Countdown to RS6 Avant

The most powerful production car in Audi's history made its debut at the Frankfurt motor show earlier this month.

Audi's RS6 Avant (more here) develops 426kW of power between 6250 and 6700rpm from its direct-injection, twin-turbocharged V10 engine. Torque peaks at 650Nm from an engine speed as low as 1500rpm through to 6250rpm.

According to Audi's figures, the RS6 Avant will reach 100km/h in 4.6 seconds and can manage a top speed of 250km/h, electronically limited.

In view of the performance capability of the RS6 Avant, with the cornering afforded by all-wheel drive, the V10 engine is lubricated by a dry-sump system that can service the engine and turbochargers up to 1.2g of lateral acceleration.

To channel the power to the wheels, the RS6 Avant couples the engine to a six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission driving through the quattro all-wheel-drive system. In normal mode, the quattro system directs 40 per cent of torque to the front wheels and the balance to the rear.

Audi has set up the suspension to provide a good balance of ride comfort with dynamic ability matched to the quattro system and the speed-sensitive power steering.

A three-stage damper adjustment system will be available as an option on the RS6 Avant, allowing the driver to set the vehicle's ride and handling to suit personal preferences.

The standard electronic stability program (ESP) can be disabled altogether, but even when enabled, is calibrated for 'late intervention', meaning that the driver can enjoy 'edge of the envelope' driving before the system takes control.

As an option, the RS6 Avant can be specified with 20-inch wheels and a ceramic brake system. This combination features front disc rotors measuring 420mm and rear discs measuring 356mm.

Standard wheels are 10-spoke designs in a 19-inch diameter, fitted with 255/40 R19 tyres. The 20-inch wheels are fitted with 275/35 R20 tyres.

To conduct the necessary air flow to the engine bay, the fog lights were relocated from the front bumper to a position in the headlight clusters, adjacent the bi-xenon headlights. Adaptive cornering lighting is available as an option and all vehicles are fitted with an LED strip underneath the headlights for daylight running.

The headlights are sequestered within a front end comprising a matt aluminium-look single frame grille and aluminium quarter panels.

At the rear, the exhaust pipes are finished with oval tips and the rear bumper cover features an airdam-style diffuser. A spoiler sits over the tailgate.

Exterior colours Sepang Blue, Monza Silver and Monterrey Green are exclusive to the RS6 Avant and come in a metallic/pearl effect finish.

The interior is enhanced by carbonfibre trim with aluminium edging, 'Piano Black' gloss finish and aluminium-look sports pedals. Alcantara is the standard seat trim, but the buyer can also opt for Silk Nappa or Valcona leather.

Other standard features include Bose Surround Sound audio system, heated seats, front and rear, a tyre pressure monitoring system and parking sensors.

Audi is yet to announce pricing for the RS6 Avant.

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