By: Dave Abrahams
Johannesburg - When Audi released the facelifted A6 earlier this year, we knew a new RS6 wasn't far behind.
Now it's here and looking good.
While not quite as potent as the five-litre V10 it replaces (in the current automotive climate that would be asking a bit much) it comes to the party with a four-litre V8 TFSI rated at 412kW and 700Nm, mated to an eight-speed tiptronic transmission and a purely mechanical self-locking centre differential that uses planetary gears to split the torque asymmetrically between front and rear axle.
This works together with the standard-issue sports rear differential and wheel-selective torque control to apply exactly the right amount of torque - individually - to each wheel for fast, accurate steering into corners and settled mid-corner roadholding.
The result is a practical (if pricey) family wagon that'll hit 100km/h from a standstill in less than four seconds and top out (with the optional dynamic package plus) at 305km/h. Yet, thanks to cylinder-on-demand shut-off at low revs around town, nominal fuel-consumption in the NERC combined cycle has been kept down to less than 10 litres per 100km.
A IS FOR ATTITUDE
In a reversal of the usual options, adaptive air suspension is the default option, linked to the drive select feature for a range of customisable parameters and permanent, automatic self-levelling (useful when your RS6 Avant actually has to work for its living, hauling stuff around at weekends).
The optional high-performance sport suspension plus with dynamic ride control, by contrast, uses traditional steel springs, and gives a distinctly firmer ride.
The RS6's styling is best described as “A6 with attitude”, featuring special RS front and rear treatment, LED lighting, brushed-aluminium body trim, twin tailpipes and flared wheel-arches over a wider track and 21 inch rims.
But it's also an Avant, with 656 litres of cargo bay behind a power-operated tailgate, expanding to 1680 litres with the rear seats folded flat.
Standard kit includes 3G navigation with MMI touch, USB port and Bluetooth connectivity, 360 degree 'top view' camera, RS sports seats with alcantara synthetic suede upholstery, power-adjustable front seats with memory function, four-zone aircon and a three-spoke multifunction steering wheel with paddle shift.
PRICE
RS6 Avant 4.0T FSI quattro tiptronic - R1 465 000
Includes VAT and five-year or 100 000km maintenance plan, extendable to six years or 200 000km .
IOL