Audi mulling F1-themed RS performance editions
Audi’s new F1 entry could serve as inspiration for a series of limited-edition RS road cars, but Formula One engineers may not be involved.
Special-edition Audi performance cars inspired by Formula One are under consideration, to draw on its investment in the world’s premier motorsport series.
F1-themed versions of road cars are not new in the automotive world, offered by brands from Renault and Alfa Romeo to BMW, Aston Martin, and Mercedes-AMG.
Audi could be next on the list, hints Jürgen Rittersberger, Audi head of finance, legal affairs and IT, as well as a member of the F1 team’s board of directors.
“Let’s see,” Rittersberger told Drive at the Australian Grand Prix, when asked if there is space for F1 editions of Audi Sport performance models, such as the latest RS5 plug-in hybrid.
MORE: 2026 Audi RS5 weighs more than a Ford Ranger ute
Pressed on whether a hypothetical RS5 ‘F1 Edition’ would boost performance, or just styling, the executive said: “If we do something like an RS5 special edition, yeah, from my point of view, it should be more than only branding, it should also be loaded with content.”
Audi’s entry into Formula One has come through its acquisition of Sauber Motorsport, the Swiss team that raced with Alfa Romeo branding from 2018 to 2023.
The partnership saw Sauber develop the aerodynamics of the Alfa Romeo Giulia GTA and GTAm sports sedans, with badges on the side skirts to signify the team’s involvement.
A similar use of ex-Sauber Formula One engineers to develop road cars is less likely at Audi, however.
MORE: 2026 Audi RS5 to punch out 470kW/825Nm thanks to plug-in hybrid powertrain
“Not in engineering, but for sure, we have some opportunities to work together with our Formula One colleagues, especially also with the drivers,” Rittersberger said.
“Maybe they can, for example, help to buy the application of the car from time to time – especially here, also for the sports cars.
“Not, let’s say, for a Q3 or A3, but for RS5 or something like that, it could be helpful to have a driver in the car and hear their opinion.”
MORE: Audi A3 PHEV no closer to Australia, petrol price parity not guaranteed for future hybrids
The latest Audi RS5 made its Australian debut at the Grand Prix in Melbourne over the weekend, powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbo petrol V6 assisted by plug-in hybrid technology.
Audi typically rolls out limited-edition specials based on its RS performance cars in the final two years of their model runs.
The RS6 gained coilover suspension and 1980s race car-inspired styling with the recent GT edition, Competition packages were added to the previous RS4 and RS5 late in their lives, and an RS3 ‘GT’ flagship has been spotted testing.
The post Audi mulling F1-themed RS performance editions appeared first on Drive.
Komentar
Posting Komentar