Audi RS6 Avant Shrinks Engine for Better Economy

AudiAudiGermany, 1909 > present83 models
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is not done with the world of super powerful wagons. It revealed the new generation RS6 Avant today, but in a surprise move, the new car has fewer horsepower than the car it is replacing but more torque.

The new RS6 will be powered by a 4.0-liter, twin-turbo V8 with 553hp and 516lb-ft of torque (700Nm). The previous RS6Audi RS6Germany, 2008 > present3 photos
used a twin-turbo V10 with 571hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The engine uses two, intercooled twin-scroll turbochargers mounted inside the engine's V. 

The engine is also equipped with a cylinder on demand system that makes the engine run as a four cylinder under low loads. The changeover between modes takes just a few hundredths of a second, according to Audi.

The new car is lighter and more fuel efficient than the previous model though. The 0-100km/h time has been cut to 3.9 seconds, compared to 4.6 seconds for the previous car and a top speed of 305km/h (190mph); the previous car had a de-limited top speed of 274 km/h (170.3 mph) or 303 km/h (188mph) in the RS6 Plus. Fuel economy for the new generation will be 9.8l/100km (24 mpg US or 29mpg Imp), which is about 40% better than the previous car.

The boost in speed is partially thanks to maximum torque being available from just 1,750rpm all the way to 5,500rpm. Max horsepower is available from 5,700rpm and 6,700rpm. It is also 100kg lighter than the previous gen. 

The only available transmission will be an eight-speed automatic with paddle shifters mounted on the steering wheel.

Like all RS Audis, the RS6 will come standard with all-wheel drive. The system in the RS6 will be torque vectoring with a locking center differential and its own oil cooler. The car rides on an adaptive air suspension that can lower the body 20mm when cruising. There will also be an optional sport suspension with a traditional spring suspension and three-way adjustable shock absorbers. Adaptable power steering that varies the boost based on conditions will also be optional. 

The basic RS6 will be electronically limited to 250km/h (155mph). The Dynamic package will boost the vmax to 280km/h (174mph), and the Dynamic Plus package will allow the car to go to its maximum 305km/h. 

The look of the RS is offset from standard cars with matte aluminum trim, a gloss black grill and rear diffuser. The car will also get sill flares, larger fenders, unique bumpers and a roof spoiler. 

The interior is fairly similar to the standard S6Audi S6 AvantGermany, 2011 > present8 photos
. The instruments have black faces with white dials and red needles, a flat-bottomed steering wheel and shift lights. The aluminum, gloss black and carbon trim is carried inside.

Other options will include 420mm carbon fiber-ceramic brakes that are 30mm larger than the car's standard brakes. There will also be 21in wheels in silver, black or polished titanium appearance to replace the stock 20in wheels. There are two optional trim packages either with carbon fiber or matte aluminum. There are also available LED headlights, head-up display and upgraded Bang & Olufsen stereo.

Audi has not announced prices or availability yet for the new RS6.