Audi has been making quick wagons for 30 years, beginning with the 1994 RS2 Avant constructed along with Porsche. And that will not cease anytime quickly. When requested by journalists whether or not there’s a future for quick estates, RS 6 GT technical venture supervisor Nils Fischer stated: “I would definitely say yes, for sure.”
The limited-run RS6 Avant GT special edition is described by Audi as a “model that reaches its maximum.” However, the corporate is strictly speaking concerning the outgoing C8 era. A follow-up to the present tremendous wagon is coming earlier than 2026, at which level the German luxurious model will solely launch EVs. It means there’s nonetheless time for a last RS6 era with a combustion engine.
Audi Head of Research & Development Stephan Reil has already confirmed the subsequent RS6 will hold the gasoline engine however with an electric motor thrown into the mix. Even the outgoing mannequin has a small dose of electrification with twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 utilizing a mild-hybrid setup. Its successor is predicted to make use of a plug-in hybrid system, and hopefully, constructed round a V8.
When the next-gen mannequin arrives, it will go by one other identify. Audi has introduced the A6 fashions with a combustion engine will transition to the A7 household. It successfully means an RS7 Avant is coming, as bizarre as that may sound. That will allow Audi to launch purely electrical A6 fashions, together with an RS6 as a wagon variant to the spied RS6 sedan.
Car paparazzi have already caught on digicam prototypes of an A6 Avant E-Tron testing with the complete manufacturing physique. That electrical wagon will trip on the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) structure Audi developed with Porsche. The first mannequin to make the most of the {hardware} is new second-generation Macan, which has as much as 630 horsepower and 833 pound-feet on the Turbo mannequin. So count on wholesome numbers from a future RS6 Avant E-Tron.
The smaller RS4 Avant, a forbidden fruit within the United States, will even stay to see one other era with a unique identify. The future RS5 Avant will make use of a plug-in hybrid arrangement, per an announcement made by former Audi Sport Head of Development Oliver Hoffmann in 2019.
At the RS6 GT’s international debut, an organization spokesperson stated we should always “stay tuned” for performance-oriented Avant fashions. Audi Product Marketing Manager Kenneth Dose assured lovers quick wagons are right here to remain: “I think the past has proven that there was a past for the wagons, and when we look at the cars and how beautiful cars like that still can be developed, we think there’s definitely a future.”
The competitors isn’t abandoning potent wagons both. BMW lastly has an M3 Touring in its ever-growing M portfolio and can quickly convey again the M5 Touring. The former isn’t bought within the United States, however a number of studies state the latter would possibly simply get a US visa. Bavaria’s giant property goes to debut later in 2024 with a plug-in hybrid V8 rumored to make over 700 hp. Come 2025, a beefier M3 CS Touring will hit the market.
At Mercedes, the AMG C63 has misplaced its brawny V8 in favor of an intricate plug-in hybrid powertrain primarily based round a four-cylinder, 2.0-liter engine. The long-roof mannequin is not destined for the US market both.
Although the German luxurious trio has been obsessive about launching SUVs of all sizes, it is not giving up on good ol’ estates. The thrilling ones will all be electrified to fulfill more and more stringent emissions rules, albeit the M3 Touring will not get a charging port in its present era. However, BMW M has confirmed an electrical M3 sedan is deliberate on the Neue Klasse platform, so an equal wagon looks as if an informed guess.
The 2020s are possible going to symbolize the final full decade of quick wagons with a combustion engine at first turns into electrical. Some of the automobiles would possibly survive into the early 2030s, however the clock is already ticking for ICE energy in a efficiency property.
The Audi RS6 Avant Performance is sort of good. The 621-horsepower V8 tremendous wagon has a 0-60 mile-per-hour time of three.3 seconds and room for 5 individuals with baggage. Now Audi is upping the ante with the ultra-quick GT mannequin.
The Avant GT makes use of the identical twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine because the Avant Performance, pushing out 621 horsepower and 625 pound-feet of torque. But with some tweaking, the GT hits 60 mph in 3.2 seconds – one-tenth of a second faster than the usual mannequin. It takes the GT 11.5 seconds to achieve 124 mph – 1.5 seconds faster than the Performance – and the highest velocity is 190 mph.
