Lighter and more efficient than the previous model, but with 2 cylinders less. The new RS6 still manages to be even faster than the V10 model it replaces.
Photos: Audi press
With a 0 to 100 km/h sprint of just 3.9 seconds and top speed of 305 km/h. The new RS6 is once again going to be, the king of estates. This stationwagon has a 4.0-litre V8 heart that develops 560 bhp, and 700 Nm of torque!
Yet, the Audi RS6 Avant is a technically, a car for everyday use. How it goes about doing its job though, is a whole different story. Quattro permanent all-wheel drive, on-rails handling, and a mildly understated appearance (you can't miss a red estate with 20" wheels can you?) is hardly the car for moms on the school-run.
The engine is not that new, the 4.0 TFSI, which debuted last year, is an example of Audi's downsizing strategy in the high-performance category. In the new Audi RS6 Avant, the twin-turbo V8 delivers 560 bhp and 700 Nm of torque that is available between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm.
It features Audi's cylinder on demand (COD) system. At low to intermediate loads and engine speeds, it shuts down the intake and exhaust valves of cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8. The 4.0 TFSI then runs as a four-cylinder engine until the driver accelerates more strongly again.
The new RS6 Avant will be the first RS model from Audi to come standard with a specifically tuned air suspension. The dynamic setup of the RS6 adaptive air suspension lowers the body by 20 mm. The system combines the air suspension with controlled damping and takes into account the road conditions, the driving style and the mode chosen in the Audi drive select.
Transmission is now via an eight-speed tiptronic featuring shortened shift times. Shift paddles on the steering wheel will give the driver control over the cogs. The lower gears of the tiptronic are tightly spaced for sporty performance, while a tall eighth gear reduces fuel consumption.
As to be expected, the cockpit is a mix of premium quality and a hi-tech, sporty design. On the outside, the Audi RS6 Avant comes standard with high-gloss, 20-inch, forged wheels in a seven twin-spoke design. Optional 21-inch cast wheels are available in three versions: high-gloss silver, polished black and polished titanium-look.
