No longer is the definition of supercar limited to intimate two-seaters. Today, high-performance motoring includes taking the family through every hair-raising turn. Signifying Audi's entry into this high-performance segment is the return of the RS letters (which stand for "Renn Sport"). Since the inaugural Audi RS2 Avant's arrival in 1994, the same auto company that christened all-wheel drive luxury cars continued to personify itself by breaking supercar design barriers throughout the years. Applying the RS sparingly during the past 14 years, Audi's latest Frankfurt Motor Show debut of the RS6 Avant demonstrates their newest masterpiece -- a perfect display of Audi's quirky but refreshing approach to high-class, high-performance vehicles.
Embodying speed credentials within the confines of a family wagon, is the Audi RS6 Avant a rude tease on speed-seeking motorists or is this a supercar for families wanting to live in the fast lane… the very fast lane? Find out if this speed-demon wagon can be both luxurious and practical.
The luxury ride
Utilizing the handsome S6 Avant as a starting base, the 2008 Audi RS6 Avant's appearance alone puts to rest the vanilla image that station wagons once possessed. In spite of this fact, many of the RS6 Avant's outer dimensions vary considerably due to widening the front track by approximately 0.7 inches and the rear by 2.4 inches, respectively. This increased stance not only intensifies the vehicle's demeanor but also stabilizes the RS6, as driver temptations will dictate some rather aggressive corner entries. Loosely resembling streamlined creations of the '30s, the Audi RS6 Avant front end plays host to a blacked-out version of Audi's authoritative grille. Oncoming traffic will also witness a pair of LED daytime-running light strips, which offer a low-consuming alternative to bi-Xenon and halogen lamps, and offer a near-BMW, angel-eyed look.While the previous RS6 incarnation topped out at 480 horsepower in 2004, the return of the RS6 now marches with one of the most assertive powerplants ever dropped into a wagon. Audi's version of the Lamborghini Gallardo V10 engine (producing a highly potent 435 horsepower in the Audi S6) is now being force-fed with air by two turbochargers. Combined high-pressure fuel delivery from their motorsport-derived FSI® direct injection, the RS6's 5.0-liter V10 fires an obscene 580 horsepower through its crankshaft. Also taking into account 479 lb-ft of torque available at a near idle 1,500 rpm, Audi prepped a six-speed Tiptronic transmission with the daunting job of not only surviving but coolly managing the engine's outrageous power. Using the Tiptronic gearbox, the driver can operate with the ultra-adaptive Dynamic Shift Program software or override it with a short jolt of the RS6's enhanced shifter. The end result of 580 horsepower is reliably set to the road via the standard Quattro all-wheel drive system. Thanks to the tremendous torque at the low-end, the RS6 needs only 4.6 seconds between stopwatch button clicks to log a 0-to-62-mph sprint. Surprisingly, this acceleration time equals a surely embarrassed Audi R8 supercar pace. At 155 mph, however, the Audi RS6 Avant hits an electronically set brick wall as engineers erred on the side of caution concerning the wagon's top speed.
Superior handling is secured at all speeds thanks to Audi's Quattro system. Regulating the Audi RS6 Avant's pitch and roll, Dynamic Ride Control hydraulically balances all four shock absorbers. Paired with an optional Sports Suspension Plus package, the RS6's ride can be driver adjustable as well. Slowing down the Audi RS6 can be achieved with confidence with front 8-piston disc brakes. Also available on the RS6 is an extreme-duty ceramic brake system, which features 16.5-inch front discs and 14-inch rear rotors for race-car-style stops.
Without any unusual door opening movements or a low-riding seating position typical for many vehicles of equal horsepower output, the Audi RS6's four passenger doors open to a roomy and easy-to-acquaint cabin. The driver is addressed with performance-oriented RS6 interior controls, which include aluminum-style pedals, gauges for oil temperature, as well as turbo-boost pressure and the Tiptronic shifter. Decorative touches of carbon fiber around the interior also accompany the special RS6-crested front seats, which are also covered with fine Alcantara leather. When everything isn't about fast living, Audi's Multi-Media Interface (MMI) will, among many things, offer stereo system control to pulsate the cabin's surround sound speakers.
The verdict
With the soul of a beast, the 2008 Audi RS6's very foundation makes the elements of performance, luxury and overall engineering ultimately desirable. A near equally performing RS6 sedan version is expected later in 2008, along with a possible announcement for North American sales -- keep your fingers, toes and legs crossed for that one.Luxury score: 48/50
The practical ride
Pushing the high-powered V10 engine, it's only natural to think about fuel economy with the RS6 Avant. Contrary to supercar logic, fuel economy estimates for the RS6 reveal highway and city travel combine for a very enduring 20.3 miles per gallon. Bid kudos to performance-enhancing features, direct-injection and twin-turbocharging as the dominating reasons for purchasing the Avant as your daily drive. While the dreaded import-vehicle gas-guzzler tax is still going to catch this Audi (contingent to whenever the RS6 enters into the United States market), the payment will be about $4,000 less than a current Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG or BMW M5.Prominently featured in the Audi RS6 is something a lot of 580 horsepower street screamers rarely accommodate: usable cargo and passenger space. Including the driver, three adult passengers can comfortably ride for a safe family trip. The Audi RS6 Avant rear cargo space of 20 cubic feet is expandable to 58.6 cubic feet by easily folding down the rear passenger seating.
Once we've picked our jaws up off the ground, we're hit with the realization that the Audi RS6 Avant is unlikely to grace the west side of the Atlantic Ocean. The European version just hit the market with a starting price of £75,000 in the U.K. (currently equivalent to approx. $154,000 U.S. dollars). However, recent reports have indicated that the upcoming RS6 sedan, if indeed sold in the United States, would show up in the more favorable price territory of around $90,000.
The verdict
Unlike a slew of exotic sports cars, which spend far too much time in hibernation, the Audi RS6 Avant is an all-season, top performance treat. The added utility and surprisingly high fuel mileage make the RS6 Avant a persuadable investment for higher-income families looking to add a little growl to their daily drive.Practical score: 46/50
and the total is...
Who would have thought that power, luxury and functionality could be encased in such an attractive package? And who would have thought that a station wagon would even be considered an attractive package? Well, for a company that's always striving to be a cut above the rest, Audi has done it once again with their highly anticipated Audi RS6 Avant. Let's hope it makes the trans-Atlantic jump in the very near future.94/100
Resources:http://www.audi.co.uk/
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