15 of the Fastest Audis on the Planet

I've been a fan of Audi since as far back as I can remember. My first Audi experience was in my Aunt's Audi 5000. I don't recall the year, but I do remember my Aunt taking my siblings and I out for ice cream and feeling the rush of acceleration as we hit 120km/hr on the freeway. The speed limit was 100, but yeah, my aunt was a maniac driver. Anyway, I think that was the moment I fell in love with Audi.

Audi is actually an umbrella company belonging to Volkswagen of Germany. It was founded back in 1932 in Chemnitz, Germany. Four companies amalgamated to form what is now known as Audi, they were Wanderer, DKW, Horch, and Audi. The 4 company origin is represented by the familiar four-ring logo that adorns each and every Audi vehicle. From its beginnings until now, Audi has been known for being a leader in design, engineering, and the relentless pursuit of automotive excellence.

The brand may not be as synonymous with race-car performance like such brands as Porsche or Ferrari, but since its origins Audi has definitely become known as a high quality automaker capable of producing high quality, highly attractive vehicles while wholly encompassing performance and the all-important fun-to-drive factor.

In this gallery, we look at the 15 fastest production Audis on the planet. Many Audis are electronically limited to a 155mph top speed, so the cars in this list are ranked by their 0-60 times. However, in cases where times are the same, we've taken into account other factors such as horsepower and top speed to give one vehicle the edge over another.

Keep in mind that this list isn't a complete account of ALL the quickest Audis ever. There are a number of cars that were concepts, limited-production runs, or we just felt that it was boring to include the same car model over and over. We are certain, however, that if you are an Audi lover like we are, you will enjoy this gallery.

Here are 15 of the fastest Audis on the planet.

Audi S5

The sexy, chiseled Audi S5 doubles as a swanky and roomy grand tourer with a performance heart and soul derived from its S-line lineage. Its 3.0 liter V6 cranks out 333hp and gets the S5 from 0-60 mph in just 4.8s. Top Speed is limited to155hp, like most other models, but it's balanced and composed handling along with it's well polished good looks makes it a solid addition to our list.

Audi S3

The newest addition to Audi's "S" family, the S3 brings big performance in a highly attractive, compact package. With a 2.0 liter turbo 4 cylinder containing 290 high-energy horses, the S3 can rocket its way from 0-60 mph in just 4.4s. The S3s super-wide torque curve, 18inch wheels, and performance-tuned suspension insures that it's a blast to drive in the curves as well as in a straight line. Sadly the awesome 6-speed manual won't be available in the US this year, but the superb six-speed automatic should keep most from caring.

Audi S4

Think of Audi's S4 as the S3s bigger, badder, and spendier brother. For those needing more room, the S4 provides you with the space and size without compromising in the performance department. With its laughably underrated 333hp supercharged V6 mated to either a slick manual or lightning-fast dual-clutch automatic transmission, S4 0-60 mph comes up in just 4.4s. The S4 is at home on the highway or in the mountain twisties, just keep the options to a minimum and you've got yourself one heck of a performance bargain.

Audi RS5

Audi's RS5, takes all the speed and beauty of the S5 and cranks the performance dial up all the way up to 10. It's high-revving 450hp V8 will stir your soul. Add a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, sport-tuned suspension, and highly sported-up interior and exterior styling cues, and you have a 174mph, 4.4s 0-60mph missile that'll get you there in comfort and style.

Audi RS4 Avant

For the coming year, you'll only be able to get Audi's spectacular RS4 avant in Europe and only in estate format. Audi does this to avoid cannibalizing sales of other RS models in the range. It'll come with a 4.2 liter 444hp V8, and a load of performance bells and whistles. If practicality is right up there with performance on your list of must-haves, then this beast will surely check that box. Just don't ask about fuel economy or when it will actually be available state-side.

Audi R8 V8

You could call it the "Entry-level" R8. The R8 V8 can blast to 60mph in 4.2s and hits a blazing top-speed of 176mph. Not only that, it's low center of gravity and tightly sprung suspension makes it a sweet track day treat as well. So you could call it entry-level, but why would you?

