From the Audi RS3 to the R8: this is how the heavenly melody emitted by the four-ring sports cars sounds

Sports cars have countless features that make them more special than ordinary vehicles, something we see reflected in their finishes or tuning. However, we must focus on a crucial element that describes the character of every single model with clear, more radical aspirations: its sound. Audi has established itself as an expert in this field thanks to its sporty exhausts, and today we are going to review its RS range and the charismatic howl emitted by each and every one of its components.

Not long ago, the only members of the brand’s four rings to carry the RS badge were the brand’s flagship saloons. Over the years, new models have adopted that designation and, consequently, a tuning worthy of its name. From the RS3 to the Audi R8, they feature a much more radical preparation and, at the same time, are capable of emitting a sound worthy of admiration that we will analyse thanks to this video.

Audi RS3: small but fierce

It is true that the smallest sports compact in the range is the Audi S1, but in the absence of an “R” in its name we will make room for its bigger brother, the RS3. The most radical A3 has enviable tuning in its segment, since under its bonnet it hides a five-cylinder in-line 2.5 TFSI engine capable of delivering 400 CV of power, the same figure produced by a Ferrari 360 Modena not long ago. At the same time, the combination of its CV with the 480 Nm of torque it claims allows the most radical compact to reach 100 km/h in just 4 seconds.

If we add to this the sports exhaust that the German firm offers as an option, we get a combination typical of a high-flying supercar. Its five-cylinder offers a heavenly sound, accompanied by a series of crackles that enhance the driving experience of the Audi RS3. However, its bigger siblings have not wanted to be left behind and have a melody that matches or even surpasses it.

Audi RS4 and RS5: power and practicality hand in hand

It is true that both models differ in many respects, as one has four doors and the other a coupé body -except for its Sportback variantbut we do find one thing in common: their engine. If we delve a little into the innards of the Audi RS4 and RS5 we will find a powerful 2.9-litre supercharged V6, which replaces the naturally aspirated V8 of the previous generation.

This engine delivers 450 CV of power and 600 Nm of torque, figures that catapult the “mid-size” RS models to an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h. It is true that its sound is not as pure as that of the V8, but the German firm has undoubtedly managed to give its new supercharged V6 a clean and progressive soundtrack, which is accompanied by the occasional crackle when downshifting.

Audi RS6: all in one

If we say that the Audi RS6 is one of the most admired and desired vehicles of all time, it would not be an exaggeration. The German firm has managed to create a versatile model where performance, sportiness and comfort go hand in hand. Despite its estate body, the RS6 offers performance capable of putting many more traditional supercars to the test. It achieves this thanks to its twin-turbocharged V8, which is capable of generating 605 CV and 750 Nm of torque in its Performance version.

This same engine powers the most radical variant of the A7 and, although both models have recently been replaced, we still do not know relevant details about the future RS6 and RS7. Without doubt, the hoarse, rough sound the most radical estate of the brand is capable of producing is worthy of admiration, as it gives it a unique character.

Audi R8: the crown jewel

It was in 2006 that Audi dived headfirst into the world of supercars with the R8, a model that marked a before and after in motoring history. Twelve years later, its second generation sits at the top of its segment, offering performance and a tuning worthy of a car in its category.

Inside it hides a powerful engine of a kind that is increasingly rare, a naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 capable of producing 610 CV of power and 560 Nm of torque. Thanks to these figures, the Audi R8 can proudly claim to be one of the fastest and most efficient supercars of the moment but, without doubt, its sound also deserves our full attention.

The angelic melody produced by the R8 is worthy of a naturally aspirated engine, which seeks to reach 9,000 rpm without ever faltering, remaining linear and consistent across its entire rev range. At the same time, the sound accompanies us in our pursuit of the red zone of the tachometer, becoming a ferocious howl that will quickly infect us with its excitement.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luRc-SRo7IE

Without doubt, Audi has not only managed to develop some of the best sports cars of the moment, but also a soundtrack that matches their performance. We currently know little about the future RS models, but we can bet they will continue to offer a sound and performance worthy of the vehicles they replace.