Audi RS6 Avant (2014)

The interior of the new Audi RS6 Avant is dominated by sporty black. The instrument dials are white and the needles red. The RS-specific three-spoke leather sport steering wheel is flat-bottomed and has an especially thick, well-contoured rim. Trim elements in aluminum look or Piano finish, illuminated door sill trims with RS6 badges and decorative carbon inlays accentuate the look. RS sport seats with pronounced side bolsters and integrated head restraints are standard. The seats are covered in a combination of black Alcantara and leather. The center sections featuring diamond quilting are a highlight. The RS6 Avant comes standard with two pronounced rear bucket seats featuring integrated head restraints which are matched to the look of the front seats. A three-person rear bench seat is also available.

Standard equipment in the new Audi RS6 Avant also includes four-zone automatic air conditioning, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and the ten-speaker Audi sound system. High-end options range from a head-up display through a Bang & Olufsen advanced sound system through to driver-assistance systems. Other options include adaptive cruise control with Stop&Go function and the night vision assistant, which highlights detected pedestrians. Audi connect including car phone, complements the MMI navigation plus by delivering online services to the car. Passengers can surf the web via a Wi-Fi hotspot.

Customer deliveries of the Audi RS6 Avant will begin in Germany in the second half of 2013. The basic price will be 107,900 euros.

Engine

The Audi RS6 Avant 4.0 TFSI handsomely illustrates Audi downsizing strategy. The V8 biturbo draws impressive power from its 3,993 cc of displacement in every driving situation. Its peak output of 412 kW (560 hp) occurs between 5,700 and 6,600 rpm, with a constant 700 Nm (516.29 lb-ft) of torque available from 1,750 to 5,500 rpm.

Every detail is an expression of the high-end character of the charged eight-cylinder engine. The aluminum-silicon crankcase is manufactured in a low-pressure permanent mold casting, which ensures a high level of material uniformity. The bedplate - a stable frame for the crankshaft bearing bridges - further enhances the block's rigidity. The chain drive is located on the back to save space. The engine's compact construction reduces its length to 497 mm (19.57 in); bore and stroke measure 84.5 and 89.0 mm (3.33 and 3.50 in), respectively. Even with all key add-on parts, this engine weighs just 224 kilograms (493.84 lb).

An unthrottled intake system supplies the four-liter V8, which has a specific engine management system, with air; the Audi FSI direct injection meters the fuel. Switchable flaps in the intake ports mix the incoming air in a cylindrical motion to enhance charging and combustion. The directly injected and intensively swirled fuel cools the combustion chambers. This method enables the high compression ratio of 10.1:1.

Two turbochargers generate up to 1.2 bar of relative boost pressure. The twin-scroll technology, in which the exhaust gas of every two cylinders flows to the turbine wheel via separate exhaust ports, avoids undesirable interactions between the gas columns. The end effect is an early and steep torque buildup.

The large turbochargers and their air-to-water heat exchanger are located in the inside V of the cylinder banks rather than in the usual location outside next to the crankcase. This layout enables short gas flow paths with minimal flow losses and spontaneous engine response. Elaborate and effective insulation of hot components ensures thermally stable conditions in the inside V.

Sound flaps in the dual exhaust system make the engine's sound profile even more resonant. They are controlled independently from engine load, engine speed, the mode in the Audi drive select dynamics system and the eight-speed tiptronic operating level. An optional RS sport exhaust system is available from quattro GmbH.

Extensive package: technologies from the modular efficiency platform

The 4.0 TFSI has many technologies from Audi modular efficiency platform - including the start-stop-system. Innovative thermal management controls coolant flow through the engine while it is warming up so that the engine oil heats as quickly as possible. A regulated oil pump varies oil pressure in two stages. At the Audi plant in Győr, Hungary, high-end technologies such as the panel honing of cylinder barrels are used during assembly of the V8 engine. The piston pins have a fine, diamond-like carbon (DLC) coating.

Another pioneering innovation is the cylinder on demand (COD) technology that is based on the Audi valvelift system (AVS). It reduces standard fuel consumption by around five percent; driving at moderate speeds can achieve up to twelve percent.

At low to moderate load and engine speed - up to around 250 Nm (184.39 lb ft) and 3,500 rpm - the COD technology deactivates cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 by closing the valves and stopping fuel injection and ignition to them. Efficiency in the active cylinders increases because the operating points are displaced toward higher loads. Immediately before closing, the combustion chambers are once again filled with fresh air - this solution ensures relatively low internal pressures in the cylinders.

The switchover occurs within hundredths of a second via sleeves that move axially on the camshafts; they are moved by pins that are electromagnetically extended into spiral-shaped slots on the outside of the sleeves. This transition process runs so smoothly that the driver practically only notices the four-cylinder operation by the message in the instrument cluster display. The cylinders are reactivated as soon as the driver presses the accelerator pedal more firmly.

While the V8 is temporarily running as a V4, ignition only takes place at every 180 degrees of crankshaft angle. Its crankshaft drive produces higher rotational oscillations - the active engine mounts counteract this effect. Utilizing electromagnetic oscillation coil actuators, they induce phase-offset counter oscillations which largely cancel engine vibration. The active engine mounts are also operational during idling.

Power transmission

The 4.0 TFSI is paired with an eight-speed tiptronic featuring especially shortened shift times. The automatic transmission, integrated in the engine's thermal-management system, features a Dynamic Shift Program (DSP) with D (Drive) and S (Sport) modes. If the driver wants to shift on his own, he can use the shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever with unique RS design. Launch Control delivers the engine's power to the road with defined tire slip and superb traction.

The tiptronic's lower speeds are tightly spaced, while its high gear spread of 7.1:1 between the shortest and longest gears reduces fuel consumption. The new RS6 Avant sprints from a starting position and operates at relatively low rpm even in eighth gear.

A refined center differential, which can distribute power within an astoundingly broad range, constitutes the heart of the quattro drivetrain in the new Audi RS6. In normal driving, 40 percent of torque flows to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear axle. Whenever necessary, this purely mechanical component will distribute torque without the slightest hesitation - with up to 70 percent flowing to the front or as much as 85 percent to the rear. Yet another strength of this new differential, serviced by a dedicated oil cooler, lies in its low weight. Indeed, it weighs 1.8 kilograms (3.97 lb) less than the previous generation.

The center differential in the new Audi RS6 Avant operates in conjunction with an intelligent software solution in the brake management system: torque vectoring, which can act on all four wheels. If, during high-speed cornering, the brake management software detects that the wheels on the inside of the curve are about to slip, it marginally brakes these wheels; just a slight application of the pads on the discs at minimal pressure suffices. As a result, the handling of the RS6 Avant is even more neutral and stable than ever before, even at the limits of handling. And just in case Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) does intervene, any instances of this occur later and more smoothly.

Even more dynamics: the sport differential

An optional module in the quattro drivetrain provides even greater dynamics. The sport differential actively distributes torque between the rear wheels. When the driver steers or accelerates in a curve, much of the torque flows to the outside wheel. The sport differential thus guides the new RS6 Avant during cornering counteracting any tendency toward oversteering or understeering from the outset. The standard Audi drive select dynamics system, allows the driver to fine-tune the sport differential mode of operation.

The sport differential features a conventional rear differential on both sides supplemented by a superimposed stage. It comprises two sun gears and an internal gear and rotates roughly ten percent faster than the drive shaft. A multi-plate clutch in an oil bath and operated by an electrohydraulic actuator provides the power connection between the shaft and the superimposed stage. When the clutch closes, it steplessly imposes the higher speed of the superposition gear on the outside wheel. The additional torque required is drawn away from the inside wheel via the differential.

Chassis

The new RS6 Avant is the first RS model from Audi with a specifically tuned air suspension as standard. Thanks to a dynamic configuration of the RS adaptive air suspension, the body sits 20 millimeters (0.79 in) lower. Integrated damping control operates as per road conditions, a given driver's style and the mode chosen via the Audi drive select dynamics system. The driver can switch between five modes: comfort, auto, dynamic, individual and lift with this system.

The front axle of the new Audi RS6 Avant comprises five links per wheel. More specifically, there are two transverse links on the upper plane, the support link and control arm on the lower plane, and the track rod. The five-link design can handle longitudinal and lateral forces separately. Its bearings respond smoothly in the longitudinal direction, and are stiff in the transverse direction for sporty precision.

The control arms are aluminum forgings, which keep the unsprung masses low. The wheel carriers and pivot bearings are also made of this same material. The anti-roll bar fabricated from a high-strength tube also saves weight. The integrated support for the engine and the front axle serves as the backbone of the suspension. Made of high-strength steel, it is rigidly bolted to the frontend of the car.

The electromechanical power-steering unit, a compact and lightweight part, is down low along the wheel center line. This results in agile response, high precision, and explicit road feedback. Power-steering assistance has been tailored to the personality of this robust top-of-the-line model; it also varies in accordance with the vehicle's speed. This system is extremely efficient because it consumes no energy when driving straight ahead. By supporting proper adjustments and hindering improper steering movements, the electromechanical steering assists the driver with braking and countersteering on a lane that is slippery on only one side.

Featuring characteristic RS performance, Audi dynamic steering is optional equipment for this new high-performance Avant. Its superimposed gear system adjusts the steering ratio by nearly 100 percent as a function of driving speed and the setting in Audi drive select. It applies a very direct steering ratio at low speeds; at higher speeds, a relatively indirect steering ratio promotes steady straight-line stability. At the vehicle's cornering limits, dynamic steering minimizes oversteering and understeering by autonomously executing subtle adjustments.

