Press Release
tiptronic with exceptionally short shift times
The six-speed tiptronic is the perfect complement to the self-confident, powerful character of the RS 6. Its hydraulics and control system have been optimised to achieve exceptionally short shift times; the ratios have been adapted accordingly. It goes without saying that the new RS 6 transmits its tremendous power to the road via quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The latest generation not only provides substantially more driving safety and stability than a vehicle with rear-wheel drive, it also underscores the distinctly dynamic character of the RS 6.
In its basic setting, the centre differential distributes 40 percent of the power to the front and 60 percent to the rear wheels – this slightly rear-biased setup produces particularly dynamic handling characteristics.
Suspension for performance and comfort
The suspension of the Audi RS 6 has been consistently designed for maximum dynamic performance along with good travelling comfort – on long journeys, too. Shock absorber and spring settings as well as the entire elastokinematics of the four-link front suspension and the trapezoidal-link rear suspension have been adapted to the new level of performance. The characteristics of the servotronic speed-dependent power assistance have also been retuned. The steering is consequently very sensitive and delivers optimum feedback from the road.
All in all, in terms of driving feel the RS 6 combines the precision and cornering ability of a sports car with the relaxed straight-line stability of a comfortable cruiser. The standard Dynamic Ride Control DRC, familiar from the current RS 4 and consistently enhanced, plays a major role here. This system reduces pitching and rolling movements about the longitudinal and transverse axis of the vehicle in a particularly ingenious way – entirely without the aid of electronics and solely according to the laws of fluid dynamics.
An individual driving feel
With Dynamic Ride Control the shock absorbers are connected diagonally with each other via two oil lines and two control valves. Body movement – e.g. rolling when cornering at high speed on an uneven road surface – produces flows of oil, which generate additional damping force. As a result, the RS 6 boasts even more directional control through bends and reacts with substantially more precision to the steering inputs of the driver.
Dynamic Ride Control on the new RS 6 can be supplemented if desired with optional three-stage damping. This allows the driver to select the handling characteristics according to his/her personal preferences or chosen route. In the comfort setting, the sports suspension plus provides remarkable ride comfort, in the dynamic program it adjusts superbly to an enthusiastic driving style and in the sport mode it delivers maximum driving precision.
The sporty setting of the electronic stabilisation program ESP is an ideal match here: the point of intervention is very late, permitting a high degree of driving enjoyment whilst fully maintaining driving safety. Alternatively, the ESP may be completely deactivated.
Ceramic brakes for the exceptional athlete
An athlete of such exceptional calibre as the Audi RS 6 naturally requires an outstanding brake system. The standard 19-inch steel discs have been designed for maximum load. They consist of an aluminium brake-disc chamber and a cast friction ring, both connected with each other in a floating arrangement via metal pins. This design increases thermal stability and reduces weight.
Optionally, in conjunction with 20-inch wheels, a ceramic brake system is available: it boasts discs with an impressive diameter of 420 millimetres at the front and 356 millimetres at the rear, which endure the most extreme thermal loads with ease and have a very long operating life. Equally impressive are the tyre sizes: the standard 19-inch wheels with the new 10-spoke design are shod with size 255/40 R 19 tyres; the optional 20-inch wheels are fitted with 275/35 R 20 tyres.
Self-assured appearance with functional features
Its independent design lends the Audi RS 6 a striking and self-assured look – without any hint of aggression. In fact, the clear front-end design with the remodelled bumper and accentuated apertures evidently follows function: the high-performance powerplant requires a considerable amount of air to breathe as well as for cooling. The fact that it belongs to the RS family is emphasised by the matt aluminium-look single-frame grille featuring a highly polished black guard in a diamond design.
The headlights on the Audi RS 6 are miniature works of art in high-tech terms: to create space in the front apron for additional air flow, the halogen fog lights have been integrated alongside the bi-xenon headlights, optionally with adaptive light, the cornering light function.
The LED daytime running lights strip adds a distinctive touch: ten LEDs at the lower edge of each headlight unit lend the Audi RS 6 a striking appearance, by day or night. A flat cover at the top of the headlights sharpens the “look” of the business/sports car. The taillights, too, largely employ LED technology.
Striking design derived from the “Ur-quattro”
The rear of the Audi RS 6 is characterised by the oval exhaust tailpipes and the diffuser-look apron. A roof spoiler completes the aerodynamic fine-tuning of this high-performance vehicle. The side outline is distinguished by wide, flared wheel arches. Like the engine compartment lid, the front wings are made of aluminium in order to reduce weight. They accommodate the mighty wheels of the new Audi RS 6, yet are also reminiscent of a milestone in automotive history: the flat tops of the wheel arches with their clear edges were counted among the design elements of the Audi quattro – the pioneer of permanent four-wheel drive from the year 1980. A metallic/pearl effect paint finish is standard; new colours Sepang Blue, Monza Silver and Monterrey Green are exclusively reserved for the RS 6.
Elegant and exclusive interior
The interior of the new RS 6 offers an impressive synthesis of sporty elegance and exclusiveness. The extremely high standard of craftsmanship typical for Audi is complemented by an equally sporty and elegant combination of top-class materials. Carbon fibre, aluminium, leather and Alcantara create an ambience that is unique even in the world of high-performance cars.
The main control element is and remains the steering wheel: on the RS 6 the customer can choose between the multifunction sports steering wheel with a 3 spoke design and the particularly distinctive flat-bottomed RS sports steering wheel, likewise with multifunction controls and shift paddles for the transmission. The cockpit in the typical RS design additionally features a boost pressure gauge. Displays for boost pressure, oil temperature and lap timer can be called up via the driver information system.
The inlays are made of carbon fibre and edged in aluminium, the cockpit trim gleams with its piano black finish. Additional highlights in the interior are provided by the aluminium-coloured keys of the MMI terminal on the centre console, the milled-finish door handles and the aluminium-look sports pedals. The highly contoured sports seats are covered in a combination of leather and Alcantara with an embossed RS 6 emblem or optionally wrapped completely in Silk Nappa or Valcona leather.
Extensive equipment, individual options
This high-performance vehicle naturally deserves an appropriate level of standard equipment. In addition to design and technical elements specific to the RS 6, this includes the audio system with powerful Bose Surround Sound, heated seats at the front and rear, a tyre pressure monitoring system and Audi parking system plus. Together with the wide range of high-tech options for the Audi A6 series, every RS 6 can be perfectly matched to the driver’s individual wishes. The Audi RS 6 is consequently a sporty business car with great versatility, making it suitable for a variety of leisure activities, too.
