The new A3 is said to “epitomise Audi’s latest brand language”, with its lightweight design and fuel efficiency, coupled with a remarkably fast, turbocharging engine. Over the years, Audi’s brand language has shifted somewhat but the German manufacturer has rarely failed to impress.

Here are five of our favourites:

1980 Audi Quattro

Like the brand new A3, the original Audi Quattro was given its unveiling at the International Geneva Motorshow. Also, like the A3, the Quattro was seen as an innovative, ground-breaking car. Few could have imagined the legacy the Quattro would leave, becoming the first all-wheel-drive car to truly gain mainstream popularity thanks to its space-saving, small, light gearbox.

The Quattro excelled on the high street and also in the world of rallying, winning titles in the American TransAm and the IMSA Series. Even to this day, though the design has started to show its age, the Quattro can command high sums from Audi lovers worldwide.

Audi TT DSG

For years, the beautiful Audi TT was let down by its somewhat sluggish, four-cylinder 1.8T engine. Finally, in 2003, Audi placed a 3.2 litre V6 engine in the TT and fans of the coupe were at last given the car of their dreams.

The performance of the TT DSG finally matched up to its prize-winning looks, with a narrow-angle V6 engine roaring away and the revolutionary Direct Shift Gearbox providing the most sophisticated transmission seen in any car at that time.

With a price tag of around £30,000 as well as some heftily-priced car insurance UK drivers could have been deterred from the TT DSG, had it not been such a blindingly good package. Fortunately for Audi, it sold in droves and remains a classic to this day.

Audi R8

In 2006, Audi brought the legacy of the Quattro and the classy style of the TT together in a razor sharp new supercar – the R8. Based on the Lamborghini Gallardo’s platform and inspired by the Audi Le Mans Quattro racing car, the R8 was heralded by six-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx as “the best handling road car today.”

The R8 was so proud of its 4.2 litre V8 engine, it was displayed beneath a glass engine cover. The performance of said engine blew many Audi fanatics away, reaching 8,250 rpm and combining with a six-speed manual gearbox that delighted purists.

The body control, steering and ride quality of the R8 took Audi to new heights and the model remains perhaps the most attention-grabbing cars ever built, forcing the creators of car insurance bands to reconsider their boundaries!

Audi RS2

When Audi set about creating an estate car in 1994, they enlisted the help of Porsche – a company not exactly renowned for their expertise in designing large, cumbersome vehicles. The result: the Audi RS2 – the fastest estate car in the world.

Porsche added a KKK turbocharger to Audi’s 2.2-litre, 20-valve, 5-cylinder engine and the boost pressure was raised from 1.1 to 1.4 bar. To cope with the mighty 315 horsepower and 180mph speeds of the RS2, Porsche fitted the brakes used on their 911 – something drivers of the RS2 were thankful for as they sped from 0-60 in 4.8 seconds.

Audi RS6

Lovers of the original Audi Quattro spent a long time waiting for the German manufacturer to produce a car that could match the sheer driveability of the 1980 classic. That wait finally ended in 2002 with the release of the RS6.

The RS6 was Audi’s most powerful production car ever at 444bhp, with a top speed of 189mph. Its engine was more powerful than the Jaguar S-type and the BMW M5, while hi-tech features such as Tiptronic steering controls ensured the RS6 wowed gadget fans.

Buyers, blessed with the new millennium luxury of being able to order the car and their car insurance online, snapped up the RS6 like hot cakes.

Audi just announced that they will be offering two new limited edition packages for the RS 6 sedan. Called the “RS 6 Plus Sport” or “RS 6 Plus Audi Exclusive”, only 500 packages will be produced.

Both will feature a Carbon design package for the engine compartment, a sports suspension, 5-spoke 20-inch wheels, and a numbered badge in the interior so you can brag to your passengers about your sweet ride.

The RS6 Plus Sport package adds a leather-covered instrument panel hood and center console, along with floor mats wearing the RS6 logo. Opting for the Audi Exclusive package bags you a custom paint job and leather-covered seat upholstery, controls, door trim inserts, front center armrest, and armrests.

Otherwise, it’s a fairly typical RS6, with carbon fiber, aluminum, leather, and Alcantara lining the interior, and a 580 hp V10 engine that propels the car from 0 to 62 mph in only 4.5 seconds.

Both packages are only available in Europe. The RS 6 Sport will run 3,250 euros (about $4,400 USD) and the Audi Exclusive will cost 8,310 euros ($11,300.) Believe it or not, that’s about 50% less expensive than buying the options separately.

Audi RS6 wrapped around a tree

Have you ever wondered if Audis are safe vehicles? Wonder no more – here is the proof you need. This driver, who’s nickname should now be “Lucky,” apparently lost control of his Audi RS6 and slid sideways into a tree at high speed. Very high speed I would imagine, since the tree literally sliced the car in half. The driver, despite the completely totaled condition of the car, walked away unharmed.

At first glance, you’d think those were two different cars, but rest assured it’s not. Take a look at more pictures below to see more of the wreckage, and the driver (fully intact.)