The first — and most likely — rumored addition to the Audi Sport family is a pint-sized hot hatch dubbed RS 1. Positioned above the S1 (pictured) and below the S3, the on-again, off-again RS 1 will likely get anywhere between 280 and 300 horsepower. It is too early to tell what engine it will use, though an evolution of the S1’s turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder is a likely candidate because it already makes 300 ponies when bolted under the hood of the Golf R.
If launched, the Audi RS 1 will be more expensive than the 231-horsepower S1, which currently starts at €29,950 (roughly $33,000) in Germany, but it will be a lot more affordable than the RS 3, the Mercedes-AMG A45, and the upcoming BMW M2. Whether it will be based on the current A1 or the next-generation model is anyone’s guess at this point.
Audi is also considering introducing a RS-badged version of the Q1, an entry-level crossover that is expected to make its public debut next year at the Geneva Motor Show. The Q1 will be closely related to the A1, so it’s not too far-fetched to assume the RS model will use the same turbo four as the RS 1. However, its output will be bumped to at least 295 ponies in order to offset the added weight.
Finally, the long-awaited fourth-gen A8 could spawn the first-ever RS 8, a model that, if approved for production, will stand out as the most powerful, expensive, and luxurious sedan Audi has ever built by a long shot.
The Audi RS 1 and the RS Q1 will not be sold in the United States due to their tiny size. However, the RS 8 will almost certainly join the S8 and the RS 7 in Audi’s North American showrooms.
Editors' Recommendations
- Audi Q6 e-tron ushers in the automaker’s next EV phase
- 2023 Audi Q4 E-Tron first drive: the predictable and traditional EV SUV we need
- Audi’s electric 2022 RS E-Tron GT is a concept that escaped the drawing board
- Audi’s updated Q5 receives extra power, better infotainment, and OLED lights
- Audi Q8 will warn drivers when there are construction workers on the highway
