Audi RS 6
This article may contain an excessive amount of intricate detail that may interest only a particular audience. |
Audi RS 6 quattro | |
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Tiptronic automatic |
The Audi RS 6 is a high-performance variant of the Audi A6 range, produced by the high-performance subsidiary company Audi Sport GmbH, for its parent company Audi AG, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen Group, from 2002 onwards.
The first and second versions of the RS 6 were offered in both Avant and saloon forms. The third and fourth generations are only offered as an Avant.
Overview
The "
Based on the A6 platform, the RS 6's engines are
The C5 RS 6 was the fourth model to come out of Audi's private subsidiary company, "
Production of the original
Main rivals for the Audi RS 6 are the BMW M5 and Mercedes-Benz E 55/E 63 AMG.[1][2][3]
C5 (Typ 4B, 2002–2004)
First generation (C5/4B) | ||
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Kerb weight Saloon: 1,840 kg (4,057 lb), | Avant: 1,865 kg (4,112 lb) | |
Chronology | ||
Successor | C6 RS 6 (Typ 4F) |
The original Audi C5 RS 6 Quattro (Typ 4B) was the top-of-the-line user of the Volkswagen Group C5 platform (1997–2004), and was initially available as a five-door five-seat Avant - Audi's name for an estate or station wagon. A four-door five-seat saloon/sedan followed shortly after the launch of the Avant. Derived from the Audi C5 S6 (itself derived from the Audi C5 A6), the RS 6 also shares the aluminium structure from the firewall and forward with the C5 A6s with V8 engines (A6 4.2 V8 Quattro, S6 saloon/Avant). It was manufactured from July 2002 through to September 2004.
Official performance figures for the Avant, whilst consuming the recommended high octane 98 RON "Super Plus" unleaded petrol indicate the 0-100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) dash would be completed in 4.6 seconds (s), reaching 200 km/h (124.3 mph) in 22.8 seconds (22.6 s for the saloon). Official figures state an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph), although most "RS" owners report that the speed limiter is rather liberal on all RS cars, with genuine 'limited' top speeds of 270 km/h (167.8 mph) being possible to achieve. Using a lower octane-rated petrol, such as the standard 95 RON "Premium" unleaded will reduce the engine power output, and have logical reduction in performance.
Luggage capacity, measured according to the VDA block method in the Avant ranges from 455 litres (16.07 cu ft), to 1,590 litres (56.15 cu ft) with the rear seats folded down. For the saloon, the boot holds 424 litres (14.97 cu ft).
C5 powertrain
For the C5 RS 6
Further detail of the engine includes fully sequential electronic
It has an electronically controlled five-speed
The RS 6 was only available with Audi's
The front and rear axle differentials (ratio: 3.197, rear axle identification code: GGW) are a conventional "open" type but utilise an "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL). EDL is an integrated additional function of the Bosch Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) system, and works by monitoring and comparing the individual wheel speeds across an axle, and braking an individual wheel which is sensed to have lost traction (spinning), thus transferring torque across the axle to the wheel/tyre which does have grip. "Anti-Slip Regulation" (ASR), more commonly known as traction control system[7] completes the Bosch ESP-related driver aids.
C5 suspension and steering
Utilising the same fully independent four-link front suspension, and double wishbone rear, as its related A6 and S6, the RS 6 was lowered by 20 millimetres (0.79 in), with a 30% stiffer spring rate, and 40% increased compression damping. The RS6 also served as the debut model for Audi's "Dynamic Ride Control" (DRC) system. The DRC system is mainly mechanical, and uses a pump to provide additional pressure to individual dampers (shock absorbers) during cornering, acceleration or braking; to counteract rolling and pitching. The system can adjust the stiffness at each individual damper constantly; to maintain both a comfortable ride on straight roads, and a high level of poise and grip when cornering hard, accelerating, or braking. The DRC's main advantage is that it operates without the need for complicated electronics, as required in similar systems from Mercedes-Benz and other competitors. Its main drawback is that the DRC dampers have been known to fail (leaking fluid from the cross-linked circuits), which can affect the handling and ride quality of the vehicle; some owners have reported needing multiple replacements of faulty DRC units and many drivers have opted to replace the system with simpler and more reliable aftermarket coil-over suspension.
