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The 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT Performance is the most powerful Audi ever produced, delivering 912 horsepower with launch control activated[1]. This electric Gran Turismo sedan accelerates from 0-60 mph in just 2.4 seconds, making it also the quickest-accelerating production Audi in history[2]. The RS e-tron GT Performance surpasses the previous most powerful Audi—the R8 V10 Performance at 602 hp—by an astounding 310 horsepower[3].
Most Powerful Audi Models Ranked
| Rank | Model | Horsepower | 0-60 mph | Top Speed | Powertrain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2025 RS e-tron GT Performance | 912 hp[1] | 2.4 sec[2] | 155 mph | Electric |
| 2 | 2025 S e-tron GT | 670 hp[1] | 3.3 sec[2] | 152 mph | Electric |
| 3 | RS Q8 Performance | 631 hp[4] | 3.6 sec | 155 mph | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 |
| 4 | R8 V10 Performance (final) | 602 hp[3] | 3.1 sec | 205 mph | 5.2L V10 |
| 5 | RS Q8 | 591 hp[4] | 3.8 sec | 155 mph | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 |
| 6 | RS 6 Avant | 591 hp[4] | 3.5 sec | 155 mph | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 |
| 7 | RS 7 Sportback | 591 hp[4] | 3.5 sec | 155 mph | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 |
| 8 | S8 | 563 hp | 3.8 sec | 155 mph | 4.0L Twin-Turbo V8 |
The RS e-tron GT Performance: Audi’s Power Champion
Technical Specifications
| Specification | RS e-tron GT Performance |
|---|---|
| Maximum Power (Launch Control) | 912 hp (680 kW)[1] |
| Continuous Power | 598 hp[5] |
| Maximum Torque | 1,027 Nm (758 lb-ft)[6] |
| Front Motor Output | 329 hp[1] |
| Rear Motor Output | 556 hp[2] |
| Battery Capacity | 105 kWh (gross) / 97 kWh (net)[5] |
| EPA Range | 246 miles[1] |
| 0-60 mph | 2.4 seconds[2] |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (electronically limited)[5] |
| Starting MSRP | ~$175,000[6] |
The RS e-tron GT Performance represents a significant leap over the previous RS e-tron GT, which produced 637 hp with launch control[1]. The 275-horsepower increase comes from a completely redesigned powertrain featuring improved motors, advanced battery chemistry, and enhanced thermal management[2].
What Makes It So Powerful?
The 2025 RS e-tron GT Performance achieves its record-breaking output through several key innovations[2]:
- Redesigned Rear Motor: The rear motor now produces 556 hp (up from 449 hp) thanks to increased copper density in the windings and a lighter rotor[2]. This motor also weighs 22 lbs less than before.
- Upgraded Power Electronics: The RS Performance model operates at 600 amps discharge current—300 amps more than the S e-tron GT[1].
- Advanced Thermal Management: Four interconnected coolant circuits ensure consistent power delivery even during repeated acceleration runs[1].
- RS Performance Mode: An exclusive driving mode optimizes all systems for maximum performance[5].
For more Audi performance information, see our Audi RS models guide.
Most Powerful Gas-Powered Audi
Audi R8 V10 Performance (Discontinued)
The Audi R8 V10 Performance held the title of most powerful Audi until the RS e-tron GT Performance arrived[3].
| Specification | R8 V10 Performance |
|---|---|
| Engine | 5.2L naturally aspirated V10[3] |
| Horsepower | 602 hp @ 8,100 rpm[3] |
| Torque | 413 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm[3] |
| 0-60 mph | 3.1 seconds[3] |
| Top Speed | 205 mph[3] |
| Transmission | 7-speed dual-clutch[3] |
The R8 production ended in 2023, making the RS e-tron GT Performance the new flagship[3]. While the R8 produced less horsepower, its higher top speed (205 vs 155 mph) remains unmatched by any current Audi[3].
RS Q8 Performance: Most Powerful Gas-Powered Audi Available
Currently, the RS Q8 Performance is the most powerful internal combustion Audi you can buy[4]:
| Specification | RS Q8 Performance |
|---|---|
| Engine | 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 with 48V mild-hybrid[4] |
| Horsepower | 631 hp[4] |
| Torque | 627 lb-ft[4] |
| 0-60 mph | 3.6 seconds[4] |
| Top Speed | 155 mph (limited)[4] |
| Starting MSRP | ~$125,000 |
The RS Q8 Performance’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 produces 40 hp more than the standard RS Q8 (591 hp)[4].
For more RS Q8 information, see our Audi Q8 guide.
The 591 hp Club: RS 6 Avant and RS 7
Several Audi RS models share the same 591 hp powertrain[4]:
| Model | Body Style | 0-60 mph | Base Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| RS 6 Avant | Sport Wagon | 3.5 sec | ~$125,000 |
| RS 7 Sportback | Fastback Sedan | 3.5 sec | ~$126,000 |
| RS Q8 | Performance SUV | 3.8 sec | ~$119,500 |
All three vehicles use Audi’s 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 with 48-volt mild-hybrid assist[4]. The RS 6 Avant has become particularly sought-after as one of the few high-performance station wagons available in the US market[4].
