Audi ups ante with RS6, RS7 ‘performance’

AMONG a range of enhancements, Audi has turned up the turbo boost on its RS6 Avant wagon and RS7 Sportback (fastback) to produce ‘performance’ variants of both, which are the imminently available in Australia carrying a premium of around $9000 apiece over their already-fast donor cars.

The newcomers are priced from $241,500 and from $248,500 respectively (excluding on-road costs) in return for enhanced performance. 

Not quite ready to lay its V8 petrol mills to rest as it transitions to electric power, Audi has installed mild hybrid electric motor assistance to the duo’s 4.0-litre twin-turbo unit while upping boost pressure from 2.4 bar to 2.6 bar (nearly 38 psi in old money) with dramatic effects on an already potent power plant.

Peak output lifts from a hearty 441kW and 800Nm to 463kW and 850Nm, which translates into 0.2 seconds off the pair’s 0-100km/h sprint time – to now list at a claimed 3.4 seconds.

“These two legendary models have become even more formidable. With an even higher level of capability than their astonishing predecessors, the new RS6 Avant performance and RS7 Sportback performance boast a finely optimised range of enhancements in performance, dynamics, and desirability,” the German manufacturer says.

The 48-volt mild-hybrid electrical system can recover power while coasting or under light throttle. In stop start driving, the system can propel the car at speeds up to 22 km/h, while the cylinder deactivation that shuts down four pots when conditions allow reignites them in milliseconds if more thrust is required – a process Audi says is imperceptible to the driver or passengers.

Contributing to driver and passenger “enjoyment”, Audi has reduced the amount of noise insulation to the firewall and under the rear of the cars so the “theatre” of the V8’s machinations can be savoured by those inside.

Of course, Audi says this reduced insulation also contributes to vehicle weight reductions.

All that poke up front is fed through a standard eight-speed automatic transmission – this time with faster shifting times – to the Quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system.

The pair have a self-locking centre differential that is also lighter and more compact than before, which Audi says improves driving dynamics and offers more precise cornering.

Of course the two RS models have six drive modes available, including customisable RS-specific RS 1 and RS 2 settings.

Selections act through revised software for the transmission and the resulting reduced shift times become apparent when the gear selector is set to 'S' or Dynamic mode is selected.

As expected for the money, the RS6 Avant performance and RS7 Sportback performance are luxuriously equipped to the same levels as the outgoing models.

They ride on a new forged 22-inch wheel and tyre package refined by the Audi Sport engineering team. The new lightweight wheel is around five kilograms lighter per corner than the wheels of the outgoing models, contributing to a significant unsprung weight reduction.

Specially developed ultra-high-performance Continental "Sport Contact 7" 285/30 tyres are said to offer consistently better grip on both dry and wet roads and reduce understeer when cornering at speed, making for more precise handling.

They also contribute to a two-metre reaction in braking distance when slamming on from 100km/h to 0km/h.

Visually differentiating the new models from their predecessors are matte grey exterior elements and new blue interior design packages featuring a choice of carbon fascia, piano black, aluminium, Alcantara and Dinamica microfibre. High-grade perforated Valcona leather is in the mix too on the pair’s sports seats.

The colour palette includes an exclusive matte effect paint finish available at an extra cost and, for the first time, Ascari Blue paint in both metallic and matte finish.

"Audi has always excelled at producing high-performance cars that can impress as equally on track as they do on a day-to-day commute," said Audi Australia director Jeff Mannering.

"Astoundingly, we have managed to build upon what was already a pair of very impressive models for a flawless drive with highly desirable packaging. Both the Audi RS6 performance and Audi RS7 performance would be a welcome addition to any Australian garage; sure to leave a lasting impression on those lucky enough to drive one."