Audi Sport

Audi Sport GmbH was founded in October 1983 as 'quattro GmbH' in Neckarsulm, Germany. Initially, the company focused on protecting the 'quattro' trademark and selling high-quality accessories and lifestyle products related to Audi's rally-inspired performance brand. During its first decade, it operated as a boutique branch for customization rather than a full-scale vehicle manufacturer. In 1996, the company officially became a vehicle manufacturer with the introduction of the Audi S6 plus, marking its transition into engineering bespoke high-performance versions of mass-market Audi models. This was followed by the iconic RS 4 Avant in 1999, which established the blueprint for the brand's 'RS' (RennSport) philosophy: combining extreme engine performance with everyday practicality and quattro all-wheel drive. The 2000s marked a significant expansion with the development of the Audi R8, a mid-engine supercar that shared its DNA with the Lamborghini Gallardo. This era also saw the company take full responsibility for Audi’s customer racing operations (Audi Sport customer racing), providing GT3, GT4, and TCR vehicles to privateer teams worldwide. In November 2016, the company was rebranded from quattro GmbH to Audi Sport GmbH to better align its corporate identity with its motorsport heritage and the expanding global portfolio of RS vehicles. The rebranding signaled a push toward a broader audience and a more distinct separation from the standard Audi lineup. Today, Audi Sport GmbH is spearheading the electrification of Audi’s performance range, evidenced by the development of the RS e-tron GT. While production of the flagship R8 ended in early 2024, the company continues to innovate within the high-performance SUV and sedan segments, maintaining its headquarters at the Böllinger Höfe site near Neckarsulm.