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Eight new Audi RS models arriving by 2018

The Audi RS range will more than double in size within the next 18 months, meaning more ways to enjoy sporty German hooliganism.

That is according to the new RS division boss man, Stephan Winkelmann, who said there are plans in place to take the current line-up of seven RS models to 15 by early 2018.

“There is more to come,” Winkelmann told British motoring publication Autocar. “We have one company, one name and we have a brand. But will remain exclusive.”

No indication was given as to exactly which models will be given the RS treatment, but knowing the A3, Q3, A6, A7 and TT have already been done provides some indication. So a Q2 RS is a distinct possibility.

Winkelmann also said Audi would be heading in a different direction than AMG, even though sales of its fellow German rival have doubled over the last two years, but it is unclear what he meant.

“We are not going to do what they do. We have a lot of plans but are not revealing them yet. It is better to under-promise and over-deliver,” he continued, before appearing non-committal on the subject of a second unique RS product (the first being the brilliant R8). “We’ll see,” he added.

Winkelmann may be a familiar name to some petrolheads and that is perhaps due to the fact he was the boss of Lamborghini. He stepped into his new role in February 2016.

The plan now is to roll various elements of the business, including Audi Sport, Quattro and RS, into one organisation, echoing what Ford did with Ford Performance back in 2014.

The latest addition to the RS range was the TT RS, which makes a rather potent 394bhp from its 2.5-litre TFSI petrol engine, as well as 480Nm of torque. 0-62mph takes 3.7 seconds for the coupe and 3.9 seconds for the slightly fatter roadster.

Though you could argue increasing the number of RS models dilutes the brand, having more choice is surely a good thing. Especially if you have heard what an RS3 sounds like at full tilt.

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