Audi's Lightning-Fast RS 6 Sedan Makes its Australian Debut
 |
SYDNEY, Australia – February 23, 2009: Audi’s latest addition to the RS 6 family has arrived. The RS 6 Sedan joins its Avant stable-mate priced at $263,500.
Powered by a twin-turbo V10 pumping out 426 kW of power and an awesome 650 Nm of torque, the new Audi RS 6 sedan is a car without equal. With the performance of a super car, it offers the every day usability of a large family sedan.
The engine of the new Audi RS 6 is the heart of the car. The 4,991 cc V10 combines a number of Audi’s race-winning technologies – FSI direct injection, dry-sump lubrication and two turbochargers.
With up to 1.6 bar of boost pressure, these technologies provide smooth, powerful thrust and an incomparable power band. Peak torque of 650 Nm is available across almost the entire rev range, from 1,500 to 6,250 rpm. Peak power of 426 kW is generated between 6,250 rpm and the maximum figure of 6,700 rpm.
With a power-to-weight ratio of 3.4 kilograms per hp, the Audi RS 6 performs like a super car, albeit a highly practical one. It sprints to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds (0.1 second faster than the Avant) on its way to a top speed electronically-limited to 250 km/h. Throttle response from the V10 is spontaneous and smooth while accelerating.
The engine’s power flows through the six-speed tiptronic transmission, one of a new generation from Audi. Its reaction time has been reduced to one tenth of a second, and the short shift time has been halved compared to units used in other models. The driver can also manually change gears either using the shift lever or the paddles on the steering wheel. The tiptronic transmission transfers the power to an extremely sporty, rear-weighted quattro drive train.
Precision high-tech suspension
The technology bundled into
the suspension of the Audi RS 6 guarantees amazing performance. The front
axle features four lightweight aluminium control arms per wheel, whose
elastokinematics have been designed for particularly sporty performance.
The characteristics of the speed-dependent servotronic power steering were
retuned and the steering gear ratio is a direct 12.5:1. The rear suspension
kinematics have also been modified.
The development engineers have deployed an exclusive damping technology called Dynamic Ride Control. DRC reduces pitch and roll using mechanical means. Hydraulic lines and valves connect diagonally-opposed pairs of shock absorbers. When cornering, the flow of fluid to the damper of the compressing outside front wheel increases, providing firmer support and reducing roll. When combined with the standard fit ‘sports suspension plus’, DRC offers a choice of three selectable damper settings – sport, dynamic and comfort – which can be activated via the MMI.
The electronic stabilisation system ESP offers maximum driving fun with uncompromised safety. Its relatively high activation threshold encourages a dynamic driving style. It offers a Sport mode and can also be entirely deactivated.
The new Audi RS 6 rides on 20-inch alloy wheels shod with 275/35 tyres. Up front, six-piston fixed aluminium calipers – painted black and decorated with RS badges – clamp down on 390 millimetre brake disks. The rear brake disks measure 365 millimetres in diameter. The rear axle features single-piston floating brake calipers. The floating steel disks feature large cooling ducts and axial perforations for enhanced performance and less weight.
Available as an option is a ceramic brake system. The 420 (front) and 356 (rear) millimeter disks weigh a total of 12.2 kilograms less than the steel disks. The calipers – up front with eight pistons – are painted anthracite and labeled “Audi ceramic”. The ceramic brake system is priced at $20,867.
The body of the 4.93 metre RS 6 sedan also sports a number of distinctive features that immediately identify it as a dynamic top-of-the-line model.
These include the single-frame grille, the large air intakes, the headlights featuring Xenon plus, adaptive lights and RS 6-specific LED daytime running lights, the flared fenders and deep side skirts, the rear diffuser, the spoiler integrated into the trunk lid and the two large oval exhaust pipes.
The finest of materials and uncompromised quality
Like all
Audi RS models developed and built by quattro GmbH in co-operation with
AUDI AG, the RS 6 sedan is the embodiment of power, elegance, exclusivity
and perfection. The interior is adorned with the finest of materials such
as carbon fibre, aluminium, piano lacquer, and Alcantara leather, all
reflecting the Audi tradition of quality craftsmanship.
The deeply sculptured sports seats provide optimal support and firm hold. The power-adjustable seats are upholstered in Silk Nappa leather, with leather / Alcantara and Valcona leather available as options. Bucket seats with an even more sporty emphasis are also offered for both driver and front passenger.
Standard equipment for Australian-specification cars includes MMI with a colour monitor and TV reception (analog and digital), advanced key entry, electric glass sunroof, satellite navigation, dual-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning plus, an acoustic parking assistant at front and rear, a 3-spoke multi-function RS leather sports steering wheel with flat-bottomed rim, and a Bose surround sound system. A boost pressure indicator for the two turbochargers in the driver information system rounds out the instrumentation.
Customer deliveries of the new Audi RS 6 sedan commence this month.
The Audi RS 6 range: