Audi Australia’s S and RS Models The True Performers In 2014

Audi Australia's S, RS and R8 model lines have contributed to a tenth consecutive year of growth for the German brand, with a near tripling of sales for the S and RS models alone.

Up until the end of November, Audi has sold almost 2700 S and RS models, up from 930 for the same period last year.

According to Audi's numbers, S and RS numbers are double that of BMW's M Series and about 100 units ahead of Mercedes' AMG.

Speaking at an event to mark 20 years of the RS line, Audi's head of product planning in Australia, Peter Strudwicke, charted the progress and appeal of the AMG and M rivalling line-up.

"The pinnacle of the regular model range are our RS models. They're completely re-developed for maximum performance. They have their own engineering, their own engines," Mr Strudwicke said. 

"They introduce technologies that are often first introduced in RS models and trickle down the range, things like ceramic brakes and dynamic ride control."

RS began life with the original RS 2 in 1994. The RS2 impressed with its 232kW, six-speed manual quattro drivetrain and its 1.5 second dash to 30mph (48km/h) that was bettered only the McLaren F1. Sadly, it was never offered here.