More than simply straight-line velocity, although, the RS6 GT handles higher due to a 10-millimeter experience top discount through a manually adjustable coilover suspension. The GT additionally will get stiffer stabilizer bars, three-way electronically adjustable dampers, and an up to date differential with extra rear bias, in addition to stickier Continental Sport Contact 7 tires.
Audi designers drew inspiration for the outside design from the legendary Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO race automobile. The iconic pink, white, and black Audi racing livery and 22-inch wheels are primarily ripped from 90 Quattro. That look would be the solely possibility for consumers within the US. Other markets could have a alternative of paint choices.
The RS6 Avant GT has a carbon fiber hood for the primary time, with {a partially} or totally uncovered possibility. A brand new fender design opens up the shops behind the entrance wheels for higher airflow whereas GT badges dot the outside.
The inside is draped in black leather-based and Alcantara, with pink quilted stitching on the seats. There are new sport bucket seats with carbon backing, and restricted version badging within the heart console that tells you precisely how uncommon this wagon is. And it will likely be very uncommon.
Audi solely plans to construct 660 examples of the RS6 GT worldwide. Each of those automobiles will probably be partially hand-built, with the carbon hood, fenders, bumper, spoiler, suspension, and exterior wrap finished by designers and engineers in Germany. Only 85 items are coming to the US, and solely 7 to Canada.
There’s no official phrase on pricing but for the US, however if you need one, you higher get in line now.
Saloon and Avant property bodystyles shall be supplied for the usual A5, with every unlikely to develop in measurement in contrast with the present A4. For reference, it stretches to 4772mm in size, 1847mm in width and 1435mm in top. Only the property has been noticed testing up to now in full-bore RS guise, and it isn’t but confirmed if Audi plans to supply a saloon model, as AMG does with the C63.
Meanwhile, volume-selling variations of the A5 shall be accessible with a variety of upgraded petrol and diesel engines with both mild-hybrid or plug-in hybrid help, and four-wheel drive.
Further developments for the MLB platform embrace a brand new electrical structure with 48V functionality. This allows the adoption of further capabilities such because the Dynamic All-Wheel Steering system utilized by the A6, A7, A8, Q7 and the ICE Q8, in addition to new level-two autonomous driving capabilities presently being developed by Audi’s Car.Software division.
It additionally supplies the bottom for a variety of latest digital and connectivity options. Among them is near-field communication performance being developed by Audi and Huawei. This allows contactless fee for refuelling or charging, tolls, parking, drive-through eating and different providers from inside the automotive by way of the MyAudi app.
Autocar understands the brand new A5 will run an up to date model of the present mannequin’s aluminium-intensive multi-link entrance and rear suspension, with adaptive damping on chosen fashions. Earlier hypothesis advised the subsequent A5 would obtain rear air springs, however these could also be reserved solely for the electrical A4.
The Audi A7 Avant is being ready because the successor to the A6 Avant, touting a daring redesign and wide-reaching expertise updates whereas sticking with combustion energy.
Due on sale in 2025, the property takes a brand new identify as a part of a brand new Audi naming technique that is meant to make it simpler to inform aside ICE vehicles and EVs: the previous have odd numbers, the latter even numbers.
The A6 identify shall be used subsequent 12 months for an equal however unrelated E-tron electrical mannequin based mostly on Audi’s new PPE platform.
An A7 Avant prototype has been noticed testing on roads round Germany with a design paying homage to the smaller A5 Avant – the forthcoming alternative for the A4 Avant.
At the entrance, it options slim, redesigned headlights, Audi’s conventional hexagonal radiator grille and a streamlined bonnet.
The alloy wheels have been redesigned, the door handles are flush with the bodywork and on the rear it will get a bumper-width mild bar and reshaped twin exhausts.
The A7 Avant will arrive alongside a brand new A7 Sportback, which is able to change the A6 saloon that has been on sale within the UK since 2018.
It stays to be seen how related the engine line-up shall be to that of in the present day’s automobile, however yellow warning stickers on the noticed prototype’s home windows sign that it has some electrical help.
The property will proceed to make use of the Volkswagen Group’s MLB platform, however its rear construction shall be modified to accommodate a 14.4kWh lithium ion battery within the PHEV variant, which is able to supply an electric-only vary of round 60 miles.
It’s anticipated to be bigger than the A6 Avant so as to accommodate the hybrid system. For reference, the present property measures 4939mm lengthy, 1886mm broad and 1467mm tall.
