Fire-breathing Audis land
Audi has unleashed the RS 6 and RS 7 upon us mortals, writes Nile Bijoux.
Audi has confirmed the latest RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback have been unleashed amidst level 2 restrictions.
Both new RS models are equipped with Audi’s rorty 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, which generates 441kw and 800Nm.
Paired with mild hybrid technology and permanent quattro all-wheel-drive, the RS 6 and 7 can sprint to 100kmh in 3.6 seconds.
That added electrification also helps the range-topping RS models trim their emissions by allowing the engine to switch off at speeds between 55 and 160kmh. The system will also allow for start-stop mode at speeds below 22kmh. As a result, Audi says fuel consumption can be reduced by as much as 08. L/100km.
Further helping cut consumption is the cylinder ondemand system. This shuts off cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 in higher gearswith low engine loads. We’re not sure why those cylinders in particular are shut off but Audi says the transition is virtually undetectable by passengers and takesmere milliseconds.
In four-cylinder mode, the deactivated cylinders effectively act like gas springs, largelywithout any losses, Audi tells us.
As for styling, the main difference between the RS 6 and 7 is the body shape ... obviously.
The RS 7 is a four-door fastback grand tourer, taking aim at the likes of Aston Martin’s DB11 V8. It shares the basic shape of the A7 in the bonnet, roof, front doors and tailgate but the Audi Sport division has given the RS 7 its own character in all other areas.
The nose has a large Singleframe grille with a threedimensional honeycomb structure and large air inlets. Matrix LED headlights are standard. The profile is a familiar sight, with the roof sloping towards the rear end and aggressive creases in the doors.
Around the back is a hidden spoiler that extends at speeds upwards of 100kmh, LED rear lightswith a full-width light bar and an
Rs-specific bumper housing an RS exhaust system.
Audi describes the interior as ‘‘stripped back’’, which is pretty accurate.
There are three digital screens, two in the centre console responsible FORHVAC and infotaiment functions and one behind the steering wheel. There are a lot of piano black, leather and carbon fibre accents in the cabin, while the flat-bottomed steering wheel offers a degree of sportiness.
Moving on to the RS 6, the Avant in the name indicates that this is a wagon (as does the substantially different rear half of the car).
Similar styling cues as the RS 7 can be seen, with the same angry LED Matrix headlights, huge air intakes and chunky rear end.
The Avant doesn’t get the same full-width LED bar, but you do get between 565- and 1680 litres of storage.
That said, a price tag of $218,900 doesn’t lend itself well to the idea of a half a dozen bags of soil or a couple of lengths of decking timber. Maybe a few golf bags instead?
The RS 7 is the more expensive of the two, starting at $228,900. Choosing between the two will largely boil down towhich body shape you prefer.
If you are interested in the sweet
RS life, Audi has also refreshed the RS 5 for the new decade. It features updated headlights, slightly tweaked styling and the same 2.9-litre twin-turbocharged V6 as before, making 331kw/600nm. It starts at amore reasonable $157,900.
Meanwhile, the $153,500 RS 4 puts the same powertrain in a wagon body. Think of the RS 4 and 5 as scaled-down versions of the RS 6 and 7.