New Audi RS 6 and RS 7 here next month

Audi Australia has opened the order books for its fastest ever RS models, before the new Audi RS 6 Avant and new Audi RS 7 Sportback arrive in showrooms on July 24.

Priced at $216,000 and $224,000 plus on-road costs respectively, representing price cuts of $29,400 and $34,000, both new RS models are powered by an upgraded 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 now delivering 441kW of power (down 4kW) and 800Nm of torque (up 50Nm).

Paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission and a rear-biased all-wheel drive system, the engine gets an extra boost from a 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system that Audi claims can recover up to 12kW of power while coasting under light throttle.

That translates to a slightly faster sprint to triple digits, with both models now able to reach 100km/h from a standstill in 3.6 seconds (0.1 faster than before). The 0-200km/h sprint drops to 12 seconds and top speed remains 280km/h.

The models are also use less fuel than before thanks to the mild-hybrid tech and cylinder on demand (COD) system that can shut down four-cylinders under light throttle load.

Audi Sport’s biturbo V8 continues to employ twin-scroll turbochargers, a 39.1kg aluminium crankcase, plasma coated cylinder linings and variable intake and exhaust camshafts.

However, a new feature debuting in the all-new RS models is dynamic all-wheel steering, which turns the rear wheels in either the same or opposite direction as the front wheels depending on vehicle speed to deliver “dynamic handling with unshakeable stability”.

Adaptive air suspension has also been added to the pair, while an RS sports exhaust and 22-inch Audi Sport alloy wheel are standard.

They also come with two new configurable driving modes – RS 1 and RS 2 – alongside Audi’s standard Drive Select options.

Stopping power comes from large 10-piston callipers all round, gripping 420mm front and 370mm rear discs that can be upgraded with even larger 440mm rotors up front.

Standard equipment on each model includes HD Matrix LED headlights, an electric tailgate, tinted windows, power-assist door closure, RS front sport seats, Nappa leather interior, a panoramic glass sunroof, metallic paint and a host of safety and driver assist equipment such as active lane assist, 360-degree camera, tyre pressure monitoring, adaptive cruise control and traffic jam assist.

Audi’s virtual cockpit and connect plus systems are standard, along with wireless Apple CarPlay, digital radio, wireless phone charging, four USB outlets and 16-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.

Both vehicles are wider in their new form, with flared guards making the wagon 40mm wider and the liftback 20mm wider than before. As for luggage capacity, the RS 6 Avant offers 565 litres with the rear seats in place, while the RS 7 Sportback’s capacity is 535 litres.

Optional packages are available, including carbon and black styling packs, ceramic brakes and a 305km/h top speed option.

How much does the 2020 Audi RS 6 and RS 7 cost?
RS 6 Avant – $216,000
RS 7 Sportback – $224,000
* Prices exclude on-road costs