New RS 6 quattro Avant to be available from May 2008
(05/02/2008)

The most powerful production Audi of all time – the new RS 6 quattro Avant – will offer UK customers a remarkable 580PS of V10-fuelled performance. Deliveries of the successor to 2002’s original RS 6 quattro will begin in May. The first-year allocation of 380 vehicles has already been assigned to customers who formally registered their interest in the car with Audi Centres.

At the heart of the latest RS flagship is a heavily modified, 5.0-litre version of the compact, naturally aspirated 5.2-litre V10 FSI petrol engine that powers the 435PS S6 quattro. Two turbochargers and extensive component refinements boost output to 580PS at 6,250 rpm, and increase torque from 540 Nm to 650 Nm, available from just 1,500 rpm through to 6,250 rpm.

As a result, the RS 6 quattro – with optimised six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission – can reach 62mph from rest in 4.6 seconds and 124mph in just 14.9 seconds, and is electronically speed limited at 155mph.

Yet, despite the considerable exertions of its new turbochargers, the powerful V10 offers surprising fuel consumption, with up to 20.1 mpg possible on the combined cycle, only slightly behind the naturally aspirated V10 of the S6 quattro. This is thanks to FSI direct petrol injection, which minimises the amount of fuel used in each combustion cycle through injection directly into the combustion chamber rather than via the intake manifold.

The RS 6 includes 20-inch alloy wheels fitted as standard to UK models, with the latest generation quattro four-wheel drive system – featuring standard 40:60 front-to-rear torque split – ensuring that the car transitions smoothly, safely and with uninterrupted performance. This is further emphasised by a new version of the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system that won praise in the original RS 6 quattro and has since been used in the RS 4 quattro.

DRC connects shock absorbers on each side of the car via a central valve, which directs oil flow to provide an additional damping force whenever a shock absorber is compressed, resulting in impressive gains in handling precision and stability. A new feature of this system is a three-stage control which will be standard in UK versions and allows the driver to choose from three damper settings – comfort, dynamic and sport – according to preference and road conditions.

Another highlight is a specially reconfigured version of the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) which has been programmed to intervene as late as possible, maximising driving pleasure without compromising safety. If required, the ESP system can be completely deactivated.

The most crucial safety feature is the ventilated all-disc braking system. An upgrade to the ultra high performance ceramic brakes with fade resistance will also be available at an extra cost.

This advanced setup offers assured handling which can be enjoyed from the comfort and support of the cabin’s sculpted leather and Alcantara-upholstered sports seats. The flat-bottomed RS sports steering wheel includes multifunction controls and transmission shift paddles. Additional features in the interior include boost pressure and oil temperature readouts, milled finish door handles and aluminium-look pedals.