It is powered by a tuned, mid-mounted 3-cylinder 2-stroke 992 cm3 engine, similar to the one in the Wartburg 353, and features gull-wing doors.

"[1] The car was developed by a working group consisting of representatives of the ADMV, engineers from the Dresden University of Technology, the Dresden School of Transport, technicians from the Eisenach automobile factory and designers from the Berlin-Weißensee School of Art was set up for this purpose.

[4] However, to purchase the car, one would have to provide "proof of racing activity" ("Nachweis einer rennsportartigen Tätigkeit"), which, however, the ADMV issued only in exceptional cases.

The RS 1000 has independent front and rear suspension, coil springs, stabilisers and drum brakes.

Unlike the standard, single-carb Wartburg engine, it has three carburettors, as well as a higher compression ratio.