Audi RS 6 sedan unleashed

The BMW M5's worst nightmare has surfaced. This is the stonking Audi RS 6 sedan, which follows in the wheeltracks of the Avant (read: wagon) version that debuted 12 months ago.

As per its wagon sibling, the RS 6 sedan packs a twin-turbo 5.0-litre V10 that pummels out 426kW and 650Nm, and these outputs are more than enough to eclipse the M5 (373kW/520Nm) and Mercedes E63 AMG (378kW/630Nm).

"It drives like a supercar thanks to its superior performance and thrilling dynamics, yet offers all of the everyday utility of a large business sedan," boasts Audi of its latest tarmac burner, and not entirely without justification.

The direct injection, force-fed engine is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The result is a claimed 0-100km/h split of 4.5sec and electronically limited top speed of 250km/h, but the latter can be optionally raised to 280km/h.

Although its outright accelerative capabilities are eye-opening, Audi says driveability is a strong suit, too, with peak torque of 650Nm on tap from 1500 to 6250rpm

Audi has also tweaked the transmission to halve its shift time (the exact duration hasn't been quoted) and, as per the wagon, the six-speeder can be left to its own devices or activated by the paddles behind the steering wheel.

Stopping power comes from massive discs -- 390mm at the front and 365mm at the rear -- clamped at the front by six-piston fixed aluminum calipers. The calipers are painted black and festooned with RS badges

Nineteen-inch rims are standard, but 9.5x20-inch hoops are offered as an option, and these also allow the use of a ceramic brake system. In Australia, the RS 6 will be fitted with the larger wheels and 275/35 tyres only.

Apart from the more dramatic retardation they offer, the 420mm front and 356mm rear ceramic stoppers weigh 12.2kg less than the steel disks. The calipers -- up front with eight pistons -- are painted anthracite and labeled "Audi ceramic".

Cornering dynamics are said to benefit from Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), which reduces pitch and roll using purely mechanical means as hydraulic lines and valves connect diagonally-opposed pairs of shock absorbers.

When cornering, the flow of fluid to the damper of the compressing outside front wheel increases, providing firmer support and reducing roll.

When combined with the 'sports suspension plus', DRC offers a choice of three selectable damper settings -- sport, dynamic and comfort -- which can be activated via the MMI control knob.

Meanwhile, the ESP system is programmed to intervene later, and it can also be deactivated entirely.

Visual clues that distinguish the RS 6 from garden-variety A6s include flared guards, deep side skirts, mesh grille, LED daytime running lights, rear diffuser and spoiler and two large oval exhaust pipes.

The interior features lashings of carbonfibre, aluminium, piano lacquer, leather and Alcantara, and the mandatory flat-bottom steering wheel and metal pedals are in evidence.

Audi has confirmed that all vehicles delivered locally will be fitted as standard with: colour monitor MMI and TV reception (analog and digital), advanced key entry, electric glass sunroof, Audi Navigation, dual-zone premium climate control, acoustic parking guidance at front and rear, a three-spoke, multifunction leather sports steering wheel with flat-bottomed rim and a Bose surround-sound system. Australian drivers will also have a boost pressure indicator for the two turbochargers placed before them in the instrument binnacle.

The RS 6 sedan launches in Europe in October and Audi's Australian arm advises the RS 6 will arrive here during the first quarter of 2009. Local pricing hasn't been announced, but we anticipate it will sell for circa-$250k.

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