Audi RS2 Avant
The 1994 Audi RS2 Avant is one of the most significant performance cars of the 1990s, a collaboration between Audi and Porsche that created the original high-performance Audi RS model and established the concept of the luxury performance station wagon. The RS2 was faster than a Ferrari 348 to 30 mph, faster than a Porsche 911 Turbo to 80 mph, and could carry a family of five and their luggage while doing it.
The RS2's engine was a 2.2-liter inline-five turbocharged unit producing 311 horsepower, developed jointly by Audi and Porsche. Porsche was responsible for much of the engine tuning, the brake system, the suspension calibration, and the overall dynamic development. The engine used a large KKK K26 turbocharger that provided explosive boost from approximately 3000 rpm, with virtually no lag thanks to careful matching of the turbo to the five-cylinder's exhaust characteristics.
Porsche's involvement extended beyond the engine. The RS2 featured Porsche-sourced 968 CS mirrors, Porsche 993 brake calipers, Bilstein suspension, and 17-inch five-spoke wheels that were similar in design to Porsche Cup wheels. The Porsche crest appeared on the brake calipers, and a Porsche badge was mounted on the tailgate -- perhaps the only time a competitor's badge has appeared on an Audi production car.
The RS2's performance was staggering for a station wagon in 1994. The 0-30 mph time of 1.5 seconds was faster than the contemporary Ferrari 348 and Porsche 911. The 0-60 mph sprint took approximately 4.8 seconds, and the top speed was electronically limited to 163 mph. The permanent Quattro all-wheel-drive system, combined with the engine's enormous torque, provided extraordinary traction that made the RS2's performance accessible in all weather conditions.
Only 2,891 RS2 Avants were produced during a short production run from March 1994 to July 1995. The car was not officially sold in North America, though some have been imported privately. Today, the RS2 is recognized as the car that launched the Audi RS brand and established the concept of the performance wagon that Audi would develop into a core competency with models like the RS4 and RS6. Values have risen dramatically as enthusiasts recognize the RS2's historical significance and unique character.
Rust is a concern, particularly in the sills, floor pans, and around the rear wheel arches. The turbocharged five-cylinder engine should be checked for boost leaks, turbo condition, and timing belt service history. The Porsche-sourced brakes should be inspected for wear. Verify the car's provenance and import history, as the RS2 was not officially sold in North America. The Bilstein suspension should be checked for proper damper function. Service records are critical.
Built at Porsche's Rossle-Bau workshop in Zuffenhausen, Germany, using Audi Avant bodies shipped from Audi's factory. Only 2,891 units were produced between March 1994 and July 1995.