Unveiling the Audi RS001: The Mid-Engine Rally Legend That Almost Was
In the world of motorsport, few cars have generated as much intrigue and fascination as the legendary Audi Quattro RS001. Known primarily among hardcore Audi enthusiasts, this mid-engine prototype was designed to revolutionize the rally scene but was tragically lost to history, crushed by Audi's management. Now, a bold tuning company from Australia, EPSmotorsport, is revitalizing this piece of automotive history, bringing back a car that was never meant to be.
In the early 80s, Audi had already made a name for itself in the world of rally racing through its pioneering Quattro technology. However, the head of Audi Sport, Roland Gumpert, believed there were flaws in the front-engine design of the Audi Sport Quattro. His solution? A mid-engine prototype that would solve these issues. Despite Gumpert's passion, the proposal faced stern opposition from then-Audi chief Ferdinand Piech, who ultimately ordered the destruction of the completed prototype.
The Rise and Fall of the RS001
The RS001's fate was sealed when it fell victim to corporate secrecy and paranoia. After Walter Rohrl, a renowned rally driver, conducted tests on the RS001 in secretive conditions, the prototype was spotted by some enthusiastic spies. The resulting media attention outraged Piech, leading to the swift confiscation and destruction of the car. What could have been a pivotal moment in rally car evolution turned into a lost potential for one of the most promising vehicles ever conceived in the company's history.
The Journey Begins: EPSmotorsport Takes the Lead
Fast forward to today, where EPSmotorsport is putting the pieces together for the RS001’s revival. This Australian tuning house began with an early 90s Audi Coupe Quattro, stripping it down to its core. The team then constructed a custom tubular chassis crafted from high-strength Chromoly steel, setting the perfect foundation for the rest of the build.
What makes the restoration compelling is EPSmotorsport's dedication to authenticity. Using a small model of the original RS001 bought from Germany, the team meticulously scanned and scaled its dimensions to ensure the new build remains true to the spirit of the lost prototype. This attention to detail doesn't stop with the bodywork; critical components are being sourced from modern Audi models and other high-performance brands.
Innovative Suspension and Braking Systems
The car's suspension system is a blend of engineering capabilities, featuring rear upper and lower control arms borrowed from the contemporary Audi R8. Further enhancing the dynamic ride are custom adjustable race dampers designed by suspension specialists at KW. To guarantee stopping power, EPS has fitted it with Alcon racing brakes and a sliding adjustable pedal box. For the wheels, period-correct Rotiform ROC-H rims will pay homage to the rally history while ensuring top performance.
Powering the RS001
At the heart of the RS001 lies a robust, turbocharged five-cylinder engine. EPSmotorsport has chosen to harness a modern iteration of the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine used in many Audi RS models, providing a staggering 723 horsepower and 500 lb-ft of torque—an impressive number that will ensure vivacious acceleration. Initial weight estimates of the car suggest it could weigh under 2,500 pounds when fully assembled, offering an exhilarating power-to-weight ratio that fans of the original RS001 could only dream about.
A Rally Legend Reborn
What sets the work of EPSmotorsport apart is the deep appreciation for the rich history of rally racing that they embody in every detail of the RS001. This build serves as a tribute to the incredible engineering and spirit of innovation epitomized by the original Audi rally cars of the era. You can follow their journey through various updates on their YouTube channel, as they aim to take this dream project to significant events, including the revered Pikes Peak International Hill Climb.
The revival of the RS001 highlights more than just a vehicle; it represents a blend of passion, history, and ambition that many enthusiasts will find incredibly inspiring. Exciting times lie ahead for the tuning house and anyone who wishes to see Audi's lost legend return to the stage it was never meant to leave.