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The Porsche styling experts heavily influenced the RS2's looks. The
massive front air dam, whilst serving a practical purpose,
echoed the company's design trend at that time. The
Porsche influence continued with the mesh grille and
rounded door mirrors. The Porsche styling influence was
completed by a set of 17" cup design alloys
displaying those powerful brakes, a Porsche hallmark.
This Audi has definitely got a Porsche identity crisis!
 Audi's RS2 is a
blistering performer. Even though the RS2 is no
light weight, official figures gave it a 0-60
time of just 4.9secs and a limited top speed of
around 160mph. But the performance figures don't
tell the full story. Driving this beast at low
revs around town and you'd be mistaken for
believing this was just an ordinary estate with
the exception of an unusually heavy clutch and
exceptionally stiff suspension. Change down and
pass the 2800rpm barrier and the wolf starts to
stir, with a forceful urge. Once 3500rpm has been
passed, there is no mistaking this for a lesser model, the KKK turbo kicks with full force and
Audi's brilliant quattro system delivers a punch
that can scare. If the RS2 has an achilles heal
it is getting away from a standing start. The
combination of a heavy kerb weight, it's quattro
system with amazing grip and turbo power that
needs high revs to deliver, means the RS2 can
easily bog down in 1st gear. Dropping the clutch
at 6000rpm is one option but is not advisable if
the clutch wants to be preserved. The other
option is to accept a short start in 1st and
change quickly to 2nd to realise the full
potential of the turbo. The RS2 is in full swing
in 3rd gear and above and becomes an extremely exhilarating car to drive. It is a real Autobahn
crusher and on British motorways, passing traffic
with terrifying ease. The 6 speed transmission is
slightly ponderous but the ratios are set
perfectly for high speed overtaking. The
suspension is once again at it's worse at low
speeds feeling fairly stiff and unforgiving, but
once the RS2 is put into full swing the
suspension can be fully appreciated for it's
ability to cope with this level of power. Those
big red brakes are a true Porsche masterpiece,
showing their presence with incredible force and
with minimal fade after heavy braking.
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