To mark the 30th anniversary of its high-performance division Quattro GmbH (founded in October 1983), Audi will launch four new RS models this year, while also promising that future RS cars will be brought to market more quickly.
The four new RS models that will launch this year are the RS6 Avant, RS7 Sportback, RS5 Cabriolet (all made at Quattro’s Neckarsulm facility) and RS Q3, the first SUV to be turned into an RS model. These new four cars will basically double Quattro’s range of RS models.
Until recently, Audi’s strategy was to offer only one RS model at any time to boost sales of a range approaching the end of its life. However, now it is pushing RS as a sub-brand, increasing its range of models. RS fans can rejoice now, as there’s some good news coming their way.
“RS models in the past were delivered in the second half of a car’s production cycle, but now we have shortened the development time so we can bring them even closer to the main launch,” said Axel Strobek, the Audi board member for finance and organization.
“It means that in future we will bring out our cars no later than two-and-a-half years after the start of the main model production,” said Stephan Reil, the head of development for Quattro GmbH. “In the past customers used to have to wait four or five years for new RS models. Who keeps a car like this for five years?”
This is good news indeed for RS enthusiasts, although we were expecting something a bit more special for Quattro GmbH’s 30th anniversary. Something like announcing the Quattro Concept will be built, even in very small numbers. But that car was not meant to be, apparently…
By Dan Mihalascu
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