The peak power of 560 PS is developed
steadily between 5700 and 6600 rpm, while the maximum torque, of 700 Nm, is
available all the way from 1750 rpm, not much above idle, to 5500 rpm. With
these outputs, it is little wonder that the acceleration is almost brutal until
you get used to it. In fact, because of adverse weather conditions, our
acceleration figures are not quite as quick as they might have been but, even
so, the RS 6 Avant would reach 50 mph in 3.2 seconds, with 60 mph coming up in
just 4.2 seconds, 70 and 80 mph were reached in 5.1 and 6.1 seconds
respectively.
The
RS6 Avant
Only one gearbox is available to match
this engine, the 8-ratio torque converter automatic transmission with Tiptronic
controls. Even though Stronic double-clutch units tend to get most of the
publicity these days, this unit is quite exceptional with virtually
undetectable changes which take place very rapidly indeed. This transmission
means that, on the move, acceleration is very swift with a 30-50 mph time of
1.9 seconds and 50-70 mph taking just 2.5 seconds. Despite the fact that the
V10 engine was more powerful, all of these times are quicker than we were able
to record with the bigger engined car. Although losing out by 20 PS over the
V10, the V8 has higher torque and this is bound to influence the acceleration
times.
The Audi RS 6 Avant engine is coupled
with an advanced 8-speed tiptronic gearbox.
No-one would expect a big car with this
performance potential to be particularly economical in terms of fuel
consumption, although the move from the 5-litre V10 engine to a more efficient
4.0-litre V8 inevitably has some effect. This proved to be the case and our
overall average fuel consumption for the test period was 23.3 mpg. This can be
compared with under 20 mpg for all the other RS 6s we have tested. Driving with
economy in mind, we were able to improve this to 28.9 mpg. If your motoring
includes a fair amount of stop-start work, you can expect around 20 mpg. The
tank holds 75 litres or 16.5 gallons and so, on a long journey, you could
expect to travel for about 350 miles before having to refuel.
The original RS 6 was used to introduce a
new feature for Audi, DSC or Dynamic Ride control. This was a system which
linked the diagonally opposite dampers by hydraulic lines containing valves,
and was designed to offer greater stability while cornering, limiting roll and
pitch. In the early cars, reliability could be an issue, but it has since been
developed so that this should no longer be a concern. The latest RS 6 has DRC
as a $1,663 option, but there is another feature which differentiates it from
all previous RS 6s. Instead of steel coil-springs, the RS 6 Avant now has
adaptive air springs of the type which have been fitted to the A8 ever since its
introduction.
Enthusiasts will quickly recognize the RS
6 Avant by the swollen wheel arches,
necessary because of the size of the wheels and tires
Adaptive air springs offer certain
distinct advantages, the main one being that their height is variable. This
means that the driver can set the height of the car, making use of the Drive
Select switchgear and, perhaps more importantly, a system of sensors and pumps
ensures that each spring unit is maintained at just the right height to
maintain the poise and stability of the car. The dampers themselves are
infinitely variable, with electronic control, and so one has a system where
both springs and dampers can react instantly to any dynamic changes.
