Audi has refined the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback to make it even more suitable for everyday use. Thereby integrating incredible performance with outstanding design and practicality in producing two performance vehicles for the discerning customer. The Audi RS 6 Avant is in its fourth generation and continues to mark its iconic status while the Audi RS7 Sportback in its second generation endures a stunning design. Both models will officially retail in South Africa from 1 April 2021.
The body style, which is unique in its segment, proves alluring the moment you set eyes on the new Audi RS 6 Avant, even when stationary. The body, which has been widened around 40 millimetres on each side with its broad flared wheel arches, emphasizes the distinctive character of the high-performance Avant.
The new Audi RS 7 Sportback sits low to the ground. The extreme width is no optical illusion – at 1,950 millimetres at the front fenders, the performance model is an extra 40 millimetres or so wider than the base model. Its RS-specific exterior design gives the 5,009 millimetre grand tourer a character all of its own.
The entire front-end of both models are differentiated to the maximum. In addition to the new hood together with power dome, the performance models adopt a flatter, sportier headlight structure which offer HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and darkened trims as a standard feature. The lights feature a dynamic turn signal along with an exciting RS-specific sequencing when the vehicle is locked and unlocked.
The side view of the new Audi RS 7 Sportback reveals sharply defined lines and curved surfaces like well-toned muscles. A low shoulder line shifts the visual emphasis downward, while the window line rises toward the rear, giving a sense of dynamism even when the vehicle is stationary.
The RS-specific door sills with black inlays accentuate the high-performance Sportback’s distinct impression of forward movement. The rear end’s curved trailing edge and strip of lights linking the main rear lights make it one of the characteristic defining features of the RS 7 Sportback. At a speed of 100 km/h, a spoiler will extend from the tailgate. The RS exhaust system, with a large, chrome-coloured oval tailpipe on each side, sits beneath an RS-specific bumper with a rear diffuser and design elements in gloss black.
The 4.0 TFSI in the new Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback produces 441 kW and delivers 800 Nm of torque within a broad range from 2,050 to 4,500 rpm. The high-performance models will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.6 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h; this can be increased to 280 km/h with the RS Dynamic package.
On the new performance models, the front and rear axles use a five-link design to handle the induced longitudinal and transverse forces separately. The linkages and the subframes are made largely of aluminium. The track width is 1,668 millimetres front and 1,650 millimetres rear.
The standard RS adaptive air suspension with controlled damping was tuned specifically for the RS models and can be set to several modes and includes automatic level control. The body of the new RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback is 20 millimetres lower than on the base models with standard suspension; at speeds of 120 km/h and above, it is lowered by another 10 millimetres. A lift mode raises the vehicle by 20 millimetres at low speed. The very wide spread of the RS sport air suspension offers the driver a free choice between long-distance comfort and maximum performance.
A stripped-down look with sporty accents are the key stylistic elements in the interior of the new Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback. Much like the exterior design, the design language combines taut, sinewy surfaces with clearly defined contours. There is plenty of space for the driver and passenger, with the architecture of the interior accomplishing a seamless transition to the futuristic user interface.
The upper MMI touch response display is embedded in the black-panelled architecture in a way that renders it almost impossible to see where the display ends and the surroundings begin. The driver can use the upper RS monitor display to call up an overview of drive system component temperatures, maximum g-forces and information regarding tyre pressures and temperatures. The Audi virtual cockpit is available as standard on both of these performance models and features the RS Performance and Sport layouts. The Audi virtual cockpit plus is available as an optional extra and features an all new layout called the RS Runway.
Pricing: R2,070,000 – R2,173,500.
