The latest Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback expands the RS family
It seems that Audi has no plans to stop growing the RS family as they have recently added the highly anticipated RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback to their RS line up. Both performance models will produce 441kW and 800 Nm of torque. Audi has claimed that both models can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.6 seconds. Their top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h and can be increased to 280 km/h with the RS Dynamic package. Both 4.0 TFSI engines will be accompanied by a mild hybrid system (MHEV) that features a 48-volt main on-board electrical system. The belt alternator starter can recover up to 12 kW power under gentle acceleration and will feed into a lithium-ion battery as electricity. In terms of sound, the four-litre engine produces a full-bodied and sporty V8 sound. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system allows adjustments to the sonorous growl of the power unit. The power produced by the 4.0 TFSI flows via the standard eight-speed tiptronic transmission with optimized shift times and a new launch control function to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.
In terms of exterior, the entire front of both models has been changed. Both models have adopted a new hood all together. Both performance models will appear flatter and will feature a sportier headlight structure offering HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and darkened trims as a standard feature. As expected, the front will feature a three-dimensional honeycomb structure within the Singleframe grill is finished in gloss black. In combination with the much flatter and wider geometry, this reinforces the athletic look of the two performance models. The Singleframe surround and the quattro logo in the bumper have been eliminated. Both models will get a dynamic rear-end consists of the roof edge spoiler and an RS-specific bumper with rear diffuser and design elements in gloss black. In hallmark RS style, the RS exhaust system flows on both sides into oval chrome-coloured tailpipes as well as an RS sport exhaust system with black tailpipes is standard. The performance models are fitted as standard with RS-specific wheels with a 22-inch 5-V-spoke design with 285/30 tyres in silver, matt titanium look, gloss turned finish, and gloss turned anthracite black finish.
Inside, both models will get a sporty but futuristic cabin. The upper MMI touch response display is embedded in the black-panelled architecture in a way that renders it almost impossible to see where the display ends, and the surroundings begin. The driver can use the upper RS monitor display to call up an overview of drive system component temperatures, maximum g-forces and information regarding tyre pressures and temperatures. The Audi virtual cockpit is available as standard on both performance models and features the RS Performance and Sport layouts. The Audi virtual cockpit plus is available as an optional extra and features an all-new layout called the RS Runway. The special RS displays use the Audi virtual cockpit to provide details of tyre pressure, torque, performance, oil temperature, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration, and g-forces. To finish off its sports influenced interior will be a flat-bottomed, fully perforated RS sport leather steering wheel with large new RS aluminium shift paddles, an RS embossed steering wheel, seats, and illuminated front door sill trims and RS sport seats upholstered with Valcona leather and a honeycomb pattern.
Pricing
Audi RS 6 Avant TFSI quattro R2 070 000
Audi RS 7 Sportback TFSI quattro R2 173 500
Also worth a look: the Audi Rs3 and the Out with the Old, In with the New: Audi A5 Replaces A4 in So.
FAQ
Q: What does the Audi RS 6 Avant cost in South Africa?
The Audi RS 6 Avant starts from around R2,400,000 in South Africa, though pricing can vary depending on optional extras and the RS Dynamic package.
Q: How fast is the new Audi RS 7 Sportback?
The RS 7 Sportback rockets from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.6 seconds with its 441kW V8 engine, making it properly quick for a luxury performance wagon.
Q: What's the difference between the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback?
Both share identical 441kW engines and performance figures, but the RS 6 Avant is a proper estate with more boot space while the RS 7 Sportback has a swoopy coupe-like roofline.
Q: Is the Audi RS 6 Avant worth buying over the BMW M5?
The RS 6 Avant offers more practicality than the M5 sedan with similar performance, plus that gorgeous estate body style that BMW doesn't offer in SA.
Q: Does the RS 7 Sportback have mild hybrid technology?
Yes, both the RS 6 and RS 7 feature a 48-volt mild hybrid system that can recover up to 12kW of power during deceleration to improve efficiency.
Should You Buy It?
The Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback are brilliant if you've got around R2,400,000 burning a hole in your pocket and want the ultimate fast family hauler. The RS 6 Avant is the pick of the pair, offering proper estate practicality with supercar performance that'll embarrass most sports cars at the traffic lights. With 441kW and that glorious V8 soundtrack, these are among the best performance estates money can buy in South Africa. Just remember that running costs will be brutal, and you'll need deep pockets for fuel and maintenance. If you can afford the entry price, you absolutely should buy one, these are future classics in the making.
