Audi RS6 Avant
Audi used its recent media Driving Experience day at Phillip Island race circuit to break out two of the heavy hitters of the European sportscar scene: the Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback
Described by one Audi Australia executive as the ‘Love Child’ of the company’s racing heritage, both have links with Le Mans and rallying through quattro gmbH; and both share the same stonking 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine putting out 412 kW of power and 700 Nm of torque.
The result is a zero-to-100 km/h sprint time of 3.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 305 km/h when fitted with the Dynamic Package Plus. Interestingly, the exhaust system and turbochargers sit inside the ‘V’, with the intakes plumbed to the outside of the engine.
This layout provides greater thermal and fuel efficiency, and lower exhaust emissions (Euro 6). Fuel consumption is officially rated at 9.5 and 9.6 litres per 100 kilometres for the RS 7 Sportback and RS 6 Avant respectively.
(Note: during trackwork at Phillip Island fuel consumption got close to 40 litres per 100 kilometres, but who can put a price on this little pleasure?)
Audi RS7 Sportback
Laps of the circuit showed both vehicles to be at the top of their game with super grip in both dry and wet weather conditions; steering was quick to obey any input, while the ceramic brakes bore no evidence of giving up, even after repeated heavy application.
It goes without saying that in such a car much thought has been given to the wellbeing of the driver and seating is supportive, especially in the rapid changes of direction during tight track turns.
Despite the concentration required to drive at RS speeds, it was possible to take in the sounds of the twin-turbo V8 in all its glory. Great!
Like their less privileged cousins, the A6 and A7 ranges, the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback have had a makeover with upgraded radiator grilles, side sills, rear-end styling and interior layout.
A new headlamp design incorporates Matrix LED lights which offer an outstanding level of the road ahead without blinding other motorists. Dynamic turn indicators, front and rear, also increase the vehicle’s visibility in poor conditions.
Audi RS7 Sportback
A new high-res driver information system is positioned between the speedo and tacho displaying map-based navigation in the driver’s natural line of vision. All is powered by a new generation information system.
As befits a high performance vehicle, both carry a high level of standard features, including adaptive air suspension (Sport), quattro sports differential, RS sports exhaust and 21-inch alloy wheels.
The driver benefits from head-up information display, Audi parking system plus with front and rear cameras and RS Valcona leather sports seats with honeycomb stitching.
Added to this are digital TV reception with DAB plus, glass sunroof and matt aluminium styling package, including funnel-shaped lower air intake with quattro logo.
MODEL RANGE
Audi RS 6 Avant 4.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic: $229,500
Audi RS 7 Sportback 4.0 TFSI quattro tiptronic: $242,000
Note: These prices do not include government of dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Audi dealer for drive-away prices.
