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Audi Past master Porsche

Past master: Audi RS2

Audi RS2 Avant

The RS2 was Audi’s first ‘RS’ quattro model. A collaborative work between Audi and Porsche in the mid 90s, the RS2 was not only the world’s fastest production wagon, it was also one of the fastest cars money could buy.

On sale for just three years (1994–96) the RS2 was based on the S2 and built on the Audi 80 platform. The S2 was built in coupé, estate and saloon models by Audi, although, the only variation imported to Australia was a very limited number of coupés. An initial run of 2200 RS2s was planned, in Avant guise only, but demand saw the final production end closer to 2900 units. Just 180 of these were made in RHD and none were imported to Australia—despite plans from then importer Inchcape to bring 25 RS2s down under, to be sold at an estimated cost of $145,000.

(Clearly the above image shows there is at least one RS2 in Australia, and you can read more about this car after the jump.)

Transformation of this otherwise humble estate car into a serious performance weapon took place at Porsche’s Zuffenhausen factory. Audi would deliver basic S2 shells and Porsche would then work their magic. They did this by giving the 2.2 litre inline 5 cylinder engine a bigger turbo, along with several other modifications, including a larger intercooler, larger injectors, modified camshafts, modified exhaust system and a revised engine management system. Porsche also supplied the wheels, brakes (via Brembo) and, of all things, the wing mirrors. The engine was good for 232kW/450Nm, enough to propel the RS2 from rest to 100km/h in just 4.8 seconds.

Porsche also tweaked the suspension, with revised Bilstein struts and stiffer anti-roll bars, sharpening the generally mild and dull characteristics of the Audi 80 platform.

Despite these revisions the RS2 couldn’t really shake the fact it was based on the 80 and tipped the scales at 1600kg. As good as the RS2 was, it was unable to achieve universal acclaim from the motoring media of the day. Subsequent RS models from Audi, including the RS6, have certainly improved the breed. One thing the RS2 did do, though, was show the world that a niche market did exist for estate cars with supercar performance.

In fact, so strong was the performance of the RS2, when tested by UK publication Autocar it was revealed the Audi-Porsche lovechild could accelerate to 30mph in just 1.5 seconds. Amazingly, at the time, that was faster than both the McLaren F1 road car and Jacques Villeneuve’s Williams F1 car. The quattro system obviously did a great job of getting power through its wheels then!

Audi RS2 Avant

The RS2 is one of my all-time favourite cars. This was the first car to show that estate cars can be cool. Very cool! I have now seen just three in my lifetime. One on the side of the road in the tiny village of Spa on my way into the 1996 Belgian Grand Prix. A not so standard one ready to take on the infamous Nürburgring Nordschleife (above). And, now, one in my hometown of Canberra. Given no RS2s were officially imported to Australia, that was a real surprise I can tell you. The car was on show at the 2008 Shannons German Autofest and I took the opportunity of introducing myself to the owners Ross and Debra.

Audi RS2 Avant

Audi RS2 Avant

Audi RS2 Avant

Their RS2, believed to be the only example in Australia, is in pretty good nick and it was pleasing to learn they have no plans to molest the car and will keep it in original specification. In keeping with this philosophy, and with just over 70,000kms, it won’t be used as a daily driver, but will still get a spirited run from time to time. I asked Ross a few other questions…

When did you buy the car and what condition was it in?
I purchased the car early 2008 and it was in very good condition inside and out with some minor blemishes to paint work.

Did the car come with a good history?
The car was originally purchased in NZ and then was personally imported into Australia. It was traded on a Porsche Turbo and the second owner purchased from Porsche Australia. I am now the third owner.

Are there any special routines needed to look after such a special car?
As with any collectable vehicle that you do not intend to use as a daily drive it still should be started, cleaned and checked over regularly.

When was your first RS2 moment, the moment you thought “I want one of those!”?
There wasn’t one really as I was actually looking for S2. I did not think there were any RS2s available in Australia, as they were never sold here. So I was extremely happy to find one.

Did driving the RS2 for the first time live up to your expectations?
The first time no, because it was different to drive. I realised after driving the RS2, in spite of its appearance as an Avant, it is actually a  real sports car. It is fun to drive.

Does the RS2 attract a lot of attention, or do most people just think it is an old Audi estate?
When people stop and actually look at the car they need to have the history explained to them and then they realise it is special, but most drivers on the road just think it is a little blue wagon. But in Audi circles everyone appreciates it because it is the first of the Audi super cars.

What’s it like owning the only RS2 in Australia?
It is sensational. I love owning it and I love driving it!

Can I borrow the keys please?
No!

Thanks very much to Ross and Debra for sharing their car with us, and thanks to Ross for answering my questions. I trust you’ve enjoyed reading more about Audi’s RS2, it truly is a unique car that has paved the way for a long line of successive models in Audi’s RS range.

Audi RS2 Avant

Audi RS2 Avant

Audi RS2 Avant

Audi RS2 Avant

Audi RS2 Avant

Audi RS2 Avant

Related reading
Wikipedia – Audi RS2
Road & Track, 1995 (via private website) – Porsche’s Station Wagon
evo, 2007 – £10K heroes (Audi RS2)

Audi RS2 - Wheels, December 1994

26 replies on “Past master: Audi RS2”

I am lucky enough to own one of these amazing cars here in NZ, mine is also RS Blue.
I also have a mate looking to sell his black RS2 if anyone is keen to purchase & export it to OZ?

Good stuff Nik, if you have a few photos you don’t mind sharing I can stick them at the end of this article if you like.

Cheers
Liam
info -at- AUSmotive -dot- com

Glad i found this article, i wanted to know more about this rs2 after seeing a couple of fleeting pictures of it on vww. even the vww enthusiasts didnt know or care what it was!!! :O

i’m so very glad to own one of the few S2’s in australia 🙂

i got 2 of these cars audi rs2 1 in blue and 1 in red and there both for sale

Hi Hamad, were are your cars? Wich country please, I`m interested of getting one, thanks.

[…] Fast wagons are cool. There is no denying it. Doesn’t matter who makes ‘em. Avant, Estate, Station wagon, doesn’t matter what you call ‘em, either. They are the best. Audi RS4, RS6, the BMW M5, hell, even a V8 Supertaxi Holden Sportwagon is a nice bit of kit. The desirability of stupidly quick estates can be traced back to the awesome Audi RS2. […]

Hi there, its great to read all the info about RS’s here in Australia. I just thought i’d put a few notes on here as I am an Audi enthusiast too & awesome to see others too.
I have lived here in QLD for 18 mnths now. Upto a month ago I worked for Audi here in QLD & have done for the last 14 years in NZ & my home country of UK. I was fortunate to work with the Audi Brand back in 1994 when the RS2 was launched & drove one of the first UK press cars around Milbrook in the Midlands (UK).
The first delearship I worked at only sold 2 in early 1995, a green one & a red one from memory.
Being older I would seriosuly love to own one & keep it as they’re sooo rare. As it says at the top there were only 180RHD ones ever made so to see them in NZ was such a priviledge.

I know someone in NZ who has 2 who always indicated to me that he’d be keen to sell the red one but only to someone who was passionate about Audi & who would lookafter
it, I have since lost touch with him but i’m thinking of making contact again & seeing if he’s still got it.. does anyone know the costs of shipping a car to Oz? Plus ive heard you got to own a car in NZ before shipping to Oz?? Any help would be appreciated thanks Richard

Hi Richard,

I am seriously looking for RS2 for years in Hong Kong but fail, now I open my choice to UK and NZ/Aust RS2. importing one from oversea to Hong Kong does takes quite a bit of challenge but I am ready to put effort in doing this, not to mention putting a lot of TLC to the car as it simply deserves it. Please email me if you can pass me the contact of the owner of the RS2 (RHD), here is my email: alvinchau AT lightem DOT COM

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