Audi is set to welcome two new members to the RS family, swelling the ranks to what it calls an “unprecedented” eight models.
The RS Q3 and RS 7 Sportback will join the TT RS, TT RS Roadster, RS 4 Avant, RS 5 Coupe, RS 5 Cabriolet, and RS 6 Avant.
Audi has set out one clear goal for its RS series: “to deliver breathtaking performance without compromising everyday all-weather usability”.
The RS Q3 will be the first ever Audi SUV to take up the RS badge. It will see the 2013 International Engine of the Year (in the 2.0-litre to 2.5-litre category) under the bonnet, with the 2.5-litre, five-cylinder TFSI engine linked to a seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission.
Able to go from 0-62mph in just 5.5 seconds and with a top speed limited to 155 mph, the RS Q3 will also have the Start-Stop-System to cut down on emissions and improve efficiency. As a result, Audi has said that the vehicle can deliver up to 32.1mpg, producing 206 g/km.
Motorists will be able to change the driving style of the new vehicle to suit them, with alterations possible in the steering weighting and transmission shift points.
For those particularly concerned with style and identification, customers will be able to select a colour exclusive to the RS Q3 – known as Sepang Blue Pearl effect. Furthermore, one of two optional styling packages can be selected, either in matte aluminium or black.
Tech-junkies will also welcome the “infotainment area”, which boasts an MMI navigation plus system, mobile phone preparation with Audi connect, providing internet access via mobile devices.
The Audi RS 7 Sportback, on the other hand, will deliver ferocious power with a twin-turbo V8 engine, as well as the potential to go from 0-62mph in a staggering 3.9 seconds. Able to reach a top speed of 189mph, the vehicle also provides 28.8mpg. However, the speed is limited to just 155mph for standard models, with options available to increase this via the Dynamic and Dynamic plus packages.
Two turbochargers see the RS 7’s 4.0-litre TFSI engine deliver peak power of 560PS between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm, and peak torque of 700 Nm between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm.
Despite all this power and speed, Audi says that RS 7 is able to provide excellent economy for the vehicle type, with the Start-Stop-System contributing to this, as well as the application of innovative thermal management technology.
The engine is also able to switch from four to eight-cylinders in a few hundredths of a second. Drivers can switch between different modes. including ‘Sport’, ‘Manual’ and a standard drive setting.
The Sportback RS 7 will also comes with similar tech-features, including MMI navigation and can be upgraded to feature the web-based systems.
Bang & Olufsen have also provided its audio talents for Audi, with the RS 7 able to see 15 speakers installed into the sound system.
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