Why Americans should import the Audi RS2 in 2019

The 25-year-rule will allow the importation of an Audi classic for the first time. Here's why you should

Autocar

10 December 2018

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One of Germany's greatest ever cars becomes available to import into the US in 2019.

The Audi RS2 went on sale in March 1994, which means Americans can import the car from spring 2019 under the Federal 25-year-old vehicle importation rule, which exempts such cars from pollution and safety requirements. It was only produced until July 1995.

The RS2 was the first Audi to bear the RS badge - but what else is so special about this machine? Read on:
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Arrival

When the Audi RS2 Avant reached British shores in August 1994, Autocar was keen to discover if the fastest-ever estate car at that time had a stronger whiff of Zuffenhausen about it than Ingolstadt, due to its myriad of Porsche components.

Priced at £45,705 even then (around US$71,000 at the time), it was by no means inexpensive. Specially finished Audi 80 estate shells were shipped to Porsche’s Zuffenhausen facility in Stuttgart where they were shoehorned with 2226cc five cylinder 20-valve turbocharged engines, re-worked gearboxes and Porsche 968 Clubsport wheels, tyres and brakes.
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Turbo

Bolted on for good measure was a KKK turbocharger that was 30 per cent larger than on the Audi S2, running 1.4 bar of boost. A six-speed manual transmission delivered power to all four wheels, which had a manually activated locking differential at the rear axle.
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Power

The result was a motor kicking out 315 hp at 6500rpm and 302lb ft of torque at 3000rpm, which enabled the RS2 Avant to sprint from 0-62mph in 5.4sec while romping to its 163mph top speed. By today’s standards, these performance numbers would keep a Porsche 718 Cayman with PDK incredibly honest.
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Faster than a F1

It was also the most remarkable car Autocar figured from 0-30mph. Dispatching the speed in 1.5sec, the RS2 Avant infamously outpaced a McLaren F1 - also launched in 1994 - over the same measurement.
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Grunt

As we said in the road test at the time: “It is a most extraordinary horizon-chaser. It’ll stay with a Ferrari 456 most of the way past the quarter-mile post on to the kilometre, thanks to some spectacular forced induction in-gear increments: 40-60mph in third in 2.8sec, 60-80mph in fourth in 3.6sec, 80-100mph in fifth in 5.1sec and 100-120mph in sixth in 7.7sec.”
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Poise

The downside to this mind-blowing acceleration of its time was the savage turbo boost, with one tester finding its arrival irritating at times and almost too violent in second gear. And what the Audi RS2 Avant had in abundance with grunt, it lacked in handling finesse.
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Handling

“The RS2 still drives like an Audi. On first acquaintance, you might mistake this hybrid for a long-lost relative of the Quattro. The balance is there, the endless grip is there, and there’s an absence of understeer that Quattro drivers would welcome, but there’s no bite. No turn-in so sharp you cut your own rails through corners. But above all, no feel,” said our report.
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Legend

In spite of its flaws, we found the Audi RS2 Avant impossible not to like. It may have lacked the fluid ride and engaging handling of the 2006 B7 RS4, and the fabulous V8 motor of the 2012 RS4 Avant, but over time it has cemented itself as a Quattro GmbH legend.
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Charm

As our road test affirmed: “It has charisma, even if it lacks character. It’ll take you time to adjust to the engine’s turbo lag and the strength of its charge, but you’re unlikely ever to tire of it. No, it’s not a Clubsport, or even a 928. When the roads get interesting, it doesn’t. It is, above all, still an Audi, for better or for worse.”
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Coming to America

And now America can get its hands on it. How much? There's quite a cult following, which has boosted values recently. Even vast mileage ones cost around US$40,000, with good condition lower mileage ones more like US$60,000. Reckon on spending a few thousand more to handle fees for import and other paperwork.

Feel like taking a closer look? You will have to choose carefully - here's what to look out for:
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WHEELS, TYRES AND BODYWORK

Fully galvanised body means rust points to badly repaired crash damage. Bottom door trims are unique and can rot. Bumpers are unique to the RS2 and pricey.

CHASSIS

The bushes wear, as do the top mounts. They’re inexpensive to repair, however. Front dampers are not especially costly.
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TRANSMISSION

Despite its toughened first gear the RS2’s six-speed manual can chip a tooth on its first ratio. A gearbox rebuild will cost around $2000. Clutches are hard wearing and last 150,000 miles if not abused. Forward differentials never fail but the rubber on the centre bearing can perish, leaving the prop to bounce about.

CABIN

Apart from general wear and tear the RS2’s interior is as hard-wearing as you’d expect of any Audi. No real issues to look out for, but do check that all the switches work, particularly those on the electrically adjusted Recaro sports seats.
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ENGINE

The turbocharged five-cylinder is extremely robust. Problems are rare and usually limited to the auxiliaries. Smoke at idle is normal and related to an oil return valve, but it should clear on the move. Cambelts must be changed at 80,000 miles — so check the service schedule to make sure it’s been done. If not, that's a few hundred bucks.

BRAKES

The RS2 came with Porsche’s 968 Club Sport stoppers. They’re strong, but shortly after introduction there was the option of a bigger brake kit from the 993 Turbo. It’s likely the handbrake will be poor. The cable is prone to stretching but it’s a relatively easy fix.
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Still not put off?

At a time when the country has totally fallen out of love with the wagon, there can be few surer ways of saying you're different than importing one of these. You will be rewarded.

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