Before the 1994 RS 2 Avant there were thrilling high performance sports cars and there were level-headed family estate cars, but it took a collaboration between Audi and Porsche to brilliantly blur the previously very distinct boundaries between the two formats. This pioneer could accelerate to 30mph faster than a Mclaren F1, while carrying a Maclaren pushchair and all manner of family paraphernalia in its 370-litre load bay, which could be expanded to 1,200 litres without rear seat passengers in tow.
The RS 2 Avant was based on the 80 Avant S2, and shared its full-blooded 2.2-litre five-cylinder engine, which was thankfully adopted from the original ‘Ur quattro’ that had reached the end of the line in 1991. With extensive input from Porsche the peak output of the turbocharged twenty-valve unit was boosted from 230PS to 315PS by, among other measures, increasing the size of the turbocharger, intercooler and injectors.
Porsche also made its mark on the the S2-based chassis, re-engineering the dampers and anti-roll bars, and its 968 Club Sport model bestowed its high-performance four-piston ventilated disc brakes, which sat within 17-inch Cup wheels from the 911 Carrera. The Torsen-based quattro all-wheel-drive system made the transition from ‘S’ to ‘RS’ with no need for major modification. As well as its central differential, it featured an electrically locking rear differential which could be activated manually.
Beyond the wheels, Porsche’s influence on the styling of the RS 2 Avant was also evident in everything from the bumpers and lights to the door mirrors and some of the paint finishes. Our car’s Nogaro Blue finish, referred to in the original marketing literature as ‘RS Blue’, featured on the RS 2 Avant showcar that debuted at the 1993 Frankfurt Show, and has gone on to become an Audi hallmark.
Only 2,891 units were built between 1994 and 1995, contributing to its rarity and desirability among collectors.
Technical information
- Cylinders – five in-line
- Displacement – 2,226cc
- Power – 315PS @ 6500rpm
- Torque – 409Nm @ 3000rpm
- Max speed 163mph
- 0-62mph in 5.4 secs
- Transmission – six-speed manual
- quattro all-wheel-drive
- Weight – 1595kg
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