Audi RS6 Avant: The V10 To Rule Them All

Motoring Channel Staff - 5/September/2007

Ingolstadt, Germany — Was it a leak, was it intentional? We just don't care anymore. All we know is that the new RS6 has broken cover - yes, these are official images - and though it may not look like an exotic car, it's twin turbocharged V10 engine will always beg to differ.

Launched at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, the new all-wheel drive Audi RS6 was one of the drawcard cars at the Audi exhibit, alongside vehicles such as the strapping new A4 design.

While the BMW M5 and M6 cars own what is currently perceived to be the best mass produced 10-cylinder engine, this could change very rapidly if Audi gets it's way. And of late, Audi really has been getting it's own way.

Update: The engine belts out 426kW or 580 horsepower, and it uses a 6-speed auto. But 650Nm torque peak seems a little soft for what is a turbo 10-cylinder petrol engine. At the same time, we should add that peak torque arrives at 1500rpm, which is pretty amazing.

Audi has confirmed the new model will be launched in Europe in April 2008.

As we predicted the Audi RS6 will feature quattro four-wheel drive and sports suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), and peak power of 426kW hits all four wheels at 6700rpm. Audi has not been clear on whether it's using the 5.0- or the 5.2-litre V10, but from the sounds of it the latter has been chosen. 

"The ten-cylinder V-configuration engine in the RS 6 is based on the V10 powerplants of the Audi S6 and Audi S8, but has been redeveloped in practically every respect to attain the significantly higher level of performance," reads the Audi document, which suggests the lower revving 5.2-litre engine from the S6 and S8 is being used.

The zero to 100km/h dash officially takes 4.6 seconds, and the zero to 200km/h dash takes 14.9 seconds. Both of these acceleration sprints are astonishing, and highlight why the most powerful road car ever built by Audi will also be one of the most expensive. Top speed is limited to 250km/h.

But it's not all about power and speed. The 2025 kilogram RS6 Avant is still practical, with seating for five in comfort and a useful 1660 litres of luggage space. It also drinks 13.9 litres of fuel for every 100 kilometres travelled, which is slightly better economy than Holden's current SS Commodore.

Sitting on large 19-inch wheels, the tyres are huge and measure 255/40 R19. There's also optional 20-inch wheels shod with tyres measuring 275/35 R20. Another option is ceramic disc brakes, which boasts 420mm front and 356mm rear discs which are more suited to track work than everyday driving.

Handling is taken care by a system similar to the one used on the RS4, as Audi explained: "All in all, in terms of driving feel the RS 6 combines the precision and cornering ability of a sports car with the relaxed straight-line stability of a comfortable cruiser. The standard Dynamic Ride Control DRC, familiar from the current RS 4 and consistently enhanced, plays a major role here. This system reduces pitching and rolling movements about the longitudinal and transverse axis of the vehicle in a particularly ingenious way – entirely without the aid of electronics and solely according to the laws of fluid dynamics."

Expect standard features such adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes, 20-inch wheels, a premium stereo, leather sports seats, and a whole host of other stuff.

The styling is subtle, but still menacing in a quietly suburban 'serial killer next-door' way. Flared wheel arches denote a wider track while the front and rear ends get more aerodynamic fascias to deal with all the wind resistance. There's a small roof spoiler at the rear, along with twin oval exhaust pipes that are now an Audi 'RS' trademark, which flank a multi-finned diffuser. 

Overall it's got an alluring sleeper quality to its exterior design. It could just be another luxury German estate, and that works in its favour.

Click the images for larger versions, and enjoy the motor show coverage!

Related articles:
- Audi A4 (2008)
- Audi TT Coupe (Road Test)
- Audi RS 4 (Road Test)
- Audi S8 (Road Test)
- Audi Cross Coupé quattro (2007)
- Audi A5 (2007)
- Audi S4 (Road Test)
- Audi R8 (2007)
- Audi A6 (Road Test)
- Audi A8 (Road Test)
- Audi Q7 V12 (2007)
- Audi S6 (2007)