Friday 14th December 2012

Even more Audi RSs coming in 2013

RS range will be bulked up with the arrival of four new models next year

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Audi is planning to release four new RS models in the new year. And while we already know about the first two – the RS5 Cabriolet and RS6 Avant have both already broken cover – the others have yet to be revealed.

Nothing’s been confirmed as yet but, as has been reported by our colleagues over atAutocar, the two new models are likely to be RS versions of the A7 saloon and Q3 soft-roader.

New RS6's V8 will power the RS7 too

The RS7 is widely predicted to be coming first, with a debut as early as next month’s Detroit show mooted. It’ll offer the same 552hp 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 as the RS6, matched to the obligatory quattro drivetrain. Its arrival suggests that there’ll be no RS6 saloon, as such a model would largely be going after the same customers.

The RS Q3, the last of the new batch of RSs, will be the first Audi SUV to the badge. A clear indication of the way this model will look was given by the RS Q3 Concept (above) that was exhibited at this year’s Beijing show. Whether it’ll still retain the concept’s TT-sourced 2.5-litre turbo, with its 360hp power output, remains to be seen – but that looks like the most likely outcome at the moment. The RS Q3 won’t pave the way for larger SUV-based RSs, though, if Audi’s statement onthe matter two years ago is still to be believed. Phew.

[Oz83]

"SUV-based RS"

oh dear...

[housen]

i love this rs qrs3 or whatever just think its proportions are fantastic

[rb5er]

Oh dear

[Timbola]

Monstrous grills.

Looks fugly.

[Hellbound]

The impact of these performance brands will become ever more diluted as manufacturers continue to diversify their range and globalize their appeal.

Expect bucket loads of criticism on here as a result. I think the only people who will truly understand what the RS or M brands mean are those who have actually driven them.

[AlpinaB5s]

In before the idiots:

RS Brand dilution, blah blah blah

BMW M division blah blah blah

[tyrrell]

Im sure they will look lovely but be a bit dull to drive as always.

[cocopop]

AlpinaB5s said:

In before the idiots:

RS Brand dilution, blah blah blah

BMW M division blah blah blah

You nearly made it.

[Scuffers]

only bit that ticks me off is no saloons

[glm1977]

RS1 would make more sense surely!

espcially as they have the proof of concept in the A1 quattro

[David87]

I'm fine with the RS7, RS6 and RS5 Cabriolet, but the RSQ3 is a step too far for me. They don't even make an SQ3 yet, do they?

[b14]

What does the RS brand stand for anyway? Is it just me that remembers that the only true great RS car was the B7 RS4?

[WheresMyCar]

I drove the S3 when it came out and agree the drive was scarily numb in terms of feedback, but I've never driven an RS variant of any of the range. Has anyone that has actually driven one confirm one way or the other as to how the RSs steer? Are they really as bad?

[Sampaio]

glm1977 said:

RS1 would make more sense surely!

espcially as they have the proof of concept in the A1 quattro

You're right, I was expecting that as well... but an RS7 sounds pretty nice too, and then the "four-dour-coupe-super-saloon" german trio will be complete (that new M6GC would probably be my pick)

[Hellbound]

cocopop said:

AlpinaB5s said:

In before the idiots:

RS Brand dilution, blah blah blah

BMW M division blah blah blah

You nearly made it.

Just to clarify my point, I was talking about the impact of the brand image. Doesn't take a genius to understand that something which appears ubiquitous will have less of an impact than something rarer (rarer things being more coveted) and seldom seen.

[RacerMike]

Is it just me or.......?



Maybe my mind is in the gutter more than Audi's designers....

Edited by RacerMike on Friday 14th December 12:48

[JaguarsportXJR]

I miss the olden days when a new Audi RS was a big deal.

Also, "Performance SUV" or whatever they're calling it? Please, just go away.

[Antj]

love the way Audi dumbed down the RS brand and now just a regular model, remember the old rule of only 1 RS model on release at any one time to make them special.

[TEKNOPUG]

RacerMike said:

Is it just me or.......?



Maybe my mind is in the gutter more than Audi's designers....

Edited by RacerMike on Friday 14th December 12:48

lol

Why is their idea of selling their new, awesome V8 motors, to show a picture of a plastic engine cover

I'm more interested in what is underneath!

[E30Addict]

b14 said:

What does the RS brand stand for anyway? Is it just me that remembers that the only true great RS car was the B7 RS4?

Not forgetting the RS2.