The Top 5 Audi Models Sadly Never Made it to the States
Slideshow: Ever since Audi started selling cars in the US market, we've received a different, smaller lineup than what they offer in other markets. Some of the greatest Audis have been considered forbidden fruit to American buyers because of this. In recent years, we've mostly been deprived of the fastest RS variants, leaving Audi fans without these cars which are the true BMW M3 and M5 fighters. Here are 5 of the greatest Audi models America has never been allowed to buy.
A1/S1
The Audi A1 is a supermini sold in several markets around the world as a 3-door or 5-door hatchback. The A1 is a natural competitor for the BMW made Mini Cooper and other superminis overseas. Powered by a variety of turbocharged 4-cylinder engines, the A1 can be had with front-wheel drive or Quattro all-wheel drive. Audi even makes a hot hatch S1 powered by the venerable EA888 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder that is found in several Volkswagen and Audi products.
RS2 Avant
The RS2 Avant was made in a very limited 16-month production run between 1994 and 1995. It was Audi's first RS model, being a joint venture between Audi and Porsche. The RS2 utilized a 2.2 liter 5-cylinder turbocharged engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission. The sub-5-second sprint to 60 mph was sports car performance, but the RS2 was a practical 5-door family wagon. Sadly this performance wagon never managed to make it stateside, but it will finally become legal for import to the United States (for show and display) in March of 2019 when it is 25 years old.
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RS4 Avant
The last RS4 sold in the US, the B7, was a competent competitor to the BMW M3 and Mercedes C63 AMG. With the latest generation, we only received the RS5 coupe; Audi stopped making the RS4 saloon altogether and decided not to ship the RS4 Avant wagon here due to a perceived lack of viability for a super-sport wagon. The RS4 Avant was powered by the same 450 horsepower 4.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 we enjoy in the RS5. In theory, the RS4 Avant is an ideal practical car, delivering a brilliant soundtrack, ample performance, and needed cargo and passenger room. Poor wagon sales on this side of the pond forbid us from even entertaining the RS4 as an option.
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RS6 Avant
The RS6 has always been a performance monster, but the US hasn't received the RS6 since 2004. Like the aforementioned RS4, Audi has decided to forgo a four-door sedan in the latest, C7, in favor of the RS6, and only offering it in Avant form. The RS6 is powered by a 4.0 liter twin-turbo V8 pumping out 552 horsepower (597 with the optional performance package) that propels the car to 60 mph in well under 4 seconds. The RS6 Avant is a pretty sizable wagon as well, boasting more interior space than some SUV's, all while achieving Ferrari-esque performance.
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