Audi Is Hitting The 2019 LA Auto Show With Some Serious Horsepower Thanks To New RS Models

Several new RS models and the e-tron Sportback are coming

Audi Is Hitting The 2019 LA Auto Show With Some Serious Horsepower Thanks To New RS Models
[Photos: Audi]

Audi’s 2020 lineup shows no shortage of speed.

For this year’s LA Auto Show, Audi is bringing no fewer than four RS models, three S models and the next iteration of their all-electric e-tron range. The brand’s undergone a significant overhaul in the past year or so, and these hot versions reflect the evolution of Audi’s sporty heritage beyond the last-generation models.

Before getting into the latest and greatest S and RS variants, though, it’s worth mentioning the arrival of the e-tron Sportback. This is, to put it simply, a coupe-like version of the e-tron SUV that’s already on sale. It’s still a five-passenger SUV, but has more dramatic styling to go with its high-riding practicality and quattro all-wheel drive system. It should feature the same powertrain as the standard e-tron, meaning 402 horsepower and 490 lb-ft of torque. Whether it retains the EPA-rated range of 204 miles is uncertain, but it should also be pretty similar to what we’ve seen already.

Audi Is Hitting The 2019 LA Auto Show With Some Serious Horsepower Thanks To New RS Models
The Audi RS 6 Avant will make its U.S. return at this year’s LA Auto Show.

New RS models

Headlining the next wave of RS models at the 2019 LA Auto Show is the return of the RS 6 Avant wagon. We learned this car was finally coming back to the U.S. in August, and this will be its first major auto show debut since. With 603 horsepower on tap and a delightfully small 0-60 time of 3.6 seconds, this is one of the cars we’re most looking forward to this year.

All would be well if Audi just left things at that, but the new RS 7 Sportback will also make an appearance in LA. It’s been updated to match the styling of the new A7 Sportback, and this one will be offered exclusively in a widebody configuration. As ever, it will also get Audi’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, and should make around 591 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque. Like its wagon sibling, this RS 7 should also sprint to 60 in 3.6 seconds.

Then there’s the king of SUVs — the RS Q8. Again, we get a twin-turbo V8 engine and a huge turn of speed over the current range-topping Q8. We’ve seen this car testing around the Nurburgring, and it has laid down a respectable lap time of 7 minutes and 42.2 seconds. We’ll have a closer look at it soon, so stay tuned for more details!

The 2020 Audi S8.

Other reveals

Apart from those major reveals, Audi is also planning a limited-run RS 5 Panther edition. Production will be limited to 75 sportbacks and 25 coupes, and will arrive in dealerships in December. This is one of the few cars where pricing is actually available, and it isn’t cheap. Provided you can get your hands on one before they’re all snapped up, the RS 5 Panther edition starts at $88,995 before options. Special features include bespoke 20-inch bi-color wheels, and black Alcantara throughout the interior.

Finally, the 2020 Audi S6, S7 and S8 will debut in LA as well. Even the flagship S8, the brand’s largest sedan, can hit 60 mph in 3.8 seconds, according to Audi. All three S models, as ever, resemble their more traditional counterparts, but offer a stepping stone option for those who can’t or don’t want to stretch to a full blown RS model.

Stay tuned to TFLcar.com for more updates from the 2019 LA Auto Show!