The Audi Red Rhombus
Audi South Africa recently launched 15 new high-performance vehicles to the local market – cars that carry the full weight of Audi’s expertise in design, technology, and engineering. And while all Audi models earn their rings, only a few embody the red rhombus, writes Tarryn Knight, Head of Marketing and Product at Audi South Africa.
The four-ring Audi logo was started as a union of four performance automotive manufacturers who had joined forces during the late-1920s global recession. Each of the companies was formed under the name ‘Auto Union’ and would later be changed to ‘Audi’. The brand has made its mark in motorsport, with their redefined machines putting them on the map.
But what do motorsport and high-performance driving have to do with your daily commutes? Everything. The brand's origin story underscores our approach to the vehicles denoted by the red rhombus. The red rhombus will represent the latest frontiers of engineering, pushing forwards without looking back.
Some products like the S Line exterior and interior, have been shaped with the appeal being the main attraction, offering a consumer a sportier aesthetic. Other products like S models, go a bit further, with aggressive styling, significant enhancements in engine output, quattro all-wheel drive, more powerful brakes, and a stiffer suspension. At the pinnacle, there is the Rennsport (“racing sport”) or RS models. For many who know, the RS models have established themselves as some of the most powerful and desirable vehicles on the market.
An Audi RS model isn’t just about optimising the engine for more grunt. Instead, it’s about testing what’s possible in a consumer vehicle. Speed and high performance are a given. For example, the Audi RS Q8 can accelerate to 100km/hr in just 3.8 seconds, setting a world record for SUV performance on the Nurburgring Nordschleife lap. Power is the main attraction, but that doesn’t mean that comfort has been compromised. Yes, like an SUV, it offers comfortable off-road with quattro permanent all-wheel drive or cruising on a family road trip using intelligent adaptive cruise control and its host of electronic safety systems.
Some RS models have gotten their own dual personalities. For example, the all-new Audi RS 6 Avant offers all the practical purposes of being a family station wagon: 1 680 litres of luggage capacity when the rear seats are folded down, a relatively economic drive thanks to cylinder deactivation, and a 48-volt mild-hybrid electric that charges while you drive. But once the family responsibilities are over, the RS 6 can bolt to 100km/hr in just 3.6 seconds.
This is the promise of the red rhombus. They are cars that can play multiple roles at once and do them all singularly well. They are uncompromising cars for demanding drivers and connecting them all is the thrill and potential of an open road.
Also worth a look: the Audi Rs3 and the Out with the Old, In with the New: Audi A5 Replaces A4 in So.
FAQ
Q: What is the Audi red rhombus and which models have it?
The Audi red rhombus is a special badge that appears on Audi's highest-performance RS (Rennsport) models, representing the pinnacle of Audi's engineering and motorsport heritage. Only the most extreme performance models like the RS Q8, RS6 Avant, and RS3 earn this prestigious red diamond symbol.
Q: What's the difference between Audi S Line, S models, and RS models?
S Line models focus on sporty aesthetics with visual upgrades, S models add significant performance enhancements including more powerful engines and quattro all-wheel drive, while RS models with the red rhombus represent the absolute peak with track-focused engineering and blistering performance like the RS Q8's 3.8-second 0-100kph sprint.
Q: How much do Audi RS models cost in South Africa?
Audi RS models in South Africa typically start from around R1,500,000 for entry-level RS models and can exceed R2,500,000 for flagship models like the RS Q8, making them premium performance vehicles that command serious money for their red rhombus exclusivity.
Q: Are Audi RS models worth buying in South Africa?
Audi RS models are worth buying if you want world-class performance that doubles as a daily driver, with features like quattro all-wheel drive making them practical for South African conditions, though their high purchase prices and running costs mean they're best suited for enthusiasts with deep pockets.
Should You Buy It?
The best high-performance luxury vehicles under R2,000,000 in South Africa include Audi's red rhombus RS models, but these track-bred monsters aren't for everyone. If you've got the budget for an RS model starting around R1,500,000 and can handle the premium fuel bills, absolutely yes, you're getting world-record performance that can embarrass supercars while still hauling the family. However, if you want the Audi performance experience without the RS price tag, the S models offer 80% of the thrills for significantly less cash, making them the sweet spot for most South African performance fans who want quattro grip and serious grunt without breaking the bank.
