Where did the Audi Sport story begin?
Those of a certain age will immediately put the words ‘Audi’, ‘Motorsport’ and ‘Word Rally’ together. With the introduction
of the revolutionary quattro all-wheel-drive technology in the early 80s came a run of victories that will never be
forgotten, however the first ‘RS’ model for the road – the RS 2 Avant was not launched until 1994. Since then, the RS badge
has been reserved for models that combine supercar performance with everyday practicality. The RS range incorporates
some of the most exclusive, dynamic and sporty models for the ultimate in luxury driving.
Why do brands like Audi participate in motor racing?
It’s a strong sign that Audi Sport has become a brand in its own right, which not only stands for success in motorsport,
but that the technologies which helped bring such success on track filters down into our sporty production vehicles as
well. The technology transfer between race and road cars has never been closer, Audi have won Le Mans 13 times
since 2000 with TFSI, TDI and hybrid power units. Technologies such as Matrix-Beam LED headlights, Audi
Laser Light and Ultra are now seen on Audi road cars and motorsport was the testing ground for every one of them. Many of
the inventions that were initially reserved to motorsport now improve performance, efficiency and safety on the road.
How is the Audi Sport range made up?
Virtually every model in the Audi range either has an ‘S’ or ‘RS’ version in its line-up. We start with the S1, which is
hugely fun car, with 231PS, a manual gearbox and quattro all-wheel-drive, it impresses immediately. Six further ‘S’ models
all the way up to S8 complete the line-up. There are also currently five RS cars: RS 3, RS 6, RS 7, RS Q3 and R8 with a new
RS 4 due out in the next 12 months as a Saloon and Avant.
So, where do we start with the current RS range?
Power wise we start with the RS Q3, with 340PS and a 0-60 time of 4.8 seconds. We then progress to the RS 3
Sportback, released last year. At Listers we love this car; the sound of engine even just ticking over is sublime! It’s full of
character and when you pull away there is so much torque instantly available.
And then we start to get into the really exotic stuff!
The standard RS 6 and RS 7 both produce 560PS with the recently added performance editions taking that
figure up to 605PS. These are truly stunning cars, the grip they generate is quite astounding and they reel in the
horizon at an unhinged rate of knots. All this power is combined with a huge spec lists: 20” alloys, heated electric seats; full
LED headlights; a head-up display; sat-nav; BOSE 14-speaker sound system; parking sensors; a reversing camera; electric
sunroof; and four-zone climate control, to name but a few!
And finally we get to the new R8.
Well the big news is there is no longer a V8 option, just V10 and V10 Plus, which sits at the top of the current two car
line-up. Power starts at 540PS and rises to 610PS-genuine supercar territory. Audi have confirmed a Spyder will be
coming later in 2016. 62mph is dealt with in just 3.2 seconds in the V10 Plus, whilst you always have the reassurance of
quattro all-wheel-drive in both cars which delivers all that power to the wheels via a 7-speed twin-clutch gearbox.
But Listers don’t just sell new cars?
No, we have nearly 50 Approved Used ‘S’ and ‘RS’ Audi’s in stock as well, starting from less than £22,000. Approved
Used means customers can expect their car to have passed history and mileage checks as well as 145 mechanical,
interior and exterior ones. If parts need to be replaced, only Audi Original parts are used. It will also come with a 12
month warranty and 30 day/1,000 miles exchange plan, which means in the unlikely event of a demonstrable fault occurring
within that time period we will offer you an exchange.
The full list of all new and Approved Used Audi RS models can be found at
www.listers.co.uk/audi. Call 01905 421 000 or email [email protected] for more information
regarding test drives, vehicle valuations and the very latest finance offers.