Audi RS model range to double by 2018

AMG’s rival performance brand, Audi Sport, is set to double its range of RS performance models in the next 18 months, according to the division’s new boss, Stephan Winkelmann.

Audi currently has seven RS models, including the Audi R8 and both hard and soft-top Audi TT models, and a further eight will be launched by early 2018, Winkelmann has revealed.

“There is more to come,” he said. “We have one company, one name and we have a brand. But we will remain exclusive.”

The RS range includes hot versions of the Audi A3, Audi Q3, TT, Audi A6 and Audi A7. That will spread to other models over the next 18 months, but Winkelmann wouldn’t be drawn on which models and when. The Audi A1, Audi A4 and Audi Q5 are likely candidates and a more focused R8 is also a possibility.

The former Lamborghini boss took over the RS brand in February. As part of the development of the business, Quattro, RS, Audi Exclusive and the customer car division of Audi Sport are being rolled into one organisation.

Winkelmann has vowed to develop RS in a different direction from that of AMG, whose sales are soaring.

“We are not going to do what they do,” he said. “We have a lot of plans but are not revealing them yet. It is better to under-promise and over-deliver.”

While AMG has doubled its sales over the past couple of years to 80,000 units, Audi may break through the 20,000-unit level this year. “We will experience double-digit growth this year,” added Winkelmann.

But while AMG is mulling more stand-alone models, Winkelmann is non-committal about adding a second unique RS product. “Let’s see,” he said.

Julian Rendell