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Audi RS4, RS6, RS7, RS Q3 and RS Q8 teased

Audi Sport has previewed the six new models it promises to debut before 2020, publishing a shadowy teaser image to its social media.


While the performance division hasn't officially confirmed what each model is, we had a close look at all the LED daytime-running light signatures and reckon we know what's on the way.

Let's start from the left. The RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback will serve has the performance halos of the A6 and A7 ranges, and will likely be powered by twin-turbo V8s – though whether they'll have hybrid assistance is yet to be seen.

The outgoing 'Performance' versions develop 445kW and 750Nm from their 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, and we wouldn't be surprised if Audi manages to squeeze out extra grunt to take the fight to BMW and Mercedes-AMG – around 450kW and 800Nm seems logical.

With their lighter platforms and added grunt, the RS6 and RS7 should be able to dash from 0-100 in less than 3.5 seconds – the previous-gen RS6 Performance claims a 3.7-second dash to triple figures, for reference.

Next are the two SUVs in the centre of the image, which should be the new RS Q3 and RS Q3 Sportback – yep, both body styles will be getting the Audi Sport treatment.

We've seen several sets of RS Q3 prototype images, but this is the first time we've had any sort of confirmation the swoopier Sportback version will be getting a performance model.

The pair of go-fast crossovers are anticipated to draw upon an updated version of Audi's glorious 2.5-litre turbocharged five-cylinder engine, given photographers heard a distinct exhaust note as prototypes drove by.

While the outgoing RS Q3 Performance made 270kW and 465Nm from its five-pot donk, the RS3 and TT RS both make 294kW and 480Nm.

Should the RS Q3 twins get the full-fat tune, we could see their 0-100 times edge very close to the 4.0-second mark.

Fifth in line is the facelifted RS4 Avant, which should be the least dramatic release of this sextet.

The new RS4 should get similar cosmetic and technology upgrades as the revised A4 and S4, though it's unclear whether the 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 that powers it will get any substantial upgrades.

Currently, the Porsche-sourced unit develops 331kW of power and 600Nm of torque, good for a 4.1-second sprint to triple figures.

At the end of the line-up is the all-new RS Q8, obviously based on the flagship Q8 crossover. Given there's no RS Q5 or RS Q7 as yet, it will be the first time there's been an RS version of one of Audi's MLB-based SUV line.

Since the Q8 shares its underpinnings with the likes of the Bentley Bentayga, Lamborghini Urus and Porsche Cayenne, we're anticipating the RS Q8 will be powered by a version of the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 that is offered in all three aforementioned siblings.

In its most powerful form (under the bonnet of the Lamborghini), the blown V8 makes a stonking 478kW and 850Nm. It's worth noting, though, that the Cayenne could eventually get a plug-in hybrid version of the V8 from the Panamera Turbo S e-Hybrid making 500KW and 850Nm.

Audi hasn't said exactly when it plans to reveal these six new RS models, nor whether they'll all debut at the same time.

It's a logical guess that most, if not all of them will be revealed in the lead-up to or at the Frankfurt motor show in September, ahead of a European sales launch very late in 2019 or early in 2020.

As for Australia, we likely won't see any of these models in local showrooms until the second half of 2020.

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