With the launch of the RS6 and facelifted RS5 rounding off Audi's refreshed product line up just in time for the new decade, the marque's attention can turn to reflecting on its past. The succinctly named 'Anniversary package 25 years of RS' does just that, marking a quarter of a century of pace-setting Audis with a special selection of trim options.
Available now to order for the TT RS Coupe, RS4 Avant, RS5 Coupe and Sportback, RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback, the 25 year pack includes several elements which hark back to the original game-changing RS car: the RS2. To that end it features Nogaro Blue paint, of course, although Mythos Black, Nardo Grey, and Glacier White are also available for people who insist on their Audi blending in in the multi-storey .
Elsewhere, the front lip, air intakes, side sill inlays and rear diffuser of the RS4, 5, 6 and 7 all feature matt aluminium details and the TT RS Coupe receives a gloss black rear wing. All cars in the range come with gloss black door mirrors, Audi badges and RS logos, as well as a unique set of silver and gloss anthracite wheels with '25'-branded centre caps. Completing the package is an exclusive RS anniversary-themed puddle lamp, which projects the same logo found on the wheels on to the ground when the doors are opened.
The interior is also said to be inspired by the RS2, in that it is "dominated by the colour black," with blue Alcantara accents on the floor mats and the steering wheel. The TT RS, RS4 and RS5 also feature racy RS seats which sport an RS2-aping honeycomb pattern combining Nappa leather with Alcantara. For the RS6 and 7, the seat upholstery is crafted from a more grown-up perforated Valcona leather, through which a "blueish contrast" can be seen and cooling ventilation can blow. Again, the "25 years" logo is prevalent, appearing on the shoulder of the seats, floor mats, and door trim panels.
Speaking of the new offering, Oliver Hoffmann, Audi Sport's MD, said: "All our RS models are strong characters. The RS2 Avant from 1994 already represented our philosophy of a strong performance, individuality, and full everyday usability. This is the basis of our success story. For our anniversary package, we placed the focus on individuality. The exterior and interior make reference to our first RS model, the RS2 Avant." Enlightening and enthusiastic words from him, there.
Audi says that customers in Germany "and other European countries" can order the Anniversary package now, with prices starting at €9,350 for the TT RS Coupe, €10,900 for the RS4 Avant, RS 5 Coupe and RS5 Sportback, and €14,500 for the RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback. We're sure there'll be plenty of enthusiasts keen to mark the birth of Audi's RS division with badges, puddle lamps and centre caps but, to be honest, we were sold at Nogaro Blue.
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