Audi has long been associated with German precision engineering for decades and it goes beyond making fast powerful vehicles. Sleek and stylistic without compromising power, Audi is a vehicle of choice for those looking to push beyond speed.
While an Audi can come in different shapes and sizes, their sports cars best represent the brand. Since the introduction of Quattro in the 80s, Audi hasn't slowed down in making aesthetically pleasing sports cars with speed and power to match.
Audi R8 - The Audi Sports Car
If you ask a car enthusiast to describe what an Audi Sports Car would look like without naming the model, that sports car would most likely be the Audi R8. This sleek looking vehicle became Audi's flagship sports car as soon as it was publicly available in 2006.
Audi decided to discontinue R8 in 2023. However, it still has the specs that can easily compete with today's powerful sports cars:
- Length / Width: 174.4 inches / 76.4 inches
- Engine: 5.2L V10
- Displacement: 5,204 CC
- Power and Torque: 620 PS / 565 Nm
- 0-62MPH: 3.4 Seconds
The discontinuation of the R8 is quite unfortunate but it has become a collector's item because of its rarity. From 2023 to 2024, a total of 746 R8s were sold in the United States according to Car Figures.
Audi RS5 - Sleek Daily Vehicle with Impressive Speed
The Audi RS5 could easily be your daily driver but with extra boost that will make sure you get to your destination on time. First introduced in 2010, the latest model comes with 2.9-L Twin Turbo V6 engine with top speed of up to 174mph. It's not as fast compared to the R8 (3.9 seconds for 0-62MPH) but the RS5 is built as your powerful daily driver as it can seat up to four passengers in its Sportback version.
The Audi RS5 also comes with Quattro AWD drivetrain which ensures stability, better handling and improved traction. It's practically a small family car with impressive top speed.
Audi RS3 - "Little Brother" Only by Name
If you judge the RS3 as the "weaker" version of the RS5 because of its naming convention, you're in for a big surprise. While featuring a relatively smaller 2.5L-i5 engine producing 401HP, it can still reach 180mph through its RS Dynamic Package configuration.
In terms of size, the RS3 is shorter compared to RS5 for its sedan version (178.7in vs. 186.0in) but it is measured wider (78.1 vs. 73.3in) and taller (56.5in vs. 54.0in). It also comes with the standard Quattro AWD for better control and Torque Splitter if you're interested in pushing your RS3 into "drift mode".
Another reason to consider RS3: the 5-Cylinder engine has a unique cylinder firing order that makes it easily stand out when you start this powerful vehicle.
Audi TT RS - Another One Bites the Dust
It's quite unfortunate that Audi discontinued not one but two awesome vehicles in 2023. Audi TT RS also suffered the same fate as the R8.
Featuring a powerful 2.5L Turbocharged i5 engine with 394HP, this mini-speedster can reach 62mph in just 3.7 seconds - not quite as fast as the R8 but definitely faster than the RS5. It's also smaller compared to R8 since it is measured at 165.3 inches in length and 72.5 inches wide.
Thanks to its relatively lighter body and the inclusion of the Quattro AWD, this is an incredible vehicle to easily navigate the road even at top speed.
Audi RS e-tron GT - The Future of Audi
One of the main reasons why TT RS and the R8 are no longer in production is due to the shift to electric vehicles according to Quattro World. Since the production of Audi RS e-tron GT, Audi shifted their focus to electric sports cars and with muscles to prove its worth. The latest e-tron GT is also the largest vehicle in this list measuring 196.4 inches long and 77.3 inches wide.
Its dual electric motors produce up to 637 hp / 475 kW in boost mode with top speed of 255mph. It's faster, more powerful and has an insane acceleration of 3.3 seconds from 0-62mph. It also boasts of 280-mile range and fast charging of 5% to 80% in just 22 minutes. With all the speed and power, the e-tron GT is even more impressive since Audi decided to add Quattro AWD on this vehicle for better overall control.
Focusing on the Future
While Audi moves to improve engine tech, they are also pushing the supplementary tech that made their vehicles even more impressive. The Quattro AWD will continue to work wonders on these powerful sports cars as well as their Drive Select, Adaptive Suspension and Tiptrionic Transmission - ensuring their vehicles adapt to different types of terrain and control even at high speed. Inside, the Virtual Cockpit display gives the driver and passengers the info and entertainment they need while on the road.
