2014 Audi RS6 Avant with 560hp Officially Revealed

A couple days ago, the lighter, more powerful and efficient new Audi RS6 Avant was unveiled officially. The new RS6 Avant sprint from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds, and top speed is 305 km/h with the dynamic plus package. The improved 4.0 TFSI engine develops 560hp (412kW) and consume an average fuel consumption of just 9.8 litres/100km.

The new Audi RS 6 Avant is a high-performance sports car for everyday use. Its character and uncompromisingly sporty tuning is the work of quattro GmbH, a wholly-owned subsidiary of AUDI AG. The company’s RS models with their powerful engines form the dynamic spearhead of the model program. The abbreviation “RS” stands for the most powerful version of a model series, for quattro permanent all-wheel drive, for extreme handling, for an understated appearance and for full everyday utility.

The 4.0 TFSI, which debuted last year, is a perfect example of Audi’s downsizing strategy in the high-performance category. In the new Audi RS 6 Avant, the twin-turbo V8 delivers confidence-inspiring power in every driving situation from its displacement of 3,993 cc. Peak output of 560 hp is reached between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm, with a constant 700 Nm of torque available between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm.

Pulling power develops quickly due in large part to the two large twin-scroll turbochargers. They are mounted together with the intercooler in the inside V of the cylinder banks. The exhaust side of the cylinder heads is also on the inside, the intake side outside. This concept allows for a compact design and short gas paths with minimal flow losses.

The RS-specific engine management and unthrottled intake system also contribute to the 8-cylinder engine’s spontaneous response. The 4.0 TFSI delivers a sporty, full-throated sound. Switchable flaps in the exhaust system make the sound even fuller, if desired. Audi also offers an optional sport exhaust system.

In the standard configuration, top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h. This is increased to 280km/h with the optional Dynamic package. With the Dynamic plus package, Audi reigns in the engine only upon reaching 305km/h. Among the factors contributing to the improved fuel efficiency are the new, standard start-stop system and innovative thermal management. Fuel consumption has been reduced by roughly 40% compared to the previous model.

One pioneering efficiency technology in the new Audi RS 6 Avant is the cylinder on demand (COD) system. At low to intermediate loads and engine speeds, it shuts down the intake and exhaust valves of cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8. The 4.0 TFSI then runs as a 4-cylinder engine until the driver accelerates more strongly again. Efficiency in the active cylinders is increased because the operating points are displaced toward higher loads.

The 4.0 TFSI is paired with an 8-speed tiptronic featuring shortened shift times. The automatic transmission offers D and S modes. Drivers who wish to shift for themselves can use the shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever, which sports a unique RS design. The lower gears of the tiptronic are tightly spaced for sporty performance, while a tall eighth gear reduces fuel consumption.

At the heart of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring is a self-locking center differential with an elevated locking value. An oil cooler regulates its temperature. If desired, the sport differential distributes the power steplessly between the rear wheels to further increase agility and stability.

The new Audi RS 6 Avant comes standard with 20-inch forged wheels in a 7 twin-spoke design. Three versions of 21-inch cash wheels are also available as optional.

The body plays a major role in the handling. It is roughly 20% aluminum and includes numerous components made of high-strength steel. The new Audi RS 6 Avant weighs roughly 100kg lighter than its predecessor. The improved power-to-weight ratio contributes to even better handling with improved performance coupled with reduced fuel consumption.

Numerous RS-specific design details underscore the distinctive appearance of the high-performance Avant. Most noticeable are the matte aluminum applications on the body, the high-gloss black protective grille at the front of the car, the bumpers, the fender, sill flares and the large roof spoiler. At the rear of the car, the diffuser and the two large, elliptical exhaust tailpipes make a bold statement.

The new Audi RS 6 Avant comes with a generous list of standard equipment, including xenon plus headlights, LED rear lights, a tire-pressure control system, illuminated entry sills and the custom driver-information system. Also on board are the parking system plus, cruise control, three-zone automatic air conditioning, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and the 10-speaker Audi sound system.