4.0-litre

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Audi unveils new RS 6 and RS 7 performance variants

Audi has confirmed new RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback 'performance' models have joined its range.

Adding more power, up power to 605PS and torque to up to 750Nm over their already formidable counterparts the new RS performance models retain the same 'best-in-class' fuel economy and efficiency figures as their 'standard' equivalents.

That's despite translating their 45PS and 50Nm output advantages into what Audi calls a supercar-challenging sprint time to 62mph of just 3.7 seconds, and on to a top speed of 189mph if the dynamic package plus is specified.

Available to order in the UK from November, and scheduled for first deliveries next February, the RS 6 Avant performance will be priced at £86,000 OTR and the RS 7 Sportback performance at £91,600 OTR.

The 4.0-litre TFSI engine's 605PS output and 700Nm of peak torque can be temporarily increased by the driver to 750Nm by way of an overboost function. The standard eight-speed tiptronic transmission has been designed to 'maximise the potential' of the more extreme engine in both the new RS 6 Avant performance and the new RS 7 Sportback performance. The driver can choose between the modes D and S or change gears manually either by tapping the selector lever or by using the shift paddles on the RS multifunction sport leather steering wheel. In manual mode, a shift indicator in the driver information system or optional head-up display indicates the rev limit.

The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system delivers the power to the road and flexibly distributes torque as needed via the centre differential. With its dynamic set-up, the standard RS adaptive air suspension lowers the body of the RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance by 20 millimetres. The driver can modulate the function of key components using Audi drive select, including the steering, engine and sound management, the tiptronic transmission and the sport differential. The RS performance models, like the all-new R8 sports car, make the Audi drive select configuration process even quicker and easier by enabling the driver to switch between the auto, comfort, dynamic and individual modes without taking eyes off the road using a button on the RS multifunction sport leather steering wheel.

Both RS performance models run on 21-inch cast aluminium wheels with 285/30 tyres in the RS 6 Avant performance and 275/30 tyres in the RS 7 Sportback performance. The four internally ventilated brake discs have a weight-saving wave design, and can be replaced by carbon fibre-ceramic discs as an option.

RS performance features include accentuated bumpers with large air inlets up front and the heavily profiled diffuser insert at the rear, as well as the gloss black honeycomb grille typical of the RS models and the flared side sills. RS super sports seats with pronounced side bolsters and integrated head restraints are standard, and are upholstered in a black and blue Alcantara and leather combination with a honeycomb pattern and matching stitching on the armrests.