These Audis Are the Best German Performance Cars Ever Made

[Source: Evo]

Evo has been testing cars since 1998. During that time, they have tested just about everything under the sun. So, when we saw that they recently listed the best German performance cars ever made, we were keen to pay attention.

The Germans really know how to make a performance car. This is evident from the fact that Evo listed nearly 50 cars on their list. As you would expect there were quite a few Porsches on the list from the Carrera GT to multiple generations of the 911 GT3 RS. BMW and Mercedes were also well represented. There were even a few VWs in the mix. But Audi had a strong showing with eight different models being counted as among the best German performance cars ever made. The following are the Audis that Evo considers to be among the greatest cars to ever come from Deutschland and why they feel that way. We think you will agree that Evo has great taste.

Audi Sport Quattro

The best rally homologation specials were never about beauty, they were about purpose. Cars like the Lancia Delta Integrale and Toyota GR Yaris may not have supercar curves, but their function-first design is exactly what makes them so appealing. And few examples capture that better than the Audi Sport Quattro. With its shortened wheelbase and almost awkward proportions, the Sport Quattro looks a bit unusual at first glance. But that oddball styling is part of its charm, it’s unmistakable, aggressive, and undeniably cool.

What’s more surprising is how special it feels to drive. Like the standard Quattro, it may not be overly flashy or theatrical, but it delivers performance in a deep, rewarding way when pushed. Even by modern standards, its 302 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque are seriously impressive, especially in such a compact package.

Audi RS 3

It took a few tries, but the latest Audi RS 3 has finally evolved into more than just a brutally fast hot hatch, it’s actually fun to drive. Earlier versions were incredibly capable but often felt a bit distant. This new model changes that, adding real driver engagement to its already strong foundation of solid build quality, massive grip, and everyday usability.

At the heart of it all is Audi’s legendary turbocharged 2.5-liter inline-five, now producing a hefty 394 horsepower. That’s nearly double what hot hatches offered just a couple of decades ago. Performance is serious, with a 0–62 mph time in the low 3-second range and a top speed approaching 174 mph. But the real transformation comes from the updated drivetrain. Audi’s torque-splitting all-wheel-drive system can send power to the rear, or even a single rear wheel, making the car far more playful and adjustable. The result is a hot hatch that’s not just quick but genuinely engaging in a way previous RS 3s never quite managed.

Audi RS 2 Avant

Since the 1994 debut of the Audi RS 2 Avant, Audi has built a string of incredible fast wagons, but they all trace their roots back to this five-cylinder, Porsche-assisted legend. Based on the S2, the RS 2 packed a 315-horsepower 2.2-liter turbocharged engine, delivering serious speed. But thanks to Porsche’s involvement, its handling was equally impressive. While not the most tactile car ever, it’s enormously capable, resisting understeer and offering unshakable traction to exploit every ounce of the five-cylinder’s power.

The Porsche influence is unmistakable, from the 911-derived teardrop mirrors and Carrera Cup wheels to the high-performance brakes. Throw in timeless styling, and it’s clear why the RS 2 remains one of the decade’s most iconic performance cars.

Audi Quattro 20V

This rally icon has appeared in various forms over the years, and while it might not be as edgy as some of its contemporaries, it remains a brilliant all-round performance car. Turbocharged and four-wheel drive, it still feels surprisingly modern.

What makes the Quattro special is how usable it is in everyday life, even today. With 194 horsepower propelling just 2,866 pounds, it’s lively enough to match modern cars, yet predictable thanks to its traction and grip. Comfortable, well-built, and equipped with a supple ride, it’s easy to enjoy in all conditions. And while the short-wheelbase models are wild, you don’t need one to experience the quintessential Quattro thrill.

Audi R8 4.2

The Audi R8 first appeared as the Le Mans quattro concept in 2003, celebrating Audi’s early-2000s dominance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. By the time the production R8 launched in 2006, Audi had added two more Le Mans wins, and the road car’s specification firmly placed it in supercar territory.

The sweet spot for purists was the 4.2 V8. Nimbler than the V10 yet still impressively quick, it offered a manual transmission praised as one of the slickest and most tactile in any production car. While the V10 could be had with a manual, it never felt quite as engaging. Driving the R8 V8 was a thrill, a perfectly balanced mid-engine chassis delivered excellent performance without sacrificing ride comfort, making it equally at home on spirited runs or long-distance cruising.

Audi R8 V10 Plus (Gen 1)

In 2009, Audi added the 5.2‑litre V10 from the Lamborghini Gallardo, giving the R8 extra punch, but it was the 2013 R8 V10 Plus that truly left an impression. The Plus bumped the output and, shed over 110 pounds thanks to carbon fiber trims, and added bucket seats and uprated suspension.

Most notably, it introduced the seven-speed S‑Tronic dual-clutch, replacing the clunky R‑Tronic automated manual while the manual option remained. The rest of the car stayed true to the R8 formula: balanced, sharp, and brilliant. Audi had created a junior supercar that even Lamborghini struggled to match for years.

Audi RS 6 GT

The Audi RS6 GT isn’t just a fast Audi, it’s a statement. Even if the IMSA-inspired livery isn’t your style, getting behind the wheel reveals a car built to rival the very best BMW M CS models.

From the first corner, the RS 6 GT’s extra tactility and focus are clear. Passive adjustable coilovers replace the standard RS 6’s adaptive suspension, and the rear locking differential is tuned for a more aggressive, engaging drive. At 621 horsepower and two tons, it’s astonishingly thrilling, proving that sometimes the most rewarding experiences come from the unexpected. In 2024, the RS 6 GT arrived as one of the all-time great fast Audis.

Audi RS 4 (B7)

At the heart of the Audi RS 4 was the same 4.2‑litre V8 that revved to 8,500 rpm in the mid‑engine R8. Coupled with a rear‑biased quattro system and Dynamic Ride Control, it delivered impressive grip and poise, while a six-speed manual made every drive highly engaging.

On the outside, flared wheelarches hinted at its performance, and aluminum panels, sporty seats, and other touches reinforced its purpose. Available as a sedan, wagon, or cabriolet, the RS 4 wagon arguably remains the most alluring, blending practicality with pure driving thrill.