Audi: No RS For SUVs
Tech boss rules out RS versions of Q5 or Q7
Audi will not make RS versions of its Q5 and Q7 SUVs, says Audi's technical boss, Stephan Reil.
According to Italian blog site autoblog.it Reil said that only "when it is technically possible" will RS models be developed, and that RS Audis will remain the "maximum expression of performance and driving dynamics".
It's essentially a (not-so) veiled swipe at the BMW X5M and X6M and AMG Mercedes SUVs. 'We can build a fast SUV,' Audi is saying (metaphorically pointing at the 500hp, 738lb ft Q7 V12 TDI), 'but that doesn't make it worthy of an RS badge'.
Audi's Q5 Custom Concept (pictured) from last year's Worthersee Tour was fitted with a 3.0 TFSI V6 delivering 402bhp and was thought to have been a precursor to a future Q5 RS variant.
Audi's model hierarchy goes S > RS > R
S models are just tarted up humdrum models
RS are the tarted up humdrum models taken to their full potential
R models are pure bred for performance from conception
I can't stand these over engined barges, give me a LM002 with two 7.2litre powerboat engines, one at each end, any day, at least you participate…
What they do with these cars is blunt. Sticking a fat engine in a barge and then restricting it with electronic everything control gizmos is about the most neutered form of driving you can get. I’d rather drive a 2CV, it would be more fun.
P.S. all X6’s should be crushed. The most disgusting excuse for a car ever, its worse than the AMC Pacer, at least you can rock it that!
Or would that damage brand thingy when the A7, S version comes out?
Also same for the smaller Q5, S version, there already being an S5, which is not THE S5, or an RS5, which is not THE RS5?
De-values the RS/AMG/M badges to have them on ported onto large 4x4's/SUV's. Good call from Audi - although, let's see how long they stick to their statement....
De-values the RS/AMG/M badges to have them on ported onto large 4x4's/SUV's. Good call from Audi - although, let's see how long they stick to their statement....
Peeps who buy them - seem to think they're cool or something?!
However, that does not prevent me from laughing at this vainglorious pronouncement. Does he think the RS6 and RS5 are fabulous dynamic successes? Powerful and fast in a straight line, certainly, but they haven't exactly got the testers excited. Perhaps he should spend more time trying to understand what makes the non-SUV M models (and the XFR) tick, before he even thinks about producing an RS model of the hideously vulgar Q7.
Audi already make 2 tonne plus 4x4 estates with the RS badge so not a big jump up from that now is it..
Which ones would they be?
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