Should Audi Rethink How They Position Their RS Models and Follow the Porsche Philosophy?

RS modelsPorsche and Audi offer RS models. Both companies are under the Volkswagen umbrella. They both have a long and distinguished motorsports history. But the top-shelf RS models from each brand take drastically different approaches. The Audi RS models are extremely quick and powerful. They are wonderful cars that many people aspire to own. We love them here at Audi World. But RS means racing sport. RACING. Look at the Porsche RS models. The GT4 RS and the 911 GT3 RS. These are essentially race cars. The 911 GT3 RS has a drag reduction system borrowed from F1 for Pete’s sake. These cars are raw and wonderful and probably a bit too extreme to work as daily drivers.

The Audi RS models are different. First of all, there are a lot of them. RS 3, RS 5, RS 6, RS 7, RS e-tron GT, and RS Q8. They are powerful and quick, but none of these can be considered hardcore track weapons. Audi is not Porsche. They have different missions, and price points. But they do have a lot in common. And should Audi borrow the Porsche philosophy when it comes to producing RS models? Perhaps. You can’t argue with the market. Look at the prices of any Porsche RS in history. They are depreciation proof. And in fact, are typically worth well more years later than when they were new. The Audi RS models are desirable but don’t have that kind of market. I was offered an allocation on a new 911 GT3 RS, for $200,000 OVER sticker. No Audi commands that.

Audi GTS Models

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Audi RS5 Destroys Lexus IS500 In Drag and Roll Race

Audi RS5Audi RS5 Coupe is a quick car. Audi claims it can hit 60 mph from a dig in 3.7 seconds. It is also a beautiful car. Especially when it is covered in Sonoma Green Metallic paint. Which is almost the same color as money. And money is exactly what you will win if you drag race your RS5 against a Lexus IS500. The IS500 is no slouch. In fact, on paper it has even more power than the Audi. But the Audi makes more torque. They both weigh about the same and they both use an 8-speed automatic transmission. But the Audi is all-wheel-drive, and the Lexus sends all the power to the rear wheels. Does that fully explain the results we see here or is the Audi more powerful than we think?

Sam CarLegion recently posted a video to his YouTube channel. And in this video has races an Audi RS5 Coupe against a Lexus IS500 from both a dig and a roll. The cars may be evenly matched on paper but in the real world the Audi decimates the Lexus in every race. Is it all down to the AWD system in the Audi or is there something else going on here?

Audi RS5

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