Audi RS6: Mighty RS6 gets 572bhp
Audi fires a new salvo in the power war, as flagship RS6 Avant targets AMG
Where will it all end? The new Audi RS6 will have no less than 572bhp at its disposal, making it the most powerful Audi road car ever. Game on, AMG.
Its twin-turbo V10 is derived from that of the S6 and S8 but has been significantly re-engineered, producing its peak power between 6250 and 6700rpm. Maximum torque is an equally impressive 479lb ft and will redefine the notion of flexibility by being available from just 1500rpm right through to 6250rpm. The V10 is dry-sumped, while the twin oval exhaust pipes apparently emit a ‘sonorous, sporty, throaty sound’.
The RS6 Avant will go on sale next April in the UK with a basic price of around £75,000. A saloon will be available by summer. Obviously both models will have quattro four-wheel drive, and with a 40/60 front/rear torque split like the RS4’s, they should have an enjoyable balance. Dynamic Ride Control promises to banish memories of the rather crashy last-generation RS6 and imbue the new car with similarly impressive ride and handling to the RS4.
The ESP stability program will have a sports setting that will allow an involving degree of wheel-slip before intervening; alternatively you’ll be able to deactivate it completely.
Predictably a six-speed Tiptronic auto with paddle-shift is the only gearbox available, but super-fast shift times are promised. According to Audi, the new RS6 will blast from rest to 62mph in just 4.6sec and reach the 125mph (200km/h) mark in a scant 14.9sec before clattering into an electronic limiter at 155mph. The Avant tips the scales at just under two tons, giving a power-to-weight ratio of 287bhp per ton.
Fuel consumption is reportedly just over 20mpg on the combined cycle, thanks in part to Audi’s FSI direct injection and a relatively high compression ratio for a turbo engine of 10.5:1.
Looks are typically Audi, with four very interesting details – the square wheelarch extensions harking back to the classic Ur-quattro. Sepang Blue, Monza Silver and Monterey Green are new paint colours exclusive to the RS6. Inside, it’s business as usual, but carbonfibre inlays, edged with aluminium and combined with piano black trim should strike the right luxury/sporting note. Leather and Alcantara sports seats are standard, as is Bose Surround Sound, and you will be able to call up boost pressure and a lap timer on the driver information system.
Options will include ceramic brakes (a whopping 420mm at the front and therefore only available in conjunction with the optional 20in wheels), sports exhaust, three-stage damping, and flat-bottomed RS steering wheel.