The development of the Audi A6 E-Tron Avant electric wagon is happening alongside the EV variant of the sedan. While the prototype is camouflaged, it appears that the production-spec body is hidden underneath.
When it comes to electric vehicles, aerodynamics are crucial as they help reduce drag and maximize the range. The A6 E-Tron Avant features a sleek front with a trapezoidal inlet in the lower fascia as the only opening. The stacked headlights, with thinner lamps on top, give the vehicle a distinctive look. The hood is low and has a flat design.
The Audi RS6 Avant Performance is known for its impressive acceleration time, going from 0-62 mph in just 3.2 seconds. However, the RS6 Nogaro Edition from the previous generation of the model is considered to be the most powerful RS6 in history.
Introduced in 2018, the RS6 Nogaro Edition was a collaboration between Audi and the tuning company ABT. Only 150 units were produced, making it a rare find. ABT modified the car’s 4.0-liter V8 engine, boosting its power to 695 hp and 649 lb-ft of torque. This upgrade enables the RS6 Nogaro Edition to achieve a 0-62 mph sprint in 3.7 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 199 mph with the Dynamic Package Plus, while without the package it reaches 155 mph.
The Audi RS6 Avant is a highly popular and sought-after high-performance wagon that has captured the hearts of car enthusiasts worldwide.
The RS6 Avant stands out with its aggressive yet tasteful design, featuring an understated exterior and a somber yet luxurious interior.
With a powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine, impressive performance capabilities, and unique features like sport-tuned adaptive air suspension and a sport differential, the RS6 Avant offers sheer capability and stands as a top contender among other high-performance wagons in the market.
Ask any car enthusiast what their dream garage is and there’s a pretty high chance that there will at least be one wagon on that list. Wagons, after all, are very versatile cars. If practicality and a big cargo area are what you’re after, then what’s wrong with buying a wagon as opposed to a crossover SUV? Granted, wagons won’t have the option for a third row, but the world’s best-selling SUVs are mostly five-seater vehicles, and thus, are essentially wagons with a taller ride height.
There is a rare breed of high-performance wagons, however, that manages to combine what the heart wants with what the mind desires. A wagon that has sports sedan qualities that are combined with a longer roof, and thus, a crossover-like amount of cargo space. Among these potent wagons, there’s one that stands out in most car enthusiast’s minds.
MSRP, engine, and performance specifications seen in this article were taken from Audi’s official website and press releases. The Audi RS6 Wagon’s factory top speed is limited to 155 MPH, but an estimate on the top speed without the electronic limiter was possible based on top speed runs, one of which will be shared below.
That would be the Audi RS6 wagon (or Avant in Audi’s marketing jargon) is one great wagon whose qualities have made car enthusiasts from all over the world fall in love with this brute. The current fourth generation (C8) RS6 is sold solely as a wagon, and it’s the first time that the nameplate has been offered in the North American market since the first generation (C5) RS6 was discontinued. Also, this is the first time that Audi sold an RS-badged wagon in the United States. Prior to this, Audi’s North American wagon lineup was dominated by raised “Allroad” versions of the A6 Avant and A4 Avant.
The Audi RS6 Avant wouldn’t be popular in the U.S.–at least on paper since it’s a wagon, but the clamor for the RS6 Avant to arrive in America was so strong, the German luxury automaker succumbed to the car enthusiast’s wishes and finally, the RS6 Avant was offered in the States beginning in the 2021 model year. This proved that there’s actually a strong market for high-performance wagons in the U.S.A., and could serve as a precedent for other automakers to sell high-performance wagons in the United States.
But part of the RS6 Avant’s appeal is its ability to be more than just a wagon. To understand that, let’s first talk about its design. Audis are generally understated and nondescript, but the RS6 Avant looks aggressive without being too ostentatious. As with most high-performance cars nowadays, Audi sets its identity with their so-called “Singleframe” grille–which in this case has a hexagonal shape.
There’s also a slim (albeit fake) air vent on top of the grille as well as trapezoidal side vents to complete the look of its sculpted front end. Filling the RS6 Avant’s sexy widened fender flares are deliciously large 22-inch alloy wheels shod in low-profile Continental SportContact 7 tires–though it probably won’t be delicious to replace those tires or wheels if you hit those.
