The Audi RS 2 Avant is a vehicle that’s revered by car enthusiasts around the world. This high-performance wagon was produced in the mid-1990s and is still considered one of the most iconic vehicles of its era. But how did this unique vehicle come to be? The answer lies in a collaboration between two of the world’s most prestigious automakers: Audi and Porsche.
The Genesis of the RS 2 Avant
The story of the Audi RS 2 Avant begins in the early 1990s. At that time, Audi was looking to expand its performance lineup and create a vehicle that would compete with the likes of BMW’s M5 and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG models. However, the company faced a number of challenges in developing a high-performance vehicle that would meet its rigorous standards.
It was at this point that Audi turned to Porsche for help. The two companies had a longstanding relationship, with Porsche having worked on a number of Audi vehicles in the past. The goal was to create a vehicle that combined Audi’s engineering expertise with Porsche’s performance credentials.
The RS 2 Avant was unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in 1994, and it was an instant hit. The vehicle’s sleek design, advanced features, and high-performance capabilities were all highly praised by critics and enthusiasts alike. It quickly became one of the most desirable vehicles of its time and helped to establish Audi as a serious player in the high-performance market. In fact, the RS 2 Avant is still considered one of the most important vehicles in Audi’s history, and it continues to influence the company’s performance vehicles to this day.
The Collaboration with Porsche
The collaboration between Audi and Porsche was extensive. Porsche was tasked with designing the engine, transmission, and suspension for the vehicle, while Audi handled the body and interior. The result was a vehicle that combined Audi’s practicality and versatility with Porsche’s performance capabilities.
The engine that Porsche developed for the RS 2 Avant was a turbocharged five-cylinder unit that produced 311 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant improvement over Audi’s existing performance lineup and helped the RS 2 Avant stand out in a crowded market.
The suspension system that Porsche developed for the RS 2 Avant was also a significant improvement over Audi’s standard setup. It featured stiffer springs, more aggressive dampers, and larger anti-roll bars, which gave the vehicle a more dynamic driving experience. The brakes were also upgraded, with larger discs and four-piston calipers that provided improved stopping power.
The collaboration between Audi and Porsche was a success, and it helped to establish the RS 2 Avant as a game-changing vehicle. The car’s combination of practicality and performance was unlike anything else on the market at the time, and it set a new standard for what a high-performance wagon could be. Today, the RS 2 Avant remains a highly coveted vehicle, with enthusiasts and collectors alike vying for a chance to own one of these iconic machines.
The Impact of the RS 2 Avant
The Audi RS 2 Avant was a critical and commercial success. The vehicle’s high-performance capabilities and distinctive design made it an instant classic. It also helped to establish Audi as a serious player in the performance vehicle market, paving the way for future models like the RS 4 and RS 6.
Today, the RS 2 Avant is considered one of the most iconic vehicles of its era. It’s highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts, with prices for well-maintained examples reaching six figures.
The RS 2 Avant’s performance credentials were impressive for its time. It could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds and had a top speed of 163 mph. These figures were made possible by the car’s advanced technologies, including a Torsen differential and anti-lock brakes. The vehicle also featured a sport-tuned suspension, which gave it precise handling and excellent road-holding capabilities.
In addition to its performance capabilities, the RS 2 Avant also had a unique and eye-catching design. It was available in a striking shade of blue, which was complemented by silver mirrors and accents. The vehicle’s front and rear bumpers were also more aggressive than those of the standard Audi 80 Avant, giving the car a more muscular appearance. The RS 2 Avant was a vehicle that looked as good as it performed, and it helped to establish a new benchmark for performance wagons.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How many RS 2 Avants were produced?
A total of 2,908 RS 2 Avants were produced between 1994 and 1995, with only around 180 of those being sold in the United States. This limited production run has made the RS 2 Avant an even more exclusive and sought-after vehicle. Its rarity and unique blend of performance, style, and practicality have cemented its status as a true automotive icon. Despite its limited production, the RS 2 Avant has had a lasting impact on the automotive industry and continues to be celebrated by enthusiasts and collectors around the world.
Q: How fast is the RS 2 Avant?
The RS 2 Avant was a true performance machine, and its impressive performance figures reflect that. With a top speed of 163 miles per hour and the ability to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, it was one of the fastest wagons of its time. This level of performance was achieved through a combination of Audi’s engineering expertise and Porsche’s performance credentials. The result was a vehicle that was not only practical and versatile but also incredibly thrilling to drive. The RS 2 Avant set a new standard for high-performance wagons and helped pave the way for future Audi RS models.
Q: What makes the RS 2 Avant so special?
The RS 2 Avant’s unique combination of features sets it apart from other vehicles of its time. Its practicality and versatility make it a practical family car, while its performance capabilities ensure a thrilling driving experience. The collaboration between Audi and Porsche was instrumental in creating a vehicle that stood out in a crowded market, with Porsche’s expertise in high-performance engineering and Audi’s reputation for quality and reliability. The RS 2 Avant’s rarity and iconic status have helped to cement its place in automotive history, making it a must-have for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Q: What kind of technology does the RS 2 Avant feature?
A: The RS 2 Avant features a number of advanced technologies for its time, including anti-lock brakes, a Torsen differential, and a six-speed manual transmission. These technologies helped to improve the vehicle’s handling and overall performance.
Q: What impact did the RS 2 Avant have on Audi’s performance lineup?
The RS 2 Avant was a game-changer for Audi’s performance lineup. It helped to establish the brand as a serious competitor to BMW’s M and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG models. The success of the RS 2 Avant paved the way for future high-performance Audi models, including the RS 4, RS 6, and R8.
Q: How much horsepower does an Audi RS2 Avant have?
The Audi RS2 Avant is powered by a 2.2-liter, turbocharged, five-cylinder engine that produces 311 horsepower and 302 pound-feet of torque. This engine was developed in collaboration with Porsche and is based on the unit used in the Porsche 968. The RS2 Avant was one of the most powerful wagons of its time, and its performance capabilities were further enhanced by its Quattro all-wheel-drive system and sport-tuned suspension. The combination of power, handling, and versatility made the RS2 Avant a highly desirable vehicle that continues to be sought after by collectors and enthusiasts alike.
Q: Which Audi is better, RS or S?
The answer to this question largely depends on individual preferences and priorities. Both the RS and S models are high-performance variants of Audi’s regular lineup, but there are some differences between the two. RS models are typically more powerful, with a greater emphasis on track-oriented performance, while S models are generally more focused on everyday drivability and comfort. RS models also tend to be more expensive than their S counterparts due to their more extensive performance upgrades. Ultimately, the decision between an RS or S model comes down to personal preferences and how the vehicle will be used.
Final words:
Lastly, the Audi RS 2 Avant was a revolutionary vehicle that had a significant impact on the automotive industry. The collaboration between Audi and Porsche resulted in a vehicle that combined Audi’s practicality and versatility with Porsche’s high-performance capabilities. This groundbreaking collaboration not only resulted in a vehicle that helped Audi establish itself as a major player in the performance market, but it also set a new standard for high-performance wagons.
Today, the RS 2 Avant remains an iconic vehicle that continues to be highly sought after by enthusiasts and collectors. Its unique blend of practicality, performance, and style has inspired a new generation of performance wagons, and its influence can be seen in many of Audi’s current high-performance models.
The RS 2 Avant is a testament to the power of collaboration, innovation, and design. It is a true automotive icon that will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.