125 units total (75 RS6 Avant performance models and 50 RS7 performance models). The Bronze edition is finished exclusively in Sebring Black crystal effect paint matched with the motorsport inspired matte neodymium gold 22” 5-Y-spoke wheels.
The new RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 performance models are built to be the most dynamic and engaging examples of the Audi Sport brand portfolio. Engineers fit larger turbochargers to the potent 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine and have increased boost pressure, good for an additional 30 horsepower and 37 lb-ft of torque. With 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, both models are capable of achieving 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds (0.2 seconds quicker than previous models), and reaching a top track speed of 155 mph, or up to 174 mph with the Bronze edition.
Audi brings more of what’s great to the RS 6 Avant performance
Performance means more power and dynamics
The new RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 performance models are built to be the most dynamic and engaging examples of the Audi Sport brand portfolio. Engineers fit larger turbochargers to the potent 4.0-liter biturbo V8 engine and have increased boost pressure, good for an additional 30 horsepower and 37 lb-ft of torque. With 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of torque, both models are capable of achieving 0-60 mph in just 3.3 seconds (0.2 seconds quicker than previous models), and reaching a top track speed of 155 mph, or up to 174 mph with the Bronze edition.
Audi Sport engineers have updated the fully mechanical self-locking center differential to be more compact and lighter than the previous system. The RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 performance models also benefit from updated software in the transmission control unit resulting in quicker shifting times. The result of the updates is noticeably improved driving dynamics and more precise cornering control with less understeer at handling limits. Additionally, engineers worked carefully to fine tune the engine control software that now makes for tighter shifts in “dynamic” Audi drive select mode, helping to generate even more emotion.
To purposely thrill customers with a more visceral, next-level sound experience, Audi Sport reduced sound insulation between the engine compartment, the interior and the rear of the RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 performance. The reduction underscores their “performance” in the model name. An optional RS sport exhaust is available, further enhancing the sound of the 621 horsepower V8.
Exterior design
The new RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 performance are differentiated from the previous model year with standard RS exterior trim components finished in matte gray – including the exterior mirrors, front spoiler, front side flaps/blades, side sill inserts, roof rails (for RS 6 Avant performance), rear diffuser, and side window trims. The RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7
performance are also now available in eight exterior colors including two new colors – Gerenadier Red metallic and Ascari Blue metallic.
In addition to the standard 21” 10-spoke star design cast aluminum wheel with 275/35 summer tires, three additional lightweight forged 22” milled cut wheel options play a key role in reducing unsprung weight – each are 5 kg or 11 lb. lighter – enhancing handling in both models. The wheels are available as a standalone option as a 22” 5-Y-spoke design with a matte gray finish; or as part of the optional Black optic package, as a 22” 5-Y-spoke design with a bi-color black finish. A separate Matte carbon package is also available with 22” 5-Y-spoke design wheels featuring a matte black finish. All three 22” wheels are also now wrapped in new summer performance Continental “Sport Contact 7” 285/30 tires, which offer better grip on both dry and wet roads and helps reduce understeer making for more precise handling. Additionally, the braking distance is improved by as much as 2 meters, or just over 6.5 feet shorter with the new wheels and tires when braking from 62 mph to 0 mph on the track.
Interior design
On the interior, the new RS design package plus is available in gray, red and blue. When opting for the RS design package in blue, the seatbelts come fully finished in the color ocean blue, while the dashboard receives a carbon twill structure inlay with blue accent. The gray and red RS design package plus are equipped with black seatbelts with a matching color border and a standard carbon twill structure inlay. The flat bottom Alcantara wrapped steering wheel features package color stitching as do the floor mats and the sides of the center console. The shift lever, the center and door armrests, and the side of the center console are finished with Dinamica microfiber. Front sport seats feature Valcona leather upholstery perforated with honeycomb contrast stitching and the RS logo in blue, gray, or red.
The standard 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus also includes new features to amplify the driving experience. A new blinking shift indicator in manual transmission mode changes the RPM display from green to yellow to red – blinking in an arrangement identical to that used in motorsport to indicate the optimal time to change gears. In addition, Launch Control, which optimizes acceleration potential now signals the ideal moment to accelerate off the line with new traffic light icons. The Audi viritual cockpit plus also adds the ability to switch between black and white displays – white gauges are based on the instrument cluster of the first quattro GmbH car – the 1997 S6 plus. RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 performance models are further distinguished with an LED puddle lamp graphic in the front door that projects “RS performance” on the ground next to the car when the door is open.