3.9s to 100km/h,1680L luggage space - Audi RS6 Avant

Fast big Audi estate has returned in the form of the all-new Audi RS6 Avant. Thanks to its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 TFSI, kicking out a phenomenal  560PS of power between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm, with a constant 700 Nm of torque available between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm engine. The results? Well, a 3.9s century sprint and 305km/h of top speed.  The latest super Avant will firmly cement its RS credentials by outrunning its mighty V10-powered predecessor with a smaller displacement and greater fuel efficiency, thanks to numerous engine technology as well as some 100kg weight reduction.

Aesthetically, numerous RS-specific design details underscore the distinctive appearance of the high-performance Avant. Most noticeable are the matte aluminium applications on the body, the matte black honeycomb radiator grille at the front of the car, the bumpers, the wings, the sill flares and the large roof spoiler. At the rear of the car, the diffuser and the two large, elliptical exhaust tailpipes make a bold statement.

Two optional exterior design packages – Matte Aluminium or Carbon – are also available to further customise the look. With the Carbon appearance package, the front splitter and the diffuser are even more boldly styled. The new Audi RS 6 Avant is available in eight exterior colours, including the exclusive shade Daytona Grey matte. Additional options from the Audi exclusive range offer numerous opportunities for customisation.

The standard rim is the high-gloss, 20-inch, forged wheels in a seven twin-spoke designwhile three 21-inch cast wheels with either high-gloss silver, polished black or polished titanium-look finish will be available at extra cost.

 The elegantly trimmed but highly focused cockpit of the new Audi RS 6 Avant is singularly tailored to the driver. The dial instruments feature black faces, white dials and red needles. The key, the flat-bottomed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, the illuminated entry sills, the rev counter and the displays for the MMI and the Driver’s Information System (DIS) incorporate RS logos.

The masterpiece is the engine. The two large twin-scroll turbochargers enable the RS 6 Avant to gather momentum with remarkable intensity. They are mounted together with the intercooler in the inside V of the cylinder banks. The exhaust side of the cylinder heads is also on the inside, while the intake side is on the outside. This concept allows for a compact design and short gas paths with minimal flow losses.

The RS-specific engine management and unthrottled intake system also contribute to the eight-cylinder engine’s dramatic response, which is delivered to the tune of a classic V8 soundtrack. Switchable flaps in the exhaust system will make the sound even fuller at the touch of a button, and a sports exhaust system will be available as an option to provide even greater amplification if required.

The 4.0-litre TFSI is paired with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission featuring shortened shift times and offering ‘Sport’ and ‘Manual’ modes in addition to the standard ‘Drive’ setting. To shift for themselves drivers can use the shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever, which is of a unique RS design. The lower gears of the tiptronic are tightly spaced for optimum performance, while a tall eighth gear reduces fuel consumption.

At the heart of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring is a self-locking centre differential with an elevated locking value. A sport differential is also active on the rear axle to distribute power steplessly between the rear wheels for even greater agility and stability.

Audi RS6 Avant will enter European market early next week. Some more photos of the fast estate can be found after the jump.

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