS models - full model range from Audi MediaServices Template:En icon & Template:De icon
• Audi UK - RS models
• Audi S models microsite Template:En icon & Template:De icon

v t e Audi
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Defunct brands	Auto Union DKW Horch (original) NSU Wanderer
Museums	August Horch Museum Zwickau museum mobile
Current models	Cars A1 A3 A5 A6 A6 e-tron A7 A8 e-tron GT SUVs/Crossovers Q2 Q3 Q4 e-tron Q5 Q5 e-tron Q6 Q6 e-tron Q7 Q8 Q8 e-tron
Audi Sport	Audi S: S3 Sportback/Sedan S5 Sedan/Avant S6 Sedan/Avant S6 e-tron Sedan/Avant S7 Sportback S8 SQ2 SQ5 SQ7 SQ8 e-tron S Audi RS: RS3 Sportback/Sedan RS6 Avant RS7 Sportback RS Q3 RS Q8 RS e-tron GT
Historic and discontinued models	Front 920 F103 50 80/90/4000/5+5 Quattro (Ur-Quattro) Coupé 4000CS quattro 100/200/5000 100 Coupé S S2 S4 Sedan/Avant RS2 Avant RS4 Avant RS5 Coupe/Sportback V8 A2 A4 Cabriolet S1 TT Coupe/Roadster R8 Coupe/Spider
Motorsport	Cars Rally cars: Quattro A1 & A2 Sport Quattro S1 Sport Quattro S1 E2 Sport Quattro RS 002 RS Q e-tron LMP road race cars: R8R R8C R8 R10 TDI R15 TDI R18 LMS/GT road race cars: R8 LMS (R16) DTM race cars: Abt-Audi TT-R DTM A4 DTM A5/RS5 DTM RS5 Turbo DTM Formula cars (engine suppliers): FPA FIA F2 Sport ABT (Formula E) Rallycross cars: S1 EKS RX quattro Series Audi R8 LMS Cup Audi Sport TT Cup
Concept cars	80 100 LS Cabriolet Asso Di Piche Auto 2000 Quartz B12 80 Avus quattro Quattro Spider ASF AI2 Rosemeyer Steppenwolf Avantissimo Nuvolari quattro Le Mans quattro quattro Concept RSQ Pikes Peak quattro Roadjet Shooting Brake R8 Le Mans Concept e-tron (2009) e-tron (2010) A1 e-tron e-tron Spyder A2 (2011) TT Offroad Prologue Prologue Allroad Q8 (2017) e-tron Sportback Pop.Up Next PB18 e-tron e-tron Vision Gran Turismo e-tron GT (2018) Q4 e-tron AI:ME AI:TRAIL Audi RSQ e-tron A6 e-tron concept
See also	August Horch (founder) Audi Channel Audi Cup Audi Driving Experience Audi in Formula One Audi S and RS models Audi Sport Factory Race Cars Audi vehicles hybrid MLP MMI multitronic North American Volkswagen engines procon-ten quattro (four-wheel-drive system) S tronic Volkswagen Group diesel engines discontinued Volkswagen Group petrol engines discontinued Volkswagen Group factories Volkswagen Group platforms Vorsprung durch Technik World-Wide Volkswagen Corp. v. Woodson
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