The Audi RS 6 is making its international début at the Geneva Motor Show, with Avant and saloon versions appearing simultaneously. The new model line has been created by quattro GmbH as an entirely independent model and developed in conjunction with AUDI AG. The V8 biturbo engine of the Audi RS 6 has an output of 331 kW (450 bhp) and is capable of the performance of a thoroughbred sports car. With its innovative DRC (Dynamic Ride Control) suspension system, the Audi RS 6 opens up new dimensions of operating dynamics. The design of this extreme sports specialist is deliberately restrained.
The Audi RS 6 will have a unique high-tech package at launch. Its immense power characteristic, quattro permanent four-wheel drive, high-tech brake system and innovative DRC suspension set new standards in the segment of high-performance vehicles.
As there is more to everyday driving than sports action, the Audi RS 6 has not settled for any compromises when it comes to practical utility, comfort or convenience. Both saloon and Avant body versions will be available, making it perfect for every type of work, family and leisure use.
It is only logical that the Audi RS 6′s elegant appearance should communicate an air of restrained pre-eminence, for all its insistent emphasis on top performance. This is entirely in keeping with the inner values of its target audience.
The low front apron with three specific air intake apertures, 18-inch or (optionally) 19-inch alloy wheels, discreet side sills and a rear spoiler above a redesigned rear apron accentuate the body’s forceful bulk.
Engine and transmission
The eight-cylinder V-engine with a displacement of 4.2 litres has been specially developed for the Audi RS 6. It achieves a permanent maximum power output of 331 kW (450 bhp) between 5700 and 6400 rpm. Its peak torque of 560 Newton-metres is available across an extremely wide range of engine speeds, from 1950 to 5600 rpm.
Development work on the V8 biturbo engine, which has five valves per cylinder unit, intake camshafts with hydraulic adjustment and two-stage intake manifolds, was spearheaded by quattro GmbH in close collaboration with AUDI AG’s engine development department at Neckarsulm.
Most of the impressive power gain is attributable to the two turbochargers, the efficiency of which is further enhanced by two pressure-loss optimised intercoolers. There is one turbocharger per bank of cylinders. The admission and exhaust ports have been modified in line with the engine’s higher performance, and the cross-section of the air ducts enlarged at both the intake and thrust side.
The adapted engine management is another key aspect of the RS 6 engine’s efficiency. The Motronic ME 7.1.1 operates with boost pressure, knock and exhaust-gas temperature control. quattro GmbH has developed a dual-branch exhaust system with backpressure-optimised middle and rear silencers, larger-section pipes, and primary and main catalytic converters with a metal base. The RS 6 thus satisfies the EU3 emission standard.
To distribute the weight more effectively throughout the vehicle, the battery has been moved further back, into the spare wheel’s recess. The upper section of the air cleaner is made from a carbon fibre composite material; together with a further carbon fibre cover over the front section of the engine compartment, it gives the engine a striking appearance.
Performance
quattro permanent four-wheel drive and a version of the tiptronic five-speed automatic transmission that has been specially refined for the RS 6 convert the V8 biturbo’s high torque into propulsive power with impressive efficiency and directional stability. The Audi RS 6 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.9 seconds, and hits the 200 km/h mark after 18 seconds. The top speed is governed smoothly at 250 km/h by electronic means.
To maintain the emphasis on an overtly sporty driving style, the tiptronic five-speed automatic transmission for the RS 6 incorporates a dynamic Sport program: the S drive position on the one hand pushes each individual gear up to higher speed at full throttle, and on the other hand permits swifter downshifts. Depending on the level of lateral acceleration, the transmission management can adjust the shift points upwards. This avoids undesirable gearshifts on a bend.
The RS 6 driver can of course also operate the transmission manually: either by briefly pressing the selector lever or by pressing a shift paddle on the steering wheel, like in motor racing. When the driver operates the shift paddle, his choice of gear overrides the driving program currently in use.