Audi S7

Audi's S7 packs a whallop thanks to a 420 hp, 4 liter twin-turbo V8. Coupled with a 7-speed automatic and Audi's vaunted Quattro system, this makes for a winning combination, making the not-so-minute S7 feel much lighter than it's specs would suggest. High praise goes for it's elegant and well-appointed interior. With a 0-60 mph time of 4s, the S7 is a great performer by any measure.

Audi TT RS

The TT RS is what you get when Audi's power-loving RS division takes an already sporty and fast TTS and drops in a 5 cylinder, 360hp engine. And as you would expect, big power in little packages equals big fun. The sprint to 0-60 mph takes just 4s and Audi's littlest sports car tops out at 172mph. Pleasure by the pound.

Audi RS3

RS3 could be short for RS-3-second club. That's because Audi's little sportback can hit 0-60 mph in a scarcely believable 3.8s. It's the ultimate compact hatch. And although technically "retired", this 340hp, 2.5 liter equipped rocket-sled can still be found if you shop around. You could also just wait for the next generation RS3, but you would not be disappointed either way.

Audi RS6 Avant

At the heart of Audi's new RS6 Avant lives the Volkswagen group's most powerful twin-turbo 4 liter V8 engine version to date. So powerful is the new motor, that Audi's own 7-speed dual-clutch automatic couldn't handle the engine's massive torque. We're talking 560hp and 516lb-ft of monstrous motivation. The RS6 will hit 0-60 mph in 3.8s and go on to a top speed of 190mph with the Dynamic Plus packages. Too bad it won't be offered in the US, but cheer up...and stay tuned for the RS7.

Audi S6

The Audi S6 is the S7's equally brawny sibling. With more conservative exterior styling cues, but the same souped-up 420hp twin turbo V8 as the S7, the S6 hits 60mph in a supercar-like 3.7s. Top speed has been electronically limited to 155mph, but you'll get there in a hurry if you floor the accelerator. Recipient of multiple 10best awards from Car and Driver, the S6s road-squeezing suspensions make it just as much fun when the road starts to bend. Few will crave more performance.

Audi R8 V10

The "mid-level" R8. The V10 iteration comes with a 525hp engine mated to either a manual or automated manual 6-speed transmission. Like a super model dressed for a night on the town, the V10 R8 illicits stares and thumbs up wherever it goes. Did we mention that it hits 0-60 mph in just 3.7s? The cool thing is that weight is only increased by 68 pounds over the V8 version and fuel economy is only worsened by 1mpg. So if you have the extra $45,000 or so premium that the V10 costs over the V8, consider it money well spent.

Audi S8

At the top of the S-line heap, is the Audi S8. It will take some time to wrap your head around the fact that this 4-door sedan can run with all but the very fastest supercars. The monstrous 520hp V8 engine that powers this beast gets the S8 to 60mph in the blink of an eye, 3.6s to be exact. And while all the accelerative violence is taking place on the outside, the S8's occupants are coddled in an extremely comfortable and aesthetically pleasing interior. The S8 is a machine that gets respect.

Audi RS7

The RS7 is Audi's second fastest vehicle, despite the fact that there are two other versions of R8 on this list! The RS7 also might just be the best looking Audi as well. Looks aren't everything though, so thank heavens that the RS7 has the bite to match it's bark...and then some. A 560hp, 3.9 liter V8 powers the RS7 to 0-60 mph in just 3.4s! Equipped with a performance-tuned 8-speed automatic, all-wheel-drive, a lowered suspension, not only is it the fastest sedan on this list, it might just be the fastest sedan, period.

Audi R8 V10 Plus

And now we come to Audi's top dog on this list of formidable machines. The R8 V10 Plus stands head and shoulders above all Audi's as the company's greatest performance offering to date. With its 550hp engine and super sweet 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, it's staggering 3.2s 0-60 mph time and 197mph top speed, it doesn't get any more satisfying than this. If you just will not settle for anything less than the fastest Audi around, then the R8 V10 Plus is your ride!