The new-generation Audi RS6 Avant has been revealed ahead of a local arrival in 2020.
Power comes from a 4.0-litre TFSI twin-turbo V8 augmented by a 48V mild-hybrid system. Outputs are listed at 441kW and 800Nm, the latter is available between 2100 and 4500rpm.
An eight-speed tiptronic automatic transmission sends power to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. The torque is distributed to the front and rear axle in a ratio of 40:60 via an all-mechanical centre differential. According to Audi, if one wheel slips, more torque automatically goes to the axle with the better traction. Up to 70 per cent can flow to the front wheels and up to 85 per cent to the rear wheels.
In terms of performance, Audi claims the performance wagon takes just 3.6 seconds to sprint from 0-100km/h and 12 seconds to reach 200km/h. Top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h, however, with the optional dynamic package, the wagon can hit 280km/h which climbs to 305km/h with the dynamic plus package.
Underneath, the 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 made largely of aluminium. The track width is 1668mm at the front and 1651mm at the rear.
Adaptive air suspension with controlled damping tuned specifically for the RS is standard. The car sits 20mm lower than the A6 Avant. At speeds over 120km/h, it automatically lowers itself a further 10mm to increase aerodynamic efficiency. There’s also a lift mode that raises the vehicle by 20mm at low speeds.
RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) is available as an option which uses steel springs and three-stage adjustable dampers that are connected to one another via diagonal oil lines and a central valve.
Audi says the car will come standard with “sporty progressive steering” with dynamic all-wheel steering kept as an option, at low speeds, the rear wheels turn as much as five degrees in the opposite direction relative to the front wheels. This reduces the turning circle by as much as one metre.
21-inch cast aluminium wheels in a 10-spoke star design shod with 275/35 tyres are standard. 22-inch wheels with 285/30 tyres are available as an option.
Stopping power comes from a steel brake system with 420mm discs at the front and 370mm at the rear. Buyers can option RS ceramic brakes measuring 440mm at the front and 370mm at the rear. Audi claims the ceramic option cuts the weight by 34kg.
The new RS6 Avant is one of the first Audi Sport models to feature the new RS design language. The front-end has been redesigned to provide a distinctive look within the A6 model line.
On the inside, standard kit includes the dual-screen MMI touch response infotainment system with an RS monitor, Audi’s virtual cockpit with unique RS displays, a perforated sport leather steering wheel, new large RS shift paddles made of aluminium, sport seats in black pearl Nappa leather/Alcantara and illuminated front door sill trims.
The luggage compartment has a capacity of between 565 and 1680 litres, while the loading width between the wheel arches is now 1.05 metres, 14mm larger than the previous model. The split-folding rear seat bench in the ratio 40:20:40 can be released and folded from the luggage compartment which has grown in length to 1.99 metres.
Turning to safety, Audi claims more than 30 assist systems are available – including adaptive cruise assist, intersection assist, lane change warning, curb warning and 360-degree cameras.
Audi has said the RS6 Avant is expected to arrive in Australia in mid-2020. Pricing and specifications will be announced closer to the launch date.
More: All News
