14 models. From 400 to 646 hp. From five to ten cylinders, even going through a fully electric mechanics. We put to the test all the high cavalry of Audi on the layout of the Navarra Circuit. Can you think of a better plan?
Audi knows how to make sports and passionate cars. This is something that no one in their right mind could doubt one iota. Models as magnanimous and emblematic as the Audi R8 or the Audi RS 6 Avant, to name a few, make us continue to have faith in a sector that is increasingly gentrified and, in many environments, even boring. The German firm with the four rings knows how to make us enjoy every liter that we burn of that liquid gold we call gasoline.
From 400 to 646 hp, Audi leaves us with a range made up of 14 models signed under the seal of his excellent quattro drive, mostly. From the “youngest” of the range, the Audi RS 3, to the incomparable R8 and its up to 620 hp and culminating -eye petrol headcover your ears – with the impressive Audi RS e-tron GT. Yes, that electric car that is capable of leaving more than one gasoline fan, speechless.
Why yes, friends, Audi has shown that it knows how to do a gasoline “burner” sports car so well, even something as controversial as an electric sports car. However, this will be something we will have to get used to, since the German firm is preparing to go electric seriously, because in 2026 it will close the tap on the development of new combustion engines and will focus its entire range, from that moment on, on electrification. And of course this also includes the range of the most desired, admired and loved RS.
Us We have had the opportunity to test all the cavalry that the German firm has on the asphalt of the Navarra Circuit. A layout of almost 4 kilometers in length, with fast and slow curves, as well as a huge straight where you can fully squeeze the revolutions of these excellent mechanics.
Audi RS 3, Audi TT RS and Audi Q3 RS
These three models have the same common denominator: their mechanics. Underhood, They all benefit from the well-known 5-cylinder in-line engine., with 2.5 liters of displacement that is capable of delivering up to 400 hp and 500 Nm of maximum torque. All of them have specifications that are up to expectations, since they are capable of stopping the stopwatch at 0 to 100 km/h in 3.8 seconds (the RS 3), 3.7 seconds (TT RS) and 4.5 seconds (RS Q3). All three have a peak speed of 250 km/h and transfer all the power extracted from this block to its four wheels through a 7-speed S Tronic gearbox.
In all of them, the differentiation over the rest of its range brothers is clear. More aggressive bumpers, specific appendages or a much more guttural sound than we are used to in our daily lives surrounded by hybrids and other not-so-sacred mechanics. In the case of the Audi RS 3, it is currently marketed under two bodies: sedan or Sportback. In the case of the Audi TT RS, it is currently only marketed under a coupé body, since it definitively renounced its convertible alternative. In the case of the Audi RS Q3 we also find a double aesthetic alternative: SUV or Sportback.
All of them were able to look excellent on the Navarrese layout, however, the SUV, as is logical to think, its behavior here was not at the same level as in the case of its brothers, since its own natural conception makes it more typical for open road. In the case of the Audi RS 3 and TT RS, this is your place. Powerful, fast and agile cars specially designed to set good times on the track. Certainly, and personally, both models have been what have managed to win a place in my ideal garagemore especially in the case of the small coupé model.
Audi RS 4 Avant and Audi RS 5 Sportback/Cabriolet
We climbed a step in the model range and reached a car that is already historic in the range of high-performance vehicles. I’m talking aboutAudi RS 4 Avant, the direct descendant of the legendary Audi RS 2. This, in some generations, made the decision to present itself under two bodies: sedan and family. Today we can only find it under a “rancher” physiognomy. As an alternative, Audi launched the RS 5, its brother in the range and in which we can find variants Coupé and Sportback (saloon coupé). For every taste.
To complete, both house a heart of six cylinders in V with 2.9 liters of displacement that is capable of delivering up to 450 hp and 600 Nm. Thanks to it, both models are capable of stopping the clock from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.1 seconds (RS 4) and 3.9 seconds (RS 5). In both cases, this mentioned gasoline block will always be linked to an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox, which, how could it be otherwise, will send all the power to all four wheels.
Dynamically, depending on which body is chosen, the sensations at the wheel will be of one type or another. Between the two it is clear that it is for all tastes, however, we will always have the certainty that we will be able to run as much as we want. A lot, in fact. In the case of the RS 4 we will also have an extra daily practicality, while in the case of the RS 5 we will always obtain an essence more focused on sportsmanship. However, in general terms, the specifications are very similar between the two and the only difference that we will be able to draw between them will be the bodywork that we choose.