How Audi’s Power Compares to Rivals
| Model | Brand | Horsepower | 0-60 mph |
|---|---|---|---|
| RS e-tron GT Performance | Audi | 912 hp[1] | 2.4 sec |
| Taycan Turbo GT | Porsche | 1,019 hp | 2.1 sec |
| Model S Plaid | Tesla | 1,020 hp | 2.0 sec |
| AMG EQS 53 | Mercedes | 751 hp | 3.4 sec |
| BMW i7 M70 | BMW | 650 hp | 3.5 sec |
While the RS e-tron GT Performance is Audi’s most powerful vehicle, it trails the Porsche Taycan Turbo GT (a corporate sibling on the same platform) and Tesla Model S Plaid in peak output[2]. However, Car and Driver testing showed the RS e-tron GT Performance achieving 0-60 in 2.1 seconds—matching the Taycan’s real-world performance[2].
Key Takeaways
- The 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT Performance is Audi’s most powerful production vehicle ever, producing 912 hp with launch control and accelerating 0-60 mph in 2.4 seconds
- The RS e-tron GT Performance surpasses the legendary R8 V10 Performance (602 hp) by 310 horsepower, marking electric power’s dominance in Audi’s lineup
- The RS Q8 Performance is currently the most powerful gas-powered Audi available at 631 hp from its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8
- Several Audi RS models share a 591 hp twin-turbo V8: RS 6 Avant, RS 7 Sportback, and standard RS Q8
- Despite having the highest horsepower, the RS e-tron GT Performance is limited to 155 mph, while the discontinued R8 achieved 205 mph
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Audi R8 still the most powerful Audi?
No, the R8 V10 Performance (602 hp) is no longer the most powerful Audi—that title now belongs to the 2025 RS e-tron GT Performance at 912 hp[1]. Additionally, the R8 was discontinued in 2023, making it no longer available for purchase new[3]. However, the R8 still holds Audi’s highest top speed record at 205 mph versus the RS e-tron GT’s limited 155 mph[3].
What is the most powerful gas-powered Audi you can buy today?
The RS Q8 Performance is currently the most powerful internal combustion Audi available, producing 631 hp from its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8[4]. It accelerates from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds. The RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback follow at 591 hp each, sharing the same engine family with slightly different tuning[4].
How does the RS e-tron GT Performance compare to the Porsche Taycan?
The RS e-tron GT Performance shares its platform with the Porsche Taycan but produces less power (912 hp vs the Taycan Turbo GT’s 1,019 hp)[2]. However, real-world acceleration is nearly identical—Car and Driver tested both at approximately 2.1 seconds 0-60 mph[2]. The Audi emphasizes luxury and grand touring comfort, while the Taycan prioritizes sport performance.
What is the fastest Audi by top speed?
The Audi R8 V10 Performance holds Audi’s top speed record at 205 mph[3]. All current Audi models are electronically limited to 155-156 mph, regardless of their power output. The RS e-tron GT Performance, despite having 912 hp, is limited to 155 mph[5]. This limitation is common across German luxury brands for safety and tire rating reasons.
How much does the most powerful Audi cost?
References
- Audi USA Media. (2024). 2025 RS e-tron GT performance is the most powerful and quickest accelerating Audi production vehicle ever. https://media.audiusa.com/releases/623
- Design News. (2025). The 912-HP 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT Is the Company’s Quickest Car Ever. https://www.designnews.com/automotive-engineering/the-912-hp-2025-audi-rs-e-tron-gt-is-the-company-s-quickest-car-ever
- CarBuzz. (2021). Audi R8 Vs. RS e-tron GT Is The Ultimate Past Vs. Future Drag Race. https://carbuzz.com/news/audi-r8-vs-rs-e-tron-gt-is-the-ultimate-past-vs-future-drag-race/
- encyCARpedia. (2024). Most Powerful Audi Cars In The World. https://www.encycarpedia.com/top/most-powerful-audis
- Audi Media Center. (2024). Audi RS e-tron GT performance Technical Details. https://www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/audi-rs-e-tron-gt-performance-16050
- Auto Class Magazine. (2025). Audi RS e-tron GT Performance Test Drive. https://www.autoclassmagazine.com/web/audi-rs-e-tron-gt-performance-test-drive/
- Car and Driver. (2025). 2025 Audi RS e-tron GT Performance Test: Taycan Who? https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a64342917/2025-audi-rs-e-tron-gt-performance-drive/
- MotorTrend. (2025). 2025 Audi RS E-Tron GT First Drive Review. https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2025-audi-rs-e-tron-gt-first-drive-review
I am a senior automotive analyst at Autvex. Expert vehicle evaluations, in-depth reviews, and objective analysis helping readers make informed automotive decisions with years of industry experience.