C5 brakes, wheels and tyres
The front brakes feature fixed
There were a total of three original equipment manufacturer (OEM) wheel and tyre types available with the RS 6. In Europe and elsewhere, 19-inch wheels were standard, with an optional 18-inch package. In the U.S. market, the 18-inch package was the only available offering. An 18-inch winter package, with Dunlop SP Winter Sport M3 tyres (225/45 ZR18 95V) was universally available.
C5 RS 6 Plus
Between April 2004 and September 2004, there was a final limited run of an even higher-performance RS 6, named the Audi RS 6 Plus. This had an increased engine power output (identification code:
The RS 6 Plus came with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) as standard, and also included a no-cost option of "Sports Suspension Plus", which lowered the standard sports
The car was available only as an Avant and was sold only in European markets. Visual differences for the RS 6 Plus included the "black optic pack", which consisted of black finish to the framing of the radiator grille, exterior window trims, tailgate lower trim, roof rails, and exhaust tailpipes. It quickly sold out once it was released (999 units total). The last three digits of the
C5 RS 6 in auto racing
The RS 6 was used in the North American
The RS 6 was challenged by a factory-backed
C6 (Typ 4F, 2008–2010)
Second generation (C6/4F) | ||
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Kerb weight 2,025 kg (4,464 lb) | | |
Chronology | ||
Predecessor | C5 RS6 (Typ 4B) | |
Successor | C7 RS6 (Typ 4G) |
The second-generation RS 6, later called the Audi RS 6 5.0 TFSI quattro (Typ 4F) was based on the
The RS 6's 5.0 L (4,991 cc)
Official performance figures for the Avant: 4.6 seconds for the 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) sprint, 12.7 seconds 0-200 km/h (124.3 mph), and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph),[21] with a factory option to de-restrict the top speed to 274 km/h (170.3 mph). In standard form, CO2 emissions are rated at 333 g/km. The saloon reaches 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.5 seconds.
C6 bodywork and styling
The C6 RS 6 Avant was launched in April 2008, and the four-door saloon/sedan was available from August 2008. Constructed from steel in a monocoque (unibody) design, the RS 6 uses lightweight aluminium for its front wings (fenders) and bonnet (hood).
Visually, the RS 6 differed from the related S6, having flared front and rear wheel arches (fenders), harking back to the original Audi Quattro, to allow for a wider wheel track. It also had no front fog lights to allow for larger frontal air intakes (for the two side-mounted
Luggage capacity, measured according to the VDA 'block method' in the Avant ranges from 565 litres (19.95 cu ft), to 1,660 litres (58.62 cu ft).
C6 powertrain
The engine (parts code: 07L, identification code: BUH) of the RS6 was what Audi claimed to be the first all-aluminium alloy even firing 5.0-litre (4,991 cc (304.6 cu in)) 90° V10 twin-turbocharged ("biturbo"), Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI), with a dry sump lubrication system. This engine is related to the naturally-aspirated V10 found in the Audi R8, S6 and S8, but the RS 6's engine has around 400 unique parts.[11][19]
The engine has
A total of seven radiators and four electric cooling fans are needed to cool the engine and related components under the aluminium bonnet of the RS6.
Drive output passes through a
Like all
The front and rear final drives are conventional "open" differentials (ratio 3.317) and use the Audi "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL). EDL is a part, or "function", of the
C6 steering and suspension
Like the previous RS6 and the B7 RS 4, this generation of RS 6 includes Audi's "Dynamic Ride Control" (DRC) Sports suspension system. The system is mainly mechanical, using a pump to provide additional pressure in the diagonally linked dampers (shock absorber) during cornering, to counteract rolling and pitching. The system can dynamically adjust the stiffness at each damper constantly to maintain both a comfortable ride and a high grip. In this version, it has a three-way level control, selectable from the Multi Media Interface controls.
The steering system includes
C6 brakes, wheels and tires
The standard brakes on the RS 6 are cross-drilled, radially vented, and floating iron discs. At the front they are 390 millimetres (15.35 in) diameter and 36 mm (1.417 in) thick, clamped by gloss black six-piston fixed Brembo monoblock alloy calipers incorporating the "RS" logo, and at the rear they are 356 mm (14.02 in) diameter and 28 mm (1.102 in) with black single-piston floating calipers and an integrated electro-mechanical parking brake linkage. The parking brake serves doubles as a full emergency brake whilst the car is in motion, by applying maximum braking effort to all four wheels, resulting in activating the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Optional "Audi ceramic"
Irrespective of the type of disc construction, all brake discs are mounted via high strength steel mounting pins which connect the 'working' surface of the disc to lightweight alloy disc hubs.
