Audi’s RS6 Avant super wagon has been out for nearly a year but a sedan will soon join the Avant’s ranks at October’s Paris Motor Show. Audi’s entire A6 line will undergo an update for the 2009 model year, keeping the 5-Series rival fresh until the an all-new A6 arrives in 2011.
The RS6 uses a twin-turbocharged direct injection version of the S6’s 5.2 liter V10. In RS6 guise, the engine produces 580 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, capable of launching the car to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds. The sprint from zero to 124 mph takes 14.9 seconds for the wagon version — a figure the sedan should be able to match or exceed.
The RS6 will be available with optional ceramic disc brakes, as well as 20 inch wheels. 19 inch rollers will be standard. Quattro permanent four-wheel-drive and a six-speed tiptronic gearbox are standard. The RS6 package will also include Audi’s Dynamic Ride Control, which allows the driver to toggle through sport, dynamic and comfort modes.
It should come as no surprise the new RS6 sedan will feature the same updated design elements as the facelifted 2009 A6. The taillights have been redesigned with R8-inspired lenses, and a striking LED treatment that effectively cut through the haze of blowing snow. Other highlights include a slightly redesigned front bumper, new rectangular fog lamps and larger air-intakes left and right of the grille.
08/12, 12:28 PM
posted by:
jayjc08
Nice. I’ve always liked Audi’s interiors, but in one way or another, they look a little dated. Something a bit cleaner would be welcome. Sometimes I feel as if the drivers side is just a bit too busy.
08/12, 12:40 PM
posted by:
A4
give me one and ill die happy
08/12, 12:43 PM
posted by:
123sub
Audi dont get it. They do not offer any car with RWD, and that is the main reason i would never consider a Audi. Quatro is fine, but Audi never let the customer be able to choose RWD. It is FWD or 4WD and that is it. Like Audi S5 fpor example to compete with a M3, its a joke. A sedan with a big engine, i would go for the RWD M3 sedan with manual trans. Not the M5, since it is only available with “Playstation” transmission, and that goes for the Mercedes AMG to. Audi;start manufacturing RWD cars!
08/12, 12:45 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
Stupid, over-priced and over-engineered (dynamic ride control).
08/12, 12:50 PM
posted by:
Boxster2.7L
I used to like hot audis. The RS4 is one of the best sport sedans on the market, mainly because of its engine loads of grip. But the RS6 seems, well, a little boring. The Audi designers did nothing to really set it apart…to make it stand out. It just looks like a bloated RS4. Even the regular A6 looks like a stretched out A4. Subtle performance is Audi’s mantra, but it has all become a bit boring IMO.
08/12, 1:01 PM
posted by:
jonmiles
Boxster^ if you can drive one and be bored, I will seriously be suprised. This is a typicall Audi; understated styling, marketing and overall pizazz, but when you get down to the actuall CAR, it’s ****ing outrageous.
08/12, 1:03 PM
posted by:
jonmiles
Oh, and LLN: Dynamic Ride Control is the technology that eliminates body roll and brake dive without stiffening the springs; the Audi Drive Select is the feature that allows the adjustment of the suspension, throttle, steering and transmission.
08/12, 3:08 PM
posted by:
Andrewthecarguy
This car is impressive, though I like the wagon better. But AUDI, why oh why did you not over this with a manual? And why is it that 580hp can’t get me to 60 mph sooner? (under 4 secs)
This is why my money will go to the new CTS-V. I have always wanted an American car since my last American car more than a decade ago…I think the CTS-V is it…and a worthy successor to my current d-driver: an E39 M5. Can’t wait.
08/12, 3:09 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
Boxster I think you are forgetting one thing about what sets the RS4 and RS6 apart. The RS4 has a V8 while the RS6 has a V10 and not only is it a V10 but it is straight out of the Lambo Gallardo!
08/12, 3:14 PM
posted by:
jonnycat
Perfect.
08/12, 3:43 PM
posted by:
123sub
jonnycat, as you say, perfect. OK, that is your opinion on this car. My opinion is that this is “a piece of crap”. A very powerful engine got to have RWD and a manual trans. as option. The sound of a V8 is perfect, not a V10.
08/12, 5:49 PM
posted by:
jcordero
Now that’s a performance sedan!!! 580 hp! AWD! this is one that i would take over the M5 and CTS-V! Go Audi!!!!!
08/12, 6:45 PM
posted by:
brassmonkey
fast and boring to look at
08/12, 7:41 PM
posted by:
carbonsigma
The ultimate q-car, but this German power war is getting slightly ridiculous.
08/12, 10:20 PM
posted by:
Jason
Tiptronic bull**** ruins the car. Give it a manual or DCT!
08/12, 10:24 PM
posted by:
MugenSentraKen
====>>those are the SICKEST seats/interior i seen in ANY car, seriously. Flat out Beautiful. I know that the speedometer pictured is in km/h, but it has a HIDEOUSLY complicated scale on it. I’m glad the U.S. spec speedometer won’t have 290mph squashed in a circle like that!….i hope….
08/13, 3:56 AM
posted by:
DriveCritic
Stupendous power but I’m thinking it must be one heavy beast if 580 hp equates to ‘just’ 4.5 s in the 0-100 km/h sprint.
—-
This post has been listed on http://www.DriveCritic.com/
08/13, 10:14 AM
posted by:
MugenSentraKen
======>>UNDER 4.5secs people! 4.5is just an estimate. Look at almost 100% of websites that has an article or report on this new /RS6 and they will specifically say “UNDER 4.5secs”. 580hp? AWD? Forget weight, its automatically gonna be under 4.5secs. Probably more like 3.9(if it was a manual, darnit.)
08/13, 1:49 PM
posted by:
F3INT))AP3X
Uhh I hate to break it to you but a manual will never be as fast as an automatic for the rest of time thanks to all the great new tech.
08/13, 3:36 PM
posted by:
C6Racer
I love the flared fenders. Audi just keep rollin em out.
09/07, 10:55 AM
posted by:
speedemon
08/12, 3:43 PMposted by:123sub
jonnycat, as you say, perfect. OK, that is your opinion on this car. My opinion is that this is “a piece of crap”. A very powerful engine got to have RWD and a manual trans. as option. The sound of a V8 is perfect, not a V10.
ok ok but i think a Corvette with an automatic tranny is a total waste of a car but you don’t see me bitching about it.