DUE TO RARITY AND AN exalted price, few people will ever get to experience the emotive sound and sharpened dynamic drive of Audi’s performance-based RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance (Audi has never embraced the concept of capitals). The performance pair are both more powerful and faster than their predecessors, packing an almighty punch on the road. Starting from $241,500 (plus on road costs), the Audi RS 6 Avant performance and Audi RS 7 Sportback performance replace the previous non-performance models and will be available imminently in Australian showrooms.
These two legendary models have become even more formidable. With an even higher level of capability than their astonishing predecessors, the new RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance boast a finely optimised range of enhancements in performance, dynamics, and desirability.
“Audi has always excelled at producing high-performance cars that can impress as equally on track as they do on a day-to-day commute,” said Jeff Mannering, Director Audi Australia.
“Astoundingly, we have managed to build upon what was already a pair of very impressive models for a flawless drive with highly desirable packaging. Both the Audi RS 6 performance and Audi RS 7 performance would be a welcome addition to any Australian garage; sure to leave a lasting impression on those lucky enough to drive one.”
The new RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance are the very pinnacle of the illustrious combustion RS range and offer more mind-blowing performance than ever before. The beating heart of these thoroughbreds boasts an increase in boost pressure from 2.4 to 2.6 bar in the 4.0-litre V8 biturbo TFSI engine, flaunting a total power increase from 441 kW to 463 kW and in maximum torque from 800Nm to 850Nm compared to their non-performance predecessors. The powerful duo are also now 0.2 seconds faster than the base versions in a zero to 100 km/h sprint, capable of going the distance in just 3.4 seconds (no, that’s not a misprint!).
As impressive as this crushing performance is, progressive efficiency technologies are integral to the pair, and the engine continues to offer the efficiency measures of Cylinder on Demand and 48 Volt Mild Hybrid technology. Its 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system can recover power while coasting or under light throttle, while the start/stop system also draws on the 48-volt electrical system and functions at speeds up to 22 km/h. Moreover, cylinder on demand (COD) technology can shut down four cylinders under light throttle load, resuming within milliseconds when required. All of this is imperceptible to the driver and passengers within the vehicle.
Additionally, reduced insulation between that which separates the engine, the interior cabin, and the rear of the vehicle ensures that passengers experience a thrilling next-level theatre of sound. The reduction in sound-deadening material allows the emotive sound of the sport exhaust system to travel easily into the cabin and in turn contributes to a reduction in unladen weight of the vehicle.
Power from the engine flows through a standard eight-speed tiptronic (see? still no capitals) with faster shifting times to the permanent all-wheel drive quattro. The self-locking centre differential is also lighter and more compact, improving driving dynamics and offering more precise cornering.
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system lets the driver control the vehicle’s character with six profiles available; efficiency, comfort, auto, and dynamic, and two customisable RS-specific RS 1 and RS 2 modes. Revised software for the gearbox and the resulting reduced shift times become apparent when the gear selector is set to ‘S’ or Dynamic mode is selected.
The RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance retain the same elevated level of specification as the existing models, with the addition of a special wheel and tyre package thoroughly refined by the Audi Sport engineering team. In addition to the engine upgrades, the duo rolls off the production line on standard 22-inch gloss silver and black metallic alloy wheels in 5-Y-spoke design. Inspired by motorsport, the airy design aids brake cooling and the lighter rims are manufactured in a high-tech forging-milling process. The new lightweight wheel is around five kilograms lighter than the 22-inch aluminium wheel on the outgoing RS 6 Avant or RS 7 Sportback. With a twenty-kilogram reduction in unsprung weight, there is a noticeable difference in throttle response.
Furthermore, these new wheels are then paired exclusively with a new specially developed ultra-high-performance Continental “Sport Contact 7” 285/30 tyre that equals or exceeds the previous tyres’ capabilities. The tyres offer consistently better grip on both dry and wet roads and reduce understeering when cornering at speed, making for more precise handling. Notably, the brake path is also reduced by up to two metres with the new wheels when braking from 100 to 0 km/h.
Like their forerunners, the new RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance are highly specified, as expected of vehicles of such calibre. Both feature several distinctive styling highlights available to customers wishing to further elevate their vehicle, with design features including matt grey exterior elements and new blue interior design packages.
Two new exterior packages can be equipped, the first being a matt grey exterior styling package that replaces the matt aluminium exterior highlights from the non-performance model, and a matt carbon black package that features several exterior carbon highlights. The exterior items altered in each package can include the look of the front spoiler, front side flaps, side sill inserts, rear diffuser insert, trim strips on the side windows, exterior mirror housings, roof rails (RS 6 Avant only), and Audi rings and exterior badging, depending on which styling package is selected.
In the interior, the familiar RS design packages in grey and red have been expanded to include the colour blue. The steering wheel in Alcantara black features contrasting stitching in Mercato blue, whilst the floor mats, the side of the centre console, and the selector lever cuff also come with blue contrasting stitching. The front and outer rear seat belts are full-surface Ocean blue, while the selector lever knob and the side of the centre console are made with Dinamica microfibre, consisting of around 45 percent recycled PET fibres. Further, both blue and red RS design packages that include additional enhancements and Dinamica elements can be equipped to both models if desired.
Additionally, the sports seats feature high-quality Valcona leather upholstery perforated with contrasting honeycomb stitching and 3-stage heating and ventilation. Another distinguishing feature is an entrance LED in the front doors that project the lettering ‘RS performance’ onto the ground next to the car for a true grand entrance.
Several exterior paint options are available, with an Audi exclusive matt effect paint finish available at an extra cost and for the first time, Ascari Blue paint in both metallic and matt finish.
Both the RS 6 performance and RS 7 performance also come with a peace-of-mind five-year warranty and twelve years manufacturer warranty for bodywork against corrosion perforation for new vehicles. Alongside warranty, Audi Australia also includes a complimentary five-year Audi roadside assistance as part of the purchase of an RS 6 Avant performance or RS 7 Sportback performance.
Five-year service plans are available for both of these models and customers also have the opportunity to purchase Audi Advantage, an Audi-exclusive program that allows owners to purchase two-year packages to extend their servicing, warranty and roadside assistance. New vehicle customers are able to purchase two-year programs back-to-back at the time of purchase, or at a later date up to 8 years old, to extend the current manufacturer warranty beyond the current 5-year timeframe. This allows new vehicle owners the security of a full factory warranty for up to 9 years, which is transferable to future owners of their vehicle.
The Audi RS 6 Avant performance and Audi RS 7 Sportback performance replace the previous non-performance models and will be available in dealerships imminently.
| Pricing (plus on road costs) | |
| Audi RS 6 Avant performance | $241,500 |
| Audi RS 7 Sportback performance | $248,500 |