A specifically 'tuned' "sport-biased"
Standard wheels (in the UK) are 9.5Jx20-inch '5-segment-spoke' design alloy wheels running on 275/35 ZR20 102Y XL (eXtra Load) tyres (rated at 850 kg (1,874 lb) per tyre), with official supplies being either Pirelli P-Zero Rosso or Dunlop SP SportMaxx GT. No-cost options are 9.5Jx20 '7-arm double spoke' design (identical style to B7 RS 4), or 9Jx19-inch '10-spoke' design alloys with 255/40 ZR19 Michelin Pilot Sport PS2 tyres.
C6 other notable features
- Digital Audio Broadcasting (DAB) digital radio tuner with DVD-based satellite navigation and Multi Media Interface (MMI), with optional hybrid digital/analogue TV tuner.
- Solar sunroof operating the air-con whilst the vehicle is stationary and the engine is turned off
- Rear window and rear side window manual sun blinds
C7 (Typ 4G, 2013–2018)
Third generation (C7/4G) | ||
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Kerb weight 1,950 kg (4,299 lb) | | |
Chronology | ||
Predecessor | C6 RS6 (Typ 4F) | |
Successor | C8 RS6 (Typ 5G) |
Audi revealed the details of the RS 6 Avant on December 5, 2012.
The C7 RS 6 was not offered in North America, however that market received RS 7 Sportback which shares the same powertrain and platform.
C7 RS6 Performance
The RS6 Avant Performance is powered by the same 4.0-litre TFSI twin-turbo V8 engine as the standard RS6, [27] but with the help of a revised ECU map, power output was increased to 605 PS (445 kW; 597 bhp) at 6100-6800 rpm, and torque to 750 N⋅m (553 lbf⋅ft) at 2500-5500 rpm.[28]
Top speed remains limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph), or 305 km/h (189.5 mph) with Dynamic Plus package, with the 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) time reduced to just 3.7 seconds, and 0 to 200 km/h (124.3 mph) in 12.1 seconds. Despite the improved performance, the fuel economy and CO2 are unchanged from the standard RS6 Avant.
Performance models were also fitted with Audi's sports exhaust, choice of optics packs, and privacy glass. They had an updated front bumper design, and were offered with revised wheel choices (up to 21" diameter). Internally, the cars came with carbon inlays with a blue weave, half leather-half alcantara seats with blue stitching, and privacy glass.
Despite some sources claiming that the performance model shipped with revised mechanical components such as a re-worked cylinder head, exhaust valves, fuel pumps and intercooler, there is no supporting evidence from Audi to back these claims up.
C8 (Typ 5G, 2019–present)
Fourth generation (C8/5G) | ||
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Curb weight 2,150 kg (4,740 lb) | | |
Chronology | ||
Predecessor | C7 RS6 (Typ 4G) |
As with the previous generation, the new RS6 is powered by a 4.0-litre twin-turbo TFSI petrol engine, now boosted by a 48V belt alternator/starter mild-hybrid system, which can recover up to 16 bhp (12 kW). The engine also utilises a cylinder-on-demand system that can shut off half of its cylinders to boost fuel economy.
The powertrain produces 600 PS (441 kW; 592 bhp) with 800 N⋅m (590 lbf⋅ft) available between 2100rpm and 4500rpm.
The acceleration to 100 km/h (62 mph) takes 3.6 seconds and 200 km/h (120 mph) in 12 seconds. As standard, top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph), with a further two levels courtesy of optional packs – the Dynamic package allows 280 km/h (174 mph), while the Dynamic package plus grants even more headroom for a maximum of 305 km/h (190 mph). The C8 is the first RS 6 Avant to have the hybrid drivetrain, utilising a Riemen-Starter-Generator and a 48-volt electrical system.[29] The Quattro system has power distribution with 40% for front and 60% for rear. The system can adjust the power distribution up to 70% for front and to 85% for the rear if needed. The adaptive suspension system is 20 mm lower than standard A6 and can lower the vehicle further 10 mm during the high-speed driving or can raise the ride 20 mm at low speed. The Drive Select function gains configurable RS1 and RS2 modes, which are activated by an ‘RS mode’ button positioned on the steering wheel. As well as adjusting the engine and handling responses, they also enable bespoke information on the Virtual Cockpit system.
