The new Audi RS 6 Avant performance and the RS 7 Sportback performance are brimming with equipment that sharpens the vehicles' appearance and creates a more expressive driving experience. They are more potent and swifter than any RS 6 or RS 7 to date. The strong 4.0-liter V8 biturbo TFSI engine now produces 463 kW of engine output and 850 Nm of maximum torque. Customers will start receiving these two new models in South Africa in the month of July, and starting in September 2023, the general public will be able to test drive them at the Audi driving experience. Zimboz always “make a plan”. I know they will be among the first ones to buy them from South Africa since Audi is not represented in Zimbabwe
'Performance' at Audi refers to higher power. For instance, the 4.0-liter V8 biturbo TFSI engine in the RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance boasts larger turbochargers and a rise in boost pressure from 2.4 to 2.6 bar, allowing an increase of 22 kW in engine output and 50 Nm greater torque compared to the standard models. This results in an overall power increase of 441 kW to 463 kW and a maximum torque increase of 800 to 850 Nm. The acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h takes the performance models 3.4 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds quicker than the RS 6 and RS 7 versions.
However, there are times when less is more. By reducing the insulation between the engine, the interior, and the rear of the car, Audi has ensured that the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback will thrill customers with thrilling, next-level audio experiences. The reduction also makes the car eight kilograms lighter. The unloaded weight of the performance RS 6 Avant is 2,090 kg, compared to the performance RS 7 Sportback's 2,065 kg.
The redesigned self-locking center
The permanent all-wheel drive quattro receives power from the 4.0 TFSI engine via a standard eight-speed tiptronic with quicker shift times. When slippage occurs, more driving torque is automatically given to the axle with greater traction; up to 70% can flow to the front axle and up to 85% to the rear axle. Engine power is sent to the rear axle at a ratio of 40:60 by the strictly mechanical center differential.
The self-locking center differential is smaller and lighter, which enhances driving dynamics and provides considerably more precise turning, resulting in less understeering at the handling limits. Additionally, the self-steering response is now more precise, which gives passengers a more dynamic driving experience overall.
Unique and high-performing
22-inch wheels fitted with highly efficient tyres — the 22-inch matte titanium gray, diamond-turned wheels that come standard on the new RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance are also available in burnished glossy metallic black, matte black, or matte neodymium gold.
The airy 5-Y spoke design, which was influenced by motorsport, aids in brake cooling, and the lightweight rims are made using a high-tech forging-milling technique. The 22-inch aluminum wheel on the present RS 6 Avant or RS 7 Sportback weighs about five kilos more than the new lightweight wheel; this 20-kilogram weight reduction in unsprang masses enhances the throttle response.
The new lightweight wheel's new high-performance Continental "Sport Contact 7" 285/30 tires are a crucial component in the weight reduction.
The tires continuously provide increased traction on both dry and wet surfaces and also lessen understeering when cornering quickly, resulting in more accurate handling throughout the whole speed range. Additionally, when braking from 100 to 0 km/h, the brake path is up to two meters shorter with the new wheels.
The nature of the car can be controlled by the driver thanks to the Audi Drive Select dynamic handling system. Efficiency, comfort, auto, dynamic, and two proprietary RS1 and RS2 modes are among the six possible profiles.
However, the performance versions' driving modes offer a significantly more distinctive experience. For instance, the coasting mode is now activated automatically in the efficiency profile, which means it coasts at speeds up to 160 km/h without using any fuel or creating any drag torque. Additionally, tighter load shifts in S mode when the "dynamic" drive select mode or driving mode S is active are made possible by fine-tuning the engine control unit software, which heightens the emotionality even more.
The gearbox control unit's revised software allows for quicker shifting and a discernibly wider range of driving modes.
New exterior styling color schemes
There are a total of 16 exterior colors available for the new RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance, including matte Ascari Blue and metallic Dew Silver for the first time.
The exterior mirrors, front spoiler, front side flaps, side sill inserts, roof rails, and trim on the side windows and rear diffuser are all matte gray on the performance variants, making them stand out. There is also a matte carbon/black style kit available with black trim on the side windows and roof rails. Customers can select chrome or black for the Audi rings and model name.
Fresh interior details
The well-known RS design packages in gray and red have been expanded to incorporate the color blue for the interior. Contrasting stitching in Mercato blue can be found on the Alcantra black steering wheel rim, as well as the floor mats, the side of the center console, and the selector lever cuff. The seat belts have a full-surface color of ocean blue and optional blue accents on the carbon twill inlays used as decorative inlays. The sports seats have premium Valcona leather upholstery with honeycomb stitching and contrasting stitching in Mercato blue, while the selector lever knob and side of the center console are constructed of Dinamica microfibre, which contains about 45% recycled PET fibers. Another distinctive feature is an entrance LED in the front doors that projects the lettering "RS Performance" onto the ground next to the car.
The three available color options for RS design packages are offered for purchase by customers. An additional benefit of this equipment option is the seat center panel, which has a gray, red, or blue inlay. The perforated sports seats and RS embossing on the seat backs both match the customer's chosen color.
A blinking shift indicator in manual transmission mode, which changes the rpm display from green to yellow to red, blinking in a manner identical to that used in motorsport, is one of the new features available on the displays of the standard 12.3-inch Audi virtual cockpit plus.
Additionally, Launch Control, which signals the perfect time to accelerate off the line with new traffic light icons, fully utilizes the acceleration capability of the RS 6 Avant and the RS 7 Sportback.
Estimated cost might be close to US$280000 to land the top spec Audi RS 7 Sportback from SA into Zimbabwe
andrew@muzamhindo.com.
