The concept of the super-fast Avant is more tightly woven into the Audi DNA than virtually any other hallmark of Vorsprung durch Technik, and that concept has been refined yet again in the creation of the new, fourth generation RS6 Avant. The latest addition to the Audi Sport fold combines formidable twin-turbo eight-cylinder TFSI power with state-of-the-art efficiency, with features including a mild hybrid drive and cylinder-on-demand technology helping to deliver epic performance as responsibly as possible.
Similar to the LED taillights, they feature a dynamic indicator along with RS-specific sequencing when the vehicle is locked and unlocked.
The three-dimensional honeycomb structure within the Singleframe grille is finished in gloss black, and its surround and the quattro logo in the bumper have been removed in this latest incarnation of the design. Below the standard LED head lights, side air inlets now almost extend into the lower edge of the head lights.
Contributing to the dynamic rear-end is a roof edge spoiler and an RS-specific bumper with rear diffuser and design elements in gloss black. In hallmark RS style, the RS exhaust system flows on both sides into oval chrome tailpipes.
Thanks to the 48V main electrical system, the twin-turbo V8 now also combines maximum performance with high efficiency. A belt alternator starter lies at the heart of the mild hybrid system, allowing up to 12kW of power to be recovered during light deceleration and stored in a separate lithium-ion battery. This technology allows for start/stop operation at speeds of up to 21km/h.
Another key efficiency-focused component is the cylinder-on-demand system, which at low to intermediate loads and low speeds deactivates cylinders two, three, five and eight while in high gears by switching off the injection and ignition and closing their intake and exhaust valves.
Drive forces are distributed to the front and rear axle in a ratio of 40:60 via the mechanical centre differential. If one wheel slips, more torque automatically goes to the axle with the better traction. Up to 70% of drive torque can be channelled to the front wheels and 85% to the rear wheels via this centre differential.
In the new RS6 Avant the front and rear axles use a five-link design to handle the induced longitudinal and transverse forces separately. The linkages and the subframes are largely made out of aluminium.
The body of the new RS6 Avant is 20mm lower than in the Audi A6 Avant with standard suspension. At speeds of 120km/h and above, it is lowered by another 10mm. At the other end of the scale, a lift mode is also available to raise the vehicle by 20mm during low speed driving.
The new RS6 Avant is fitted standard with 21-inch cast aluminium wheels in 10-spoke star design, which are shod with 275/35 size tyres.
An RS-specific wheel in 22-inch 5-V-spoke trapezoid design with 285/30 tires will be also available on the Vorsprung specification. The newly developed RS ceramic brake system weighs around 34kg less than its steel counterpart, thus reducing unsprung mass.
In the Audi virtual cockpit, special RS displays provide information on tyre pressure, torque, power output, engine oil temperature, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration measurements and g forces. A shift light display prompts the driver to upshift when the maximum engine speed is reached.
RS and RS6 logos adorn the interior on the steering wheel, seats and the illuminated front door sill trims. The Audi Sport emblem is projected onto the road when the front or rear doors are opened.
The luggage compartment now has a capacity of 565 litres, which extends to 1,680 litres with the rear seats folded. A power tailgate and luggage compartment cover are standard. In combination with the optional convenience key, sensor control allows the tailgate to be opened with a foot gesture.
The paint range for the new Audi RS6 Avant includes 13 colours, including the two RS-specific colours Nardo grey and Sebring black, crystal effect along with a choice of five matt effect paint finishes.