Audi RS 6 Avant, Audi RS 7 Sportback and Audi RS Q8
Titans. It’s how we could only describe this wild trio of models from Audi’s most radical department. The Audi RS 6 Avant, meanwhile, is living history of the brand, the purest essence of the Audi Sport: a sports car disguised as a family car. This recipe is the one we all love and the one we hope never changes. The Audi RS 7 Sportback is the athletic brother of the RS 6. Its stylized bodywork is intended for those looking for the most beastly image of what can be extracted from the recipe. Finally, the Audi RS Q8 is everything we can expect from a true beast in SUV format and with the ability to shake more than one thoroughbred sports car.
In all three cases, a 4 liter V8 engine under the hood hatch. This is always linked to an 8-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox and quattro all-wheel drive -of course-. In all three models it has a maximum power of 600 hp and a maximum torque of 800 Nm of pure German strain. These features are capable of taking these beasts up to 250 km/h or up to 305 km/h if such an option is chosen when ordering. In the case of the RS 6 and RS 7, the 0 to 100 km/h are capable of polishing it in just 3.6 seconds, while the RS Q8 takes just two tenths more and stops the clock in 3.8 seconds.
Dynamically, in all three cases, although they are presented as very different alternatives, we can expect performance more than what is expected; mainly, the RS 6 and the RS 7, which have been created especially for the most beastly performancewhile the Audi RS Q8 will be a transatlantic with which to cross kilometers of motorways and, at the same time, make a stop at the nearest circuit.
Audi r8
Everything. The jewel in the crown of the Audi Sport department. A car that has managed to win the hearts of locals and strangers through spectacular aesthetics and performance that lives up to expectations. Currently, this is marketed under a double prescription: Coupé or Cabrio. In both cases, additionally, we can choose to enjoy the quattro all-wheel drive or make life more exciting and throw it all back with the RWD rear-wheel drive variant.
In the case of the Audi R8, it always mounts a jewel in danger of extinction. We talk about a whole naturally aspirated V10 engine with 5.2 liters of displacement and that is capable of delivering 570 or 620 hp, depending on whether it is the rear-wheel drive or quattro variant, as well as between 550 and 580 Nm of maximum torque, respectively. The maximum speed of the model will also vary depending on how its roof is, since in the case of the coupe model, it will reach a top of 329 km/h, while in the convertible model it will do the same up to 327 km/h. Its gearbox is an S Tronic with 7 relationships.
Dynamically we could classify the R8 as one of the best current sports. It serves for everything except to put many suitcases in its cargo space. In a somewhat routine driving it can be a comfortable and attractive sports car, while if we want a little revelry it will be able to make us vibrate in each of the curves holding on to the asphalt with nails and teeth; while if what we want is to run, there will be no problems; your V10 will scream at the top of its voice for you to keep doing it. Soon it will be time to say goodbye to a model that we could classify as almost perfect in all aspects. Prepare double ration of antidepressant.
Audi RS e-tron GT
We conclude this particular list with the newcomer and the owner of the discord for the petrol heads. Many catalog it as the best Audi ever created. Perhaps this expression feels somewhat exaggerated, but the truth is that the company with the four rings has managed to pull out of the hat a truly spectacular model, both aesthetically and performance-wise. If it’s not the best Audi ever made, it can at least settle for being one of the best and prettiest.
This high-or very high-performance electric sedan has the brand’s quattro drive, air suspension, steering rear axle, limited-slip differential and a center of gravity almost at ground level (lower than in an R8) thanks to its battery pack. In general terms, its power will be 598 hp, but when it enters “Boost mode”, its electrical mechanics will go one step further and will reach 646 hp of pure instantaneous power. Dizzying, I assure you. The 0 to 100 km / h polishes it in just 3.3 seconds, while its maximum speed will be 250 km / h. Its electric autonomy is between 451 and 472 kilometers thanks to a battery of 85 kWh of useful capacity.
Performance-wise, Audi has beaten the game with this car.. On the circuit and after testing the rest of its thermal engine brothers, in this case everything goes to a new dimension, because when the noise of the engine is not heard, everything that happens beyond your limbs is audible, as well as its ability to accelerate instantly or differentiated braking. On the track it is as capable a model as any other on this list; yes, I hope you have a plug nearby, since you will need it urgently after a full day of circuit.