Audi Australia has revealed pricing and specification for the new RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance.
The performance pair are both more potent and faster than their predecessors, packing an almighty punch, and both will be available soon in showrooms.
The duo are the peak of the combustion RS range with the heart of both machines a potent 4-litre V8 biturbo TFSI engine with power increased from 441kW to 463kW and torque upped from 800Nm to 850Nm compared to their non-performance predecessors. The sprint to 100km/h can now be done in a very swift 3.4 seconds.
A 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system can recover power while coasting or under light throttle, while the start/stop system also draws on the 48-volt electrical system and functions at speeds up to 22 km/h. There’s also cylinder on demand (COD) technology that can shut down four cylinders under light throttle load.
Power from the engine flows through a standard eight-speed tiptronic with faster shifting times to the permanent all-wheel drive quattro. The self-locking centre differential is also lighter and more compact which, Audi says, improves driving dynamics and offers more precise cornering.
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system lets the driver control the vehicle’s character via six profiles: efficiency, comfort, auto, and dynamic, and two customisable RS-specific RS 1 and RS 2 modes.
The RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance retain the same level of specification as the existing models, with the addition of a special wheel and tyre package. In addition to the engine upgrades, the duo gets 22-inch gloss silver and black metallic alloy wheels in 5-Y-spoke design. The new lightweight wheel is around five kilograms lighter than the 22-inch aluminium wheel on the outgoing RS 6 Avant or RS 7 Sportback.
These new wheels are paired exclusively with a new specially developed ultra-high-performance Continental Sport Contact 7 285/30 tyre.
Two new exterior packages can be equipped – a matt grey exterior styling package, and a matt carbon black package that features several exterior carbon highlights. The exterior items altered in each package can include the look of the front spoiler, front side flaps, side sill inserts, rear diffuser insert, trim strips on the side windows, exterior mirror housings, roof rails (RS 6 Avant only), and Audi rings and exterior badging, depending on the styling package selected.
In the interior, the RS design packages in grey and red now include the colour blue. The steering wheel in Alcantara black features contrasting stitching in Mercato blue, whilst the floor mats, the side of the centre console, and the selector lever cuff also come with blue contrasting stitching. The front and outer rear seat belts are full-surface Ocean blue, while the selector lever knob and the side of the centre console are made with Dinamica microfibre, consisting of around 45 per cent recycled PET fibres.
Additionally, the sports seats feature Valcona leather upholstery perforated with contrasting honeycomb stitching and 3-stage heating and ventilation.
Several exterior paint options are available, with an Audi exclusive matt effect paint finish available at an extra cost and for the first time, Ascari Blue paint in both metallic and matt finish.
The Audi RS 6 Avant performance is available from $241,500, with the Audi RS 7 Sportback performance available from $248,500.
Source: Motor Trader e-Magazine (October 2023)
17 October 2023
