08/21/2026
It was great to look at some iconic Audi Sport models yesterday Lake District Audi, many icons on display from the 1985 Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 rally car to the Audi’s R26 F1 car marking their debut into the sport & my favourite Audi’s first RS Avant; the 1996 RS 2 Avant in ‘Nogaro Blue’
Looking forwards to sharing a few videos soon! They have the cars on display until the 24th of August.
The 1985 Audi Sport Quattro S1 E2 rally car, Audi’s group B rally car with an astonishing 0-62 time of just 3.1 seconds & 2.5 seconds with Audi’s innovative Umlaufluftsystem, redirecting air to the exhaust keeping the turbocharger spinning and delivering maximum power without turbo lag.
The S1 E2 also featured an early version of PDK a semi automatic transmission which meant the car could make the best use of its power. It was used during the 1985 and 86 rally seasons, deployed by using a white button on the gearstick which would slam the clutch down and allow the driver to change gears much faster.
In 1994 Audi introduced the RS 2 Avant, delivered with the help of Porsche who helped to tune the engine originally taken from the Audi Quattro.
A 2.2L turbocharged 5-cylinder engine was fitted producing 315PS, and Porsche also left their mark with 993 mirrors and Porsche badging on the callipers & on the car emblems.
The Nogaro Blue was launched on the RS 2 and is understandably the most sought after colour 💙
R26 F1 car; Audi’s debut into F1
Audi Sport has taken over Swiss F1 team Sauber who engineered the chassis and manufactures it in Switzerland, the 1.6L turbocharged V6 hybrid powertrain is handled in house by Audi Sport in Germany with a 50/50 electric / petrol split as per the 2026 F1 guidelines.
The R26 has the benefit of the carbon monocoque chassis, making it much lighter than many of the other teams cars like Aston Martin and Red Bull.
Last but not least, Audi’s current flagship RS avant, the RS5!
As we’ve seen with the F1 car hybridisation has been brought in for the first time in an RS model, making the RS5 potent but also able to meet emissions requirements.
A 2.9L turbocharged V6 engine is combined with electric motors producing an incredible 639BHP c
