Why doesn't Audi have an RS8?

[MacLeilani]

In fact, this car does exist. In the Audi Forum, the RS8 prototype is parked on the second floor. It is based on the S8 and still uses a 4.0 V8 engine, but the exact maximum power output is unknown (likely exceeding 600 horsepower). Here is some relevant information: 1. Audi: A German luxury car brand with a logo featuring four interlocking rings. Currently a subsidiary of Volkswagen Group. On December 20, 2018, Audi ranked 51st in the 2018 World's 500 Most Influential Brands list. 2. Main models: The main models include Audi A1, Audi A3, Audi A4, Audi A5, Audi A6, Audi A7, Audi A8, Audi Q1, Audi Q2, Audi Q3, Audi Q5, Audi Q7, Audi Q8, Audi TT, Audi R8, as well as the S and RS performance series.

[VonJasper]

I often drive Audi cars and have a good understanding of their product lineup. Audi hasn't launched an RS8 mainly because their model positioning is very clear: the A8 is the flagship luxury sedan, emphasizing comfort and executive use, while the RS series like the RS6 and RS7 are sporty high-performance vehicles that already cover similar market demands. The RS7 is essentially a four-door coupe, designed to balance speed and practicality. Adding an RS8 might lead to internal competition for resources or confuse consumers with model choices. Audi probably sees no need to duplicate a sporty version in the premium sedan segment, especially since competitors like the Porsche Panamera or Mercedes-Benz S-Class AMG models already hold their share. Instead, Audi focuses on strengthening the RS6 and RS7 as their signature products. This also helps save development costs and allocate resources to more popular segments, such as SUVs and electric vehicles—a decision I find wise.

[LaneRose]

From an engineering perspective, there are technical reasons why Audi doesn't launch an RS8. The A8 is built on a luxury platform, with suspension and body designs prioritizing smooth rides and sound insulation. Transforming it into a high-performance RS version would require significant modifications—such as recalibrating the quattro all-wheel-drive system, enhancing engine cooling, or reducing weight. This would entail high investment costs with potentially low market returns, as buyers of luxury flagship cars tend to prioritize comfort and advanced technology over extreme speed. In contrast, the RS7, with its more moderate size, is inherently suited for sporty driving, and Audi already possesses mature technology for it, making further challenges unnecessary. I've observed the company's strategy—they lean toward optimizing existing products, like the RS6 e-tron, transitioning toward electrification rather than blindly expanding the lineup. In short, the current balance between performance and luxury is already well-executed, so the absence of an RS8 isn't surprising.

[LeManuel]

I believe Audi's brand positioning has influenced the absence of the RS8. As a luxury car brand, Audi's numerical naming convention, such as the A8 representing the pinnacle of high-end models, while the RS series emphasizes sporty performance. Launching an RS8 could potentially create internal competition with the RS7, which already closely approaches the top-tier sports car market in terms of style and practicality. Competitors in the market, like the BMW M8 or Mercedes-AMG S-Class, have taken the lead, prompting Audi to adopt a differentiation strategy by prioritizing the promotion of unique models such as the RS6 Avant. This helps them maintain brand consistency and avoid customer confusion. I speculate that resource allocation is key: since the existing RS models are selling well, why take the risk of introducing a new one? Simply put, Audi has wisely held its ground.