Publications
Partners
- Audi's latest RS 6 and RS 7 performance models are now available in South Africa.
- The performance derivatives both feature an extra helping of performance.
- 463kW and 850Nm allow for a 0-100km/h sprint time of 3.4 seconds.
Audi has released the most powerful versions of its RS 6 and RS 7 to date, in the form of the RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance. These models feature a more aggressive exterior appearance and an extra dose of performance. Due to the local appetite for sportier cars, only the performance derivatives of these halo models will be sold in South Africa.
The RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance models are powered by a potent 4.0-litre V8 biturbo TFSI engine that now offers 463kW and 850Nm thanks to a few subtle tweaks that include increasing the turbo boost pressure from 2.4 to 2.6 bar, which resulted in an increase of 22kW and 50Nm over the non-performance variants. The result is the capability to sprint to 100km/h in just 3.4 seconds.
READ | Why RS Avants will always be Audi’s best performance cars
Click on the arrows on the image below to see more photos of the RS 6 and RS 7 performance models:
Power is transferred to the road via an eight-speed Tiptronic transmission that now features faster shifting times and is paired with the obligatory all-wheel drive quattro set-up. A strictly mechanical centre differential distributes power to the rear axle at a ratio of 40:60.
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system lets the driver tailor the vehicle's character to the conditions via one of six profiles.
Fresh exterior styling
The performance models are fitted with various unique features, including standard RS exterior components in matte grey, including the exterior mirrors, the front spoiler, front side flaps, the side sill inserts, roof rails, and various trim bits. A matte carbon/black styling package is also an option, in which the roof rails and trim on the side windows are finished in black, while the Audi rings and model name can be finished in chrome or black.
Both models are fitted as standard with 22-inch matte titanium grey, diamond-turned wheels, which are also available in burnished glossy metallic black, matte black or matte neodymium gold. A 5-Y spoke design aids brake cooling.
Premium yet sporty interior
Inside the RS design packages are available in the familiar grey and red and now also in blue. In that case, the steering wheel rim in Alcantara black features contrasting stitching in Mercato blue, while the floor mats, the side of the centre console and the selector lever cuff also come with blue contrast stitching.
The seatbelts are full-surface ocean blue, with decorative inlays in a carbon twill structure and optional blue accents. The selector lever knob and side of the centre console are made with Dinamica microfibre, which comprises around 45% recycled PET fibres. The sports seats feature high-quality Valcona leather upholstery perforated with honeycomb stitching and contrasting Mercato blue stitching. Customers can order RS design packages in the three available colour variants.
The standard 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit display offers new features, including a blinking shift indicator in manual transmission mode, which indicates the optimal time to change gears as used in motorsport. Launch control fully exploits the acceleration potential by signalling the ideal moment to accelerate off the line via new traffic light icons.
But is it fast?
Audi allowed us to experience these two new models while relaunching its Audi driving experience at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit.
Although time in the car was limited, it did confirm that both the RS6 and the RS7 are frighteningly fast. Even though Kyalami is one of the fastest tracks in South Africa, the weight of these models means that you really need to wrestle them about to lap quickly. The brakes work hard, slowing the car down, and you need to be smooth to balance the weight and the grip. It's heavyweight boxing at its finest… It floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee.
463kW and 850Nm will always result in astonishing performance. While a couple of laps wrestling these heavyweights around Kyalami confirmed this, it is on the highway that these vehicles have always come into their own. They were designed to obliterate the Autobahn in style, and I can't think of a better grand tourer than the RS6. It offers ample boot space, subtle yet aggressive estate styling and stonking performance; what more can you ask for?
Model range and pricing
Pricing includes a five-year or 100 000km Audi Freeway Plan.
Audi RS 6 Avant performance - R2 332 700
Audi RS 7 Sportback performance - R2 444 500
