What Audi Has the Most Horsepower?

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].

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Most Powerful Audi Models Ranked

RankModelHorsepower0-60 mphTop SpeedPowertrain
12025 RS e-tron GT Performance912 hp[1]2.4 sec[2]155 mphElectric
22025 S e-tron GT670 hp[1]3.3 sec[2]152 mphElectric
3RS Q8 Performance631 hp[4]3.6 sec155 mph4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
4R8 V10 Performance (final)602 hp[3]3.1 sec205 mph5.2L V10
5RS Q8591 hp[4]3.8 sec155 mph4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
6RS 6 Avant591 hp[4]3.5 sec155 mph4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
7RS 7 Sportback591 hp[4]3.5 sec155 mph4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
8S8563 hp3.8 sec155 mph4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
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The RS e-tron GT Performance: Audi's Power Champion

Technical Specifications

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SpecificationRS e-tron GT Performance
Maximum Power (Launch Control)912 hp (680 kW)[1]
Continuous Power598 hp[5]
Maximum Torque1,027 Nm (758 lb-ft)[6]
Front Motor Output329 hp[1]
Rear Motor Output556 hp[2]
Battery Capacity105 kWh (gross) / 97 kWh (net)[5]
EPA Range246 miles[1]
0-60 mph2.4 seconds[2]
Top Speed155 mph (electronically limited)[5]
Starting MSRP~$175,000[6]
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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].

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What Makes It So Powerful?

The 2025 RS e-tron GT Performance achieves its record-breaking output through several key innovations[2]:

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  • 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].
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For more Audi performance information, see our Audi RS models guide.

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Most Powerful Gas-Powered Audi

Audi R8 V10 Performance (Discontinued)

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The Audi R8 V10 Performance held the title of most powerful Audi until the RS e-tron GT Performance arrived[3].

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SpecificationR8 V10 Performance
Engine5.2L naturally aspirated V10[3]
Horsepower602 hp @ 8,100 rpm[3]
Torque413 lb-ft @ 6,500 rpm[3]
0-60 mph3.1 seconds[3]
Top Speed205 mph[3]
Transmission7-speed dual-clutch[3]
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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].

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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]:

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SpecificationRS Q8 Performance
Engine4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 with 48V mild-hybrid[4]
Horsepower631 hp[4]
Torque627 lb-ft[4]
0-60 mph3.6 seconds[4]
Top Speed155 mph (limited)[4]
Starting MSRP~$125,000
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The RS Q8 Performance's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 produces 40 hp more than the standard RS Q8 (591 hp)[4].

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For more RS Q8 information, see our Audi Q8 guide.

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The 591 hp Club: RS 6 Avant and RS 7

Several Audi RS models share the same 591 hp powertrain[4]:

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ModelBody Style0-60 mphBase Price (approx.)
RS 6 AvantSport Wagon3.5 sec~$125,000
RS 7 SportbackFastback Sedan3.5 sec~$126,000
RS Q8Performance SUV3.8 sec~$119,500
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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].

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How Audi's Power Compares to Rivals

ModelBrandHorsepower0-60 mph
RS e-tron GT PerformanceAudi912 hp[1]2.4 sec
Taycan Turbo GTPorsche1,019 hp2.1 sec
Model S PlaidTesla1,020 hp2.0 sec
AMG EQS 53Mercedes751 hp3.4 sec
BMW i7 M70BMW650 hp3.5 sec
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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].

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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
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Audi R8 still the most powerful Audi?

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What is the most powerful gas-powered Audi you can buy today?

How does the RS e-tron GT Performance compare to the Porsche Taycan?

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What is the fastest Audi by top speed?

How much does the most powerful Audi cost?

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References

  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. 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/
  4. encyCARpedia. (2024). Most Powerful Audi Cars In The World.https://www.encycarpedia.com/top/most-powerful-audis
  5. 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
  6. 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/
  7. 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/
  8. 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
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