Audi RS 6 and RS 7 Performance twins unleashed

Audi Sport has enhanced two of its most ferocious and capable performance cars, the Audi RS 6 and RS 7, with more power, more engagement, improved dynamics and even more visual menace to such an extent it’s created two new variants.

The variants in question are the new 2023 Audi RS 6 Avant Performance and RS 7 Sportback Performance twins, which pack an extra 22kW/50Nm over their ‘standard’ counterparts with 463kW/850Nm now on tap as well as launch control, resulting in a lowered 0-100km/h acceleration time of 3.4 seconds (-0.2sec).

The extra firepower comes primarily from a new pair of turbochargers which up the boost pressure from 35 to 38psi.

With the extra acceleration comes extra top-end speed, with the Performance twins also nabbing an elevated but still governed 280km/h top speed as well as a remapped Sport mode for the eight-speed automatic transmission.

Vehicle occupants should be able to hear the extra grunt as well as feel it given 8kg of sound proofing has been removed from the front and rear of the cars.

In addition to being faster and louder, Audi says the new Performance variants are even more capable in the bends thanks to their new self-locking centre differential, which generally operates with a 40/60 front/rear bias, but can send up to 85 per cent of torque to the rear axle and up to 75 per cent to the front depending on which has more grip.

The new diff is smaller and lighter than previous iterations, working in tandem with the standard quattro sport rear differential and updated all-wheel steering system.

All of these extra goodies and performance is alluded to by tougher exterior styling headlined by a matte-grey chin, wing mirrors, front side flaps, roof rails, side sill inserts, window trim and rear diffuser, plus a fresh set of 21-inch alloy wheels.

Those wanting an even tougher look can opt for a matte carbon/black graphics pack or a bespoke set of lightweight 22-inch hoops that save a total of 20kg of unsprung weight and come wrapped in ultra-high-performance Continental Sport Contact 7 tyres.

Even more performance is on offer via the optional RS Dynamics Package, which elevates the top speed even further (to 305km/h) and throws in an RS carbon-ceramic braking package comprising 440mm front and 370mm rear discs.

The pack saves another 34kg of unspring weight in comparison with the standard steel set-up, meaning a fully optioned Performance is some 64kg lighter than a standard RS 6 or RS 7.

Inside the cabin you’ll find the steering wheel has been wrapped in black Alcantara; a look completed by the microfiber-wrapped gear selector and sides of the centre console.

The seats are upholstered in Valcona leather with honeycomb stitching and other cabin highlights include Performance-specific read-outs for the digital cockpit and ‘RS Performance’ LED puddle lamps.

Local pricing, specifications and availability details are all yet to be announced, but we anticipate the formidable duo to be in local showrooms by the fourth quarter of next year at the latest.

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