Audi unveils new performance station wagon for the family man

Audi has revealed the all new RS6 Avant with a menacing face and a dominant red finish. The updated performance station wagon will need just 3.9 seconds to propel to 100km/h from its downsized yet efficient twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 TFSI powertrain which returns 12.24km/L - replacing the potent 5.0-litre twin-turbo V10 TFSI of its predecessor. Available early next year, the new RS6 Avant is equipped with 552bhp and 700Nm of torque courtesy of two large twin-scroll turbochargers mounted together with the intercooler and bundled with a clever design.

After hitting 100km/h from rest at a best of 3.9 seconds, the RS6 Avant will continue to climb to an electronically limited 249km/h. The top speed can be increased further to 280km/h with the optional Dynamic package, and the highest of 304km/h with the Dynamic plus package.

Despite supercar level performance figures, the RS6 Avant is frugal thanks to cylinder deactivation technology, engine start-stop system and innovative thermal management technology. The V8 primarily runs as a four-cylinder until the driver demands more power under his relm. The potent powertrain is mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission with shorter shift times. Manual shifting is possible through steering wheel mounted paddles or the RS designed gear lever.

The RS6 Avant is also the first RS model to feature adaptive air suspension that aids to lower the body by 20 millimetres. Braking comes from four internally vented discs measuring 390 millimetres in diameter while an optional carbon fibre-ceramic brake discs measuring 420 millimetres in diameter is also available.

The RS6 Avant is constructed with roughly 20 percent aluminium, and high-strength steel for the rest. Audi engineers have reduced the weight of the RS6 Avant by 100kg compared to its predecessor - which improves power-to-weight ratio, that eventually enhances performance, efficiency and handling.

Most noticeable cosmetic enhancements come from matte aluminium applications on the body, matte black honeycomb radiator grille, the bumpers, wings and the large roof spoiler, among others. At the back you get an intimidating diffuser and two large exhaust tailpipes akin to a MiG fighter plane.

Two optional exterior design packages - Matte Aluminium or Carbon are available while the new RS6 Avant could be finished in eight exterior colours. The driver focused cabin contains dial instruments with black faces, white dials and red needles. The cabin is also adorned with RS logos on the key areas from the ignition key to the MMI displays - just to remind you this is no ordinary family station wagon.  

Having said all of the above, being an Audi Avant at heart, you still get the luxury of space - all 1,680 litres of it with the rear seats folded.