Audi, renowned for its commitment to performance, has raised the bar with its latest releases: the Audi RS 6 Avant performance and the RS 7 Sportback performance. These vehicles not only boast exceptional power and speed but also feature upgraded equipment to enhance their appearance and deliver an exhilarating driving experience. With a mighty 4.0-litre V8 biturbo TFSI engine producing 463 kW of engine power and 850 Nm of maximum torque, these models are set to make a bold statement on the roads. Let’s delve into the exciting features and enhancements of these performance-driven machines.
Enhanced Performance and Thrilling Speed:
The heart of the RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance lies in their turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 biturbo TFSI engines. Audi has taken performance to the next level by incorporating larger turbochargers and increasing the boost pressure from 2.4 to 2.6 bar. As a result, these enhancements contribute to a remarkable 22 kW increase in engine power and an additional 50 Nm of torque compared to their base versions. The total power output now reaches an impressive 463 kW, while torque surges to 850 Nm. With these improvements, the performance models can sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds, a 0.2-second improvement over their predecessors.
Unleashing the Sound Experience:
Audi believes that less can sometimes be more, which is why the RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance offer an enthralling sound experience through reduced insulation between the engine compartment, interior, and rear of the vehicle. This thrilling sound comes with the added benefit of shedding eight kilograms of weight, making the vehicles even more agile. The RS 6 Avant performance weighs 2,090 kg, while the RS 7 Sportback performance comes in at 2,065 kg.
Enhanced Driving Dynamics: The New Self-locking Centre Differential
To maximize driving dynamics, Audi has introduced a new self-locking center differential in these performance models. The power generated by the 4.0 TFSI engine is transferred through an eight-speed tiptronic transmission to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. The mechanical center differential distributes engine power to the rear axle in a 40:60 ratio. In situations where slippage occurs, the differential automatically transfers more torque to the axle with better traction. This system allows up to 70 percent of the power to flow to the front axle and up to 85 percent to the rear axle. The self-locking center differential is not only lighter and more compact but also improves driving dynamics, providing more precise cornering and reducing understeering at the handling limits. Passengers will experience a more agile and responsive driving experience overall.
Exquisite Design and High-performance Wheels:
The new RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance models exude elegance and power with their 22-inch matte titanium grey, diamond turned wheels. These lightweight wheels, manufactured using a high-tech forging-milling process, are approximately five kilograms lighter than the previous 22-inch aluminum wheels found on their predecessors. Apart from the standard wheel design, Audi offers various finishes, including burnished glossy metallic black, matte black, and matte neodymium gold. The 5-Y spoke design of the wheels aids brake cooling, while high-performance Continental “Sport Contact 7” 285/30 tires further contribute to reduced weight and improved grip on both dry and wet surfaces. With these enhancements, the vehicles exhibit precise handling and achieve up to a two-meter shorter brake path when decelerating from 100 to 0 km/h.
Customizable Driving Experience:
The Audi drive select dynamic handling system allows drivers to tailor the vehicle’s characteristics according to their preferences. With six available profiles—efficiency, comfort, auto, dynamic, RS1, and RS2—the performance models offer a range of driving experiences. Notably, the updated performance models feature refined software that delivers tighter load changes in S mode when the “dynamic” drive select mode or driving mode S is active, enhancing the overall emotionality of the driving experience. Additionally, the transmission control unit’s updated software results in faster shifting times and a more noticeable differentiation between the driving modes.
Exterior and Interior Styling:
The new RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance models come in a variety of stunning exterior colors, including metallic and matte Ascari Blue and matte Dew Silver. These performance models are equipped with standard RS exterior components in matte grey, such as exterior mirrors, front spoiler, front side flaps, side sill inserts, roof rails, and trim on the side windows and rear diffuser. Customers can choose an optional matte carbon/black styling package, which features black roof rails and trim on the side windows. The Audi rings and model name can be customized in chrome or black, adding a touch of personalization.
Inside the cabin, the RS design packages have been expanded to include a new blue color option, alongside the existing grey and red variants. The steering wheel rim, floor mats, side of the center console, selector lever cuff, and seat belts feature blue contrasting stitching, enhancing the sporty ambiance. The sports seats are upholstered in high-quality Valcona leather perforated with honeycomb stitching and contrasting stitching in Mercato blue. The decorative inlays showcase a carbon twill structure with optional blue accents. Notably, the front doors display an entrance LED that projects the “RS performance” lettering onto the ground, adding a touch of exclusivity.
Cutting-Edge Technology:
The standard 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus boasts new features, including a blinking shift indicator in manual transmission mode. This indicator, reminiscent of motorsport, changes the rpm display from green to yellow to red, signaling the optimal time for gear changes. Another innovative feature is Launch Control, which optimizes acceleration from a standstill, ensuring the RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance reach their full potential. Furthermore, the updated virtual cockpit now includes traffic light icons, providing the driver with precise information about when to accelerate at traffic lights.
Pricing and Availability:
The Audi RS 6 Avant performance is priced at R 2,332,700, while the Audi RS 7 Sportback performance is priced at R 2,444,500. The prices mentioned include the optional 5-year/100,000km Audi Freeway Plan. Customer deliveries in South Africa will commence in July, with the public having the opportunity to experience these remarkable vehicles at the Audi driving experience starting from September 2023.
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