Performance, aesthetics, and functionality continue to shape Audi’s performance cars.
Audi Sport GmbH, with its RS models, has been a symbol of technological advancement and stylish design for four decades. In an exclusive interview with Marc Lichte, Head of Audi Design, we delve into the history and future of Audi’s high-performance lineup.
Lichte’s passion for RS models is evident as he reminisces about the iconic TT RS2, a car that blended Bauhaus design principles with a thrilling driving experience. He also highlights the uncompromising approach taken with the Audi RS 6 Avant, showcasing the brand’s commitment to its quattro heritage. What sets RS models apart is their timeless design, characterized by muscular lines, wide fender flares, and distinctive features. Lichte emphasizes that this DNA is deeply ingrained in Audi, ensuring that future RS models will continue to embody this essence, a poignant revelation at a time when Audi’s brand is rapidly evolving to embrace electrification.
The genesis of Lichte’s love for performance cars can be traced back to his father’s hill-climb racing days, where the anticipation and excitement surrounding races left a lasting impression. It was the Audi Sport quattro at the Frankfurt International Motor Show in 1983 that ignited his desire to become an automobile designer at Audi, and that passion still drives him today. The interview sheds light on how design traditions at Audi have evolved over time. Lichte juxtaposes the Sport quattro with the RS e-tron GT, showcasing how elements from the past seamlessly transition into the electric age, preserving tradition while embracing innovation.
Looking toward the future, Lichte discusses Audi Sport GmbH’s plans for RS models, focusing on performance, functionality, and distinctive design. He emphasizes the importance of a wide track and large wheels, key features that differentiate RS models from their base counterparts. In the quest for timeless design, Lichte believes in creating forms with a defined function, striking a balance between modernity and classic beauty. Every RS model should fit seamlessly into any setting or situation, embodying longevity and universality.
The interview concludes with insights into the impact of aerodynamics on electrified RS models, highlighting the meticulous design process aimed at maximizing efficiency and range, while combining a performance-oriented edge. Lichte also reveals Audi’s new design philosophy, emphasizing the interior as the focal point of the design process, promising a radically different RS interior in future models. In the exciting future of RS models, performance, aesthetics, and functionality will continue to define the brand’s DNA.
Image Source: Audi