Under the new Euro-7 emissions law, Chairman of the Management Board of Audi, Herbert Diess recently said "The RS range set will be the biggest change in the production line since 2004. The new RS range will be the most economical, low emission with the RS6 and Q8 will both have electric hybrid engines to reduce the current emission by 27%." The new Electric range will begin production in the Audi Sport GmbH Neckarsulm factory in Germany. The new RS range is set to be in Australia and is said to have a three-cylinder hybrid plug-in, also currently being taken on by Mercedes Benz in order to comply with the new Euro-7 emission law.[30]
The C8 RS 6 Avant will also be sold in North America, the first time that an RS 6 was offered there since the C5-based RS 6. It will be sold alongside the RS 7 Sportback and RS Q8 that share the same powertrain.[31]
C8 RS6 Avant "RS Tribute edition"
The RS2 Avant kicked off the success story of the Audi high-performance models that continues to this day. The 2021 RS 6 Avant "RS Tribute edition" honors and pays tribute to the foundation the RS2 Avant established. These 25 year anniversary tributes were only available in North America and limited to 25 examples. They are different from the European tributes in how they were all optioned.
Exterior Highlights include Nogaro Blue pearl effect exterior paint with body-colored mirrors, black optic roof rails, front grills, spoiler, side trim, and rear diffuser, red brake calipers, 22" silver cast-aluminum wheels, and an RS sport exhaust with black tips. Interior Highlights include carbon twill structure inlays, Audi Exclusive Valcona S sport seats, lower seat panels, leather interior elements, and RS floor mats all with Denim Blue contrast stitch, and an Audi Exclusive steering wheel with Denim Blue contrast stitching.
In addition, the vehicles were equipped with a Bang & Olufsen 3D Advanced Sound System package, the Executive package, and the Driver Assistance package.
C8 RS6 Avant GT edition
In February 2024 Audi launched the Audi RS6 Avant GT edition. The Audi RS6 Avant GT edition is inspired by the legendary IMSA GTO race car. Exterior Highlights include a carbon fiber bonnet, a new grille, a splitter, and a double roof spoiler.[32]
C8 RS6 Avant performance
In November 2022, Audi announced new performance versions of the RS6 Avant and RS7 models. The twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine now makes 630 PS (463 kW; 621 bhp) at 6,000 rpm and 850 N⋅m (627 lbf⋅ft) from 2,300 rpm to 4,500 rpm, increases of 30 PS (22 kW; 30 bhp) and 50 N⋅m (37 lbf⋅ft) compared with non-performance versions.[33]
See also
References
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- ^ Audi RS6 Sedan unveiled: details and photos - PaulTan.org blog.
- ^ "No Audi RS6 imports for North America". Worldcarfans.com. Archived from the original on 18 September 2010. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
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- ^ a b "2010 Audi RS6 Avant - First Drive Review". Car and Driver. 8 January 2010. Archived from the original on 18 September 2010. Retrieved 2010-09-17.
- ^ Chris Harris. "Europe's Fastest Wagons: Audi RS4, BMW M5, and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG - New Car, Truck, and SUV Road Tests and Reviews - Automobile Magazine". Automobilemag.com. Retrieved 2012-03-31.
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- ^ Bosch Automotive Technology Variable valve timing direct gasoline injection
- ^ Bosch Automotive Technology DI-Motronic for direct gasoline injection
- ^ Bosch Automotive Technology Electronic throttle control (ETC/EGAS) for direct gasoline injection
- ^ Audi MediaServices Groundbreaking performance: The new Audi RS 6 Avant
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- ^ "Audi RS6 Avant Performance editions unveiled".
- ^ "2015 Audi RS 6 Avant performance". Carfolio.com. 2018-08-05. Retrieved 2018-08-16.
- ^ Peter Fischer (21 August 2019). "Mild-Hybrid-V8 für den Neuen RS 6!" (in German). Auto Bild.
- ^ "Audi Goes Green with New Electric Car Factory". Archived from the original on 2020-06-30. Retrieved 2020-06-29.
- ^ Justin T. Westbrook (20 August 2019). "The 591 HP 2020 Audi RS6 Avant Is Coming To America (Updated)". Jalopnik.
- ^ "Unveiling The New Audi RS6 Avant GT: A Masterpiece Among Fast Wagons". Motorlane. February 6, 2024.
- ^ Joey Capparella (November 28, 2022). "2024 Audi RS6 Avant and RS7 Blast into 600-HP Territory". Car and Driver.