Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback: A hotter performance treatment for the duo
Though electrification is now a serious topic of discussion at Audi, ICE-powered performance vehicles will still form part of the brand’s range in the coming few years.
Audi is introducing the amped-up RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback models that carry the Performance nameplate.
It’s more than just a name change, but Audi is also introducing a more potent version of the 4.0-litre V8 TFSI bi-turbo engine that now pumps 463 kW and 850 Nm, thanks to larger turbochargers that increase the boost pressure from 2.4 to 2.6 bar.
All the upgrades make the dynamic duo sprint from 0-100 km/h in 3.4 seconds before hitting the top speed at 280 km/h with the standard RS Dynamic Package. Suppose 280 km/h isn’t enough. In that case, it can be optionally raised to 305 km/h via the RS Dynamics Package Plus, which also adds a lightweight RS ceramic brake system.
Compared to the regular models, that is an additional 22 kW and 50 Nm plus a 0.2-second faster sprint time. The duo shifts through a standard 8-speed Tiptronic transmission that sends power to all four wheels, plus a new lighter self-locking centre differential for enhanced handling prowess.
Standard 21″ aluminium cast wheels are offered in a 10-spoke star design shod with 273/35 tyres. Buyers can also fit larger lightweight 22″ for a much more enhanced appeal. The RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback Performance are available in 16 exterior shades. For the first time, metallic and matte Ascari Blue and matte Dew Silver are part of the palette.
The interior remains subtly changed; however, it gets the standard RS design package in grey and red plus blue. There is an Alcantara black steering wheel with contrasting stitching in Mercato blue. The sides of the centre console, floor mats, and gear lever cuff come in blue contrast stitching.
The seat belts are in an ocean blue shade with decorative inlays in a carbon twill structure. As for the seats, they are covered in perforated Valcona leather upholstery with honeycomb stitching. Upon entrance, the LED in the front doors projects the ‘RS Performance’ onto the ground next to the car.
There is still to be confirmation on the local availability of the duo in Mzansi.
