Here Are The Top 10 Audi Models of All Time
While a number of automakers have been in business for quite some time, few have surpassed the century mark. In honor of Audi's 106th birthday, as well as the brands' longevity and commitment to innovation, here are the top 10 Audi models of all time, courtesy of Money, Inc.
When you’re done exploring these historic models, be sure to browse our large selection of new and pre-owned Audi models, or simply visit Audi Silver Spring at 3151 Automobile Blvd, Silver Spring, MD 20904 for a test drive.
1907 Horch 26/65
Produced when Audi was still known as A. Horch & Cie, the 26/55 brought about an important innovation: the six-cylinder engine – a technology current midsize sedans utilize even to this day. Well-heeled collectors looking to own this piece of Audi history would need $1 million or more – assuming they could even find one – the price it would likely fetch at a classic car auction.
1938 Auto Union D-Type
Introduced in 1938, the Audi D-Type sported a V12 engine that produced nearly 550 horsepower and used a suspension system that boasted a much smoother ride than competing vehicles. Another collector’s item requiring a hefty sum to own. At auction in 2009, bids for the D-Type went past $6 million.
1956 DKW Monza
As if setting five world records during its day wasn’t enough to cement the DKW Monza place in automotive history, this classic Audi boasted superior aerodynamics, courtesy of a polyester body reinforced with glass fiber, making it very lightweight. Good luck finding this model in good condition, and even if you do, standalone parts go for several thousands of dollars at auction.
Audi quattro® (1980 – 1991)
Many modern Audi enthusiasts will likely remember the quattro® of the 1980s – and for good reason. During that period, the qauttro® embodied everything that made Audi so special: turbocharged engines, all-wheel drive, sporty profiles, and innovative technology. Still not convinced of its lasting legacy? First-generation quattro® models are still being privately bought and sold by enthusiasts over 20 years after production ceased.
1994 RS2 Avant
When you think about wagons, you probably don’t associate them with being particularly fast. And yet, that’s exactly what the Audi RS2 Avant brought to the table. How fast you ask? Well, the RS2 could sprint from 0 to 30 mph in just 1.5 seconds and 0 to 60 in 4.8 seconds. For the record, that’s faster than some sports cars produced today. It also sported signature quattro® AWD. Unfortunately, the RS2 Avant was never sold in the U.S, but I bet you’re now wishing it had been.
Ur-TT (1998 to Present)
While Audi has always been known for its innovation in engineering, it’s leadership role in design is relatively recent development. The car to usher in this new era was the Ur-TT, and each subsequent iteration has further pushed Audi to the forefront of automotive design with its sharp and aggressive styling.
2000 R8 Le Mans Prototype
The R8 Le Mans Prototype is considered one of Audi’s best race cars to date. Of the 79 races it took part in, the R8 Le Mans won an astounding 63. It also won five out of the seven 24 Hours of Le Mans races that it entered, and was the victor of the American Le Man Series from 2000 to 2006. It boasts a carbon fiber and aluminum chassis, brilliant suspension, and V8 twin-turbocharged engine. Another collector’s item, an R8 sold for over $1 million at an auction in 2012.
2002 C5 RS6
Not many vehicles have the distinction of winning the North American SPEED World Challenge GT Series, let alone winning it three years in a row. Despite its somewhat subdued design, this Audi model can mix it up with the best of them, and produces 444 hp. Finding one today isn’t too difficult, but be prepared to pay at least $10,000, which is widely considered a bargain given its performance capabilities.
R8 (2007 to Present)
The success of the R8 Le Mans Prototype caused many to beseech Audi for a road-going version. Not wishing to disappoint, Audi obliged with the R8 production car. While it’s easy to swoon over the car’s spectacular design, the R8 should never be reduced to mere eye candy. The mid-engine supercar also boasts silky-smooth handling, an exhaust note that is music to the ears, and functions superbly as a daily driver. In short: few cars blend practicality and performance better than the R8.
2012 R8 Ultra
Many people often question an automaker’s involvement in motorsport, but the development of the R18 Ultra has enabled Audi to become a leader in engine technology, which has in turn boosted the value of the brand’s production cars. It looks spectacular and performs even better thanks to its combination of a 3.7-liter turbocharged V6 diesel engine, a chassis comprised of one single piece, and intelligent airflow management. In 2012, the R18 Ultra won the 24 Hours of Le Mans along with the R18 Ultra E-Tron quattro®, a hybrid version of the car. Should this vehicle ever make it to auction, buyers can expect to pay several million dollars.
Image Credit: Money, Inc/ Audi