Audi Ups the RS6 Avant and RS7’s Ante with the ‘performance’ Variants

Not that Audi’s 560hp RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback needed to be any more powerful or faster – with their 0 to 100km/h capability of 3.9 seconds – though Audi has stepped up their game with the introduction of their new ‘performance’ variants. 

In the RS6 Avant performance and RS7 Sportback performance the RS-sibling’s standard 4-litre twin-turbo TFSI V8 has been increased to 605hp, whereas its torque figure of 700Nm has been boosted to 750Nm. 0 to 100km/h times for both cars are slashed by 0.2 seconds to 3.7 seconds, and more importantly 0 to 200km/h is done 1.4 seconds quicker than the standard RS6 and RS7, at 12.1 seconds.

As it is with the base models, unlocking the European top speed cap is an optional extra with the optional dynamic package. Remove the top speed cap and the RS6 is capable of hitting 280km/h, while the RS7 would do 305km/h.

Despite the power bump, Audi says that the ‘performance’ model’s official fuel consumption figures remain unaffected 9.6L/100km for the RS6 performance and 9.5L/100km for the RS7 performance. This was made possible through further optimisation ranging from the engine management system with increased rpm and boost pressure, to the Audi cylinder on demand system which shuts off half the cylinders when under part load.  

Other additions to the RS6 performance and RS7 performance are mostly cosmetic, with both models now come as standard with 21-inch cast aluminium rims, while Audi is also offering a new optional exclusive paint finish known as Ascari blue. Both the RS6 and RS7 will don the standard disc brakes with a weight saving wave design, and can be fitted with carbon fibre-ceramic disks as an option.

Also unchanged is the use of the standard RS adaptive air suspension which lowers the body by 20mm, though Audi will also be too happy to throw in a tauter RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control as an alternative, and still offers the dynamic steering with continuously variable steering ratio as an option. Its quattro all-wheel drive system continues its 40:60 front/rear torque split, while a rear axle sport differential with active torque distribution is offered as an optional extra.

Inside both models come with RS sport seats fitted as standard with the option of upholstering it in a black and blue colour combination from the RS performance design package. The RS performance design package includes new seat upholstery in an Alcantara/leather combination with a honeycomb pattern, and matching contrasting stitching on the armrest, control elements, and floor mats. The interior also features knee pads in Alcantara and carbon twill blue inlays, a sophisticated and exclusive carbon material that is interwoven with a blue thread.