The rear axle of the new Audi RS6 Avant follows the track-controlled trapezoidal link principle: a compact layout which provides safe, sporty and comfortable driving. The top transverse links and the track rods are aluminum forgings; the stabilizer bar is also a steel tube.

Taut support: RS sport suspension plus with DRC

Audi offers a decidedly taut RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) as an alternative to the RS adaptive air suspension. This system employs a steel suspension and three-way adjustable shock absorbers that are interconnected via diagonally opposed oil lines and one central valve each. When cornering at speed, the valves regulate the oil flow in the shock absorber of the spring-deflected front wheel at the outside of the curve. They increase the support provided and reduce lateral tilt.

The RS brakes offer uncompromising performance. The four internally ventilated discs feature a weight-saving wave design with wave-shaped outer contours. The front discs measure 390 millimeters (15.35 in) in diameter and are adorned by black, six-piston calipers. Customers can opt for red brake calipers. Another option: especially durable and long-lasting carbon fiber-ceramic brake discs that measure 420 millimeters (16.54 in) in diameter and have anthracite gray calipers. Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) features a Sport mode that can be completely deactivated.

Machine-polished 20-inch forged wheels in a seven twin-spoke design and fitted with 275/35 R 20 tires are standard on the new Audi RS6 Avant. Optional 21-inch wheels in 5 twin-spoke design come in three different finishes: high-gloss silver, machine-polished black or machine-polished titanium look. These wheels are fitted with 285/30 R 21 tires.

Body

Thanks to the lightweight excellence of Audi, the new Audi RS6 Avant weighs nearly 100 kilograms (220.46 lb) less than its predecessor. The body consists of about 20 percent aluminum, which makes a crucial contribution towards its low weight. The crossbar in the engine compartment and the cross-members behind the front and rear bumpers are aluminum sections. The front strut domes are aluminum castings. The integral subframe behind the instrument panel, the transverse member in the trunk, the front fenders, the doors, the hood and the trunk lid are made of aluminum.

Hot-formed components throughout the occupant cell ensure supreme strength. These components are first heated in a furnace to over 1,000 degrees Celsius (1,852 F) and shaped immediately thereafter at around 200 degrees Celsius (392 F) in a water-cooled pressing die. This abrupt change in temperature creates an iron-carbon structure of exceptional tensile strength. These high-tech steels are relatively thin and therefore light.

The vehicle body boasts even more highlights. It not only boasts impact safety to a high degree but also outstanding static and dynamic torsional rigidity. They thus lay the foundation for superior quality of manufacture, precise handling and a smooth ride when it comes to the new Audi RS6 Avant.

Exterior design

The new Audi RS6 Avant has a sporty, muscular look. The sills have been enlarged and the wings, too. The rear wheel arches are also larger than in the predecessor model. The new RS6 Avant shows dynamic elegance: a long hood, a wheelbase of 2,915 mm (9.56 ft), a low greenhouse and flat D-pillars.

The front end is characterized by a single-frame grille with angled upper corners and the RS bumper with large air inlets. Many more design details underscore the unique personality of the new RS6 Avant. The single-frame grille, front blade, window capping strips, roof rail and housings of the outside mirrors are in matt aluminum look, whereas the honeycomb grille at the front of the vehicle is high-gloss black.

The large RS roof spoiler, the shaded tail lights and the angular bumpers are the prominent features in the rear. A diffuser with vertical fins encapsulates the two large, elliptical tailpipe trims of the RS exhaust system. RS6 badges at the front and rear further accentuate the look.

Two other styling packages - matt aluminum and carbon - impart a truly one-of-a-kind look to this high-performance Avant not only due to a prominent quattro logo on the central front air-intake ducts. With the carbon styling package, the front splitter and the diffuser are even more boldly shaped.

Ten different paint finishes are available for the new Audi RS6 Avant. Exclusive Daytona Gray matt is brand-new. Also available are the single-color coatings Ibis White and Nardo Gray as well as the following metallic/pearl-effect colors: Suzuka Gray, Misano Red, Daytona Gray and Phantom Black. The crystal-effect finishes Prism Silver, Estoril Blue and Panther Black owe their appearance to special pigmentation. Customers can also take advantage of an exclusive quattro GmbH offer by having any possible paint color customized for them.

Interior

The cockpit of the new Audi RS6 Avant is catered to the driver. The dial instruments feature black faces, white dials and red needles. RS logos adorn the key; the flat-bottomed, three-spoke, multifunction leather sport steering wheel; the illuminated door sill trims; the tachometer; and the driver information system's large color screen. The selector lever bears a specific design and the shift paddles feature an aluminum look.

New in the driver information system's RS menu is the shift light. Green segments illuminate as revs increase; the bar turns red and begins to blink as revs approach the red line. The RS driver information system is further complemented by a lap timer and displays for gear selection, boost pressure and oil temperature as well as a digital speedometer.

Black headlining is standard, with lunar silver and black Alcantara as options. The footrest, pedals and control buttons in the MMI navigation plus terminal shine in aluminum look. Interior door openers feature a filigree double-bar design, a classic RS feature. Decorative carbon inlays are standard. Ten other materials are optionally available, including Piano finish and aluminum/Beaufort.

RS sport seats with prominent side bolsters, integrated headrests and embossed RS6 logos are standard. The seats are covered in a combination of black Alcantara and leather; the center sections feature diamond quilting. The seats can alternatively be covered in high-grade, honeycomb-quilted Valcona leather in either black or lunar silver. Audi offers optional power-adjustable comfort seats with memory function; the front seats can also be fitted with ventilation and massage functions. By means of the Audi exclusive customization program, quattro GmbH offers a wealth of interior options. A design package in black with red stitching and red seat belts is but one example.

The new Audi RS6 Avant comes standard with two sportily molded rear seats.

A three-person bench seat is available as an option. The luggage compartment holds up to 1,680 liters (59.33 cubic ft). The rear seat backs can be folded down simply by pulling on latches in the side walls of the luggage compartment. A rail system for securing cargo as well as bag hooks and a net partition are standard equipment.

Driver assistance systems

Driver assistance and safety systems by Audi grant drivers yet more control in the new Audi RS6 Avant. At speeds between 0 and 250 km/h (155.34 mph), the radar-assisted adaptive cruise control (ACC) with Stop&Go function detects vehicles ahead to always maintain the proper following distance. At speeds below 30 km/h (18.64 mph), the system initiates maximum braking in the event of an impending collision.

ACC with Stop&Go function works closely with the Audi pre sense safety system, which is available in a number of different configurations. Audi active lane assist helps the driver to remain in a given lane by gently intervening in the electromechanical steering, if necessary. It makes use of the same video camera as the speed-limit indicator, which presents detected traffic signs on the DIS screen. Audi side assist also uses rear-mounted radar to help drivers to change lanes more safely.

The night vision assistant, which highlights detected pedestrians, makes for less stressful driving at night. The standard driver information system with rest recommendation recognizes when a driver is getting tired and advises him to take a break. The park assist system with surround-view camera handles steering instead of the driver.

In the luxury configuration, several small wide-angle video cameras ensure good views of otherwise hard-to-see spots. The driver can have the MMI monitor display images from these cameras.

Equipment and Audi connect

The standard-equipment package of the new Audi RS6 Avant is extensive. In addition to items already specified, standard equipment also includes the following: xenon plus headlights, LED tail lights with adaptive brake lights, a tire-pressure control system, parking system plus, cruise control, four-zone automatic air conditioning, an ambient lighting package and the ten-speaker Audi sound system.

Yet another standard feature in the new RS6 Avant is MMI navigation plus with MMI touch. The MMI navigation plus is a high-performance media unit thanks to its electrically retractable eight-inch monitor displaying 3D images, innovative touchpad controls (MMI touch), a 60 GB hard drive, a DVD drive and whole-word voice control. MMI Navigation plus is furthermore closely synced with the control units of ACC Stop&Go, tiptronic and the optional adaptive light system, allowing these systems to quickly and precisely adapt their function to the conditions of a given route.

Optional Audi connect including car phone, ideally complements the MMI navigation plus. Audi connect delivers the brand's tailored Internet services to the car. Passengers can surf the web and send emails via a Wi-Fi hotspot. Additional infotainment options include a Bose surround-sound system, a digital radio tuner or the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 15 speakers and more than 1,200 watts of overall power.

What's more, the new Audi RS6 Avant can also be equipped with all the luxurious options available for the A6. Several options merit a special mention: LED headlights with one-of-a-kind, partially shaded look; the adaptive light system; a panoramic glass sunroof; a convenience key with a motion-activated lock release switch for the trunk lid; and a head-up display.

As for the trunk, Audi supplies a load-through hatch with a removable ski/snowboard bag, a load-securing set and a reversible mat. In addition, the comfort package is complemented by the dynamic package (which increases top speed to 280 km/h [173.98 mph]) and the dynamic package plus (which increases top speed to 305 km/h [189.52 mph] and features carbon fiber-ceramic brakes).

The new Audi RS6 Avant was designed with an exclusive clientele in mind. Its primary target group consists of customers who value technology, motorsports and design. Customer deliveries of the Audi RS6 Avant will begin in Germany in the second half of 2013. The basic price will be 107,900 euros. The principal markets are Germany, United Kingdom and Switzerland.