Classic Car Encyclopedia

Audi RS 2 Avant

Apr 18, 2023

The Audi RS2 Avant was a high-performance sports wagon produced by the German automaker Audi between 1994 and 1995. It was developed in collaboration with Porsche and was based on the Audi 80 Avant model.

The Audi RS2 Avant was born out of a desire by Audi to produce a high-performance sports wagon that could compete with the likes of the Volvo 850 T5-R and the Mercedes-Benz C36 AMG. To achieve this, Audi turned to Porsche, which had a reputation for building fast and reliable sports cars. Porsche agreed to help Audi develop the RS2 Avant and provided much of the engineering and design input for the car.

The RS2 Avant was officially launched in 1994 and was produced until 1995. During its production run, a total of 2,908 units were produced, making it a highly sought-after collector's item today.

The Audi RS2 Avant was powered by a 2.2-liter inline-five engine that was developed in collaboration with Porsche. This engine was based on the engine used in the Porsche 944 S2 and produced 311 horsepower and 302 lb-ft of torque. This power was sent to all four wheels through a six-speed manual transmission, which helped the car achieve a top speed of 155 mph.

The RS2 Avant was also equipped with a number of performance-enhancing features, including a sport-tuned suspension, high-performance brakes, and a limited-slip differential. It also featured a unique body kit that included flared fenders, a rear spoiler, and a large front grille.

In terms of weight, the Audi RS2 Avant weighed in at 3,197 lbs, which was relatively lightweight for a high-performance sports wagon of its time.

The Audi RS2 Avant was a formidable performer on the track, with its powerful engine and advanced suspension and brake systems. Its 0-60 mph time was a mere 4.8 seconds, and it was able to lap the Nurburgring in 8 minutes and 15 seconds. This made it one of the fastest wagons of its time and a formidable competitor to other high-performance cars of the era.