While the exterior looks brawny yet tastefully executed, the interior is pretty somber, though not exactly one that’s cheap. This isn’t surprising since the RS6 Avant is basically a high-performance version of the A6, so the only interior features that separate the two cars are the increased use of carbon fiber, sportier seats, a high-end Bang & Olufsen surround sound system (though even this can be opted in the A6), and unique software features specific to the RS6 for the Virtual Cockpit digital instruments and the MMI infotainment system.
While the major selling point of a wagon is its SUV-like cargo space (30 cubic-feet), most car enthusiasts probably just want the more handsome looks provided by the body style’s longer roof compared to a sedan. Still, the benefits of a long roof are undeniable–especially when you actually need to use all of that space for hauling bulky items. But what you’re probably drawn to in the RS6 Avant is its sheer capability.
The RS6’s 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 packs which is mated to a 48-volt mild-hybrid system with an integrated starter generator. This drivetrain has a total system output of 592 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque that lets it sprint from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. In typical Audi fashion, this is sent to all four wheels (aka their Quattro all-wheel drive) via a ZF eight-speed automatic.
Audi
The RS6 Avant, of course, isn’t just all about straight-line speed, because this wagon comes with sport-tuned adaptive air suspension and a sport differential that actively splits torque between each side of the rear wheels. The steering system is also unique to the RS6, while optional performance extras include an RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control and carbon ceramic brakes.
If this isn’t potent enough for you, then there’s a new Audi RS6 Avant Performance with more bite and more money to pay for. With 621 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque thanks to a rework to the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8, this hot wagon now does the 0-60 mph run in just 2.9 seconds.
The limited-slip differential has also been reworked, while the ZF eight-speed auto box now provides faster shifts. The RS6 Avant was also deemed too quiet inside, so Audi’s engineers reduced the sound insulation in the drivetrain for added engine noise. If that’s not loud enough, Audi will sell you an optional RS sports exhaust for even more noise.
However, is the Audi RS6 Avant the dream performance wagon you’re looking for? There are two more high-performance wagons sold in the United States vying for your hard-earned six-digit figures. Both of them are German and both of them are capable in their own unique way.
Here’s Why The Audi RS6 Avant Could Be Appealing To You
Audi
The current C8 generation of the Audi RS6 Avant could be appealing to your for a couple of reasons. Firstly, it’s the RS6 at its absolute peak when it comes to all-around capability and luxury. That’s also the same case dynamically, as the car is very capable on a handling perspective than any other RS6 before it.
Lastly, this RS6 will inevitably be electrified for the next-generation model, but it’s not electrification that will still preserve the internal combustion engine (ICE). The RS6 will come with the “e-tron” moniker, and become a high-performance electric wagon that was previewed by the A6 e-tron concept. But of course, the concept is just a preview, and since it’s an RS model, expect more performance and added sportiness to the final production model’s character.
In a new drag racing video, Audi pits its practical and potent Audi RS6 Avant Performance against the Audi R8 Spyder. However, soon the RS6 won’t have to worry about its stablemate as Audi plans to discontinue the supercar.
The RS6 Performance is equipped with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine, generating an impressive 630 horsepower and 626 pound-feet (850 Newton-meters) of torque. Weighing in at 4,607 pounds (2,090 kilograms), it transfers power to the Quattro all-wheel-drive through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
The Audi RS6 Avant Performance and RS7 Performance made their debut in Europe in November 2022. However, these high-performance models are no longer exclusive to European customers. Audi has announced that the RS6 Avant Performance and RS7 Performance will be available in the United States for the 2024 model year. Customers can expect to find them in dealerships starting this fall.
Audi has also revealed the pricing for these highly sought-after models in the US:
The Audi RS6 Avant is currently undergoing testing at the Nürburgring in preparation for its latest update. A spy video captures the high-performance wagon in action on the track as well as on the public roads near the circuit.
The updated RS6 Avant showcases a more aggressive design compared to the current model. Notably, the front fenders have been widened, featuring openings at the rear section just ahead of the doors. These openings are likely functional and could contribute to brake cooling or improve the vehicle’s aerodynamics.
Additionally, there are several minor revisions to the front fascia. The bottom opening now extends to the intakes in the corners.
The side sills have also been restyled, displaying a more intricate design.
At the rear, a larger wing is attached to the back of the roof. The rear bumper has been reshaped, while the presence of the oval-shaped exhausts remains.
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