In keeping with the car’s high performance, quattro GmbH has developed a completely new brake system for the RS 6. Large brake discs of a composite design have been fitted on both the front and rear wheels. This technology, which originated in the world of motor sport, involves fixing a cast friction ring to an aluminium brake-disc chamber by means of 14 pins. This “floating” arrangement improves the stability of the brake discs, particularly when exposed to extreme loads and at high operating temperatures.
The ventilated, perforated disc brakes have a diameter of 365 millimetres at the front, and 335 millimetres at the rear. The grip is achieved by means of eight-piston brake callipers at the front and single-piston floating callipers at the rear. The parameters of the ABS system and the electronic brake-force distribution system have been specifically redefined for the high-performance brake system.
Running gear
18-inch wheels create space for the generously dimensioned brake system of the Audi RS 6. The 8.5 J x 18 cast aluminium wheels of nine-spoke design are fitted with 255/40 R 18 tyres at the front and rear. The Audi RS 6 is available with
19-inch alloy wheels as an optional extra. The 9 J x 19 aluminium wheels with the new five-arm design come with 255/35 R 19 tyres. The five-spoke wheels for winter tyres are of the 7.5 J x 18 dimension and have substantial 225/45 R 18 M S tyres.
The swivel bearings and the control arms of the four-link front suspension are of aluminium. The spring/shock absorber units and elastokinematics have been retuned to suit the altered axle weights and modified axle geometry. The rack-and-pinion steering with a direct ratio also contributes towards the vehicle’s distinctly sporty handling.
Entering a new dimension of handling with DRC
The Audi RS 6 is the first model to be equipped with the innovative suspension concept Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). It denotes a special damping system which counteracts movements of the vehicle along its longitudinal axis and transverse axis. Both shock absorbers on the same side of the vehicle are connected with the diagonally opposed dampers on the other side, each by means of one central valve.
When a corner is taken, a flow of oil and thus a supplementary damping force is generated via the central valve between the diagonally opposed shock absorbers. When the suspension is compressed on one side, the damper characteristic is modified in such a way that rolling or pitching movements are almost entirely eliminated. As a result, this alert, mechanically active damping system ensures that the RS 6 maintains extremely good tracking stability when cornering and responds precisely to adjustments of the steering wheel.
The Audi RS 6 enters a new dimension of handling for road-going vehicles with Dynamic Ride Control.
The Electronic Stability Program, fitted as standard on the RS 6, does likewise. The ESP 5.7, which integrates the functions ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), EDL (Electronic Differential Lock with active brake control), ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation), MSR (engine drag torque control) and the higher-level yawing-moment control, has been programmed for an overtly sporty driving style.
A distinctive figure
The Audi RS 6 conveys its superb performance with subtlety. Together with 18inch or 19-inch alloy wheels, the aerodynamically effective modifications to the nose and tail ends and the sills of the RS 6 lend it an unmistakably dynamic note, but one that nevertheless appears deliberately restrained.
Three large air intake apertures – the centre one for cooling the water and oil and the two outer ones for intercooling – determine the appearance of the RS 6′s front end. The decorative grilles for the air intake apertures, with their rhomboid openings, are aerodynamically optimised. Two vertical flaps on the inner flanks of the air intake apertures at the sides improve the air routing to the intercoolers. The aerodynamically shaped spoiler lip also contributes to this effect, as well as boosting the negative lift that keeps the car firmly on the road surface. The fog lights are integrated into the left and right air intake shafts.
The rear apron echoes the design principle of the front end with its three smaller but visually identical grille inserts. The exhaust gas emerges through the two oval tailpipes beneath the apertures on either side. There is a spoiler on the rear roof edge of the Avant version for additional negative lift; the saloon version has a separation edge on the luggage compartment lid. Aerodynamically shaped sills underline the sporty lines of the Audi RS 6.
The names of the five exclusive paint finishes for the Audi RS 6 reflect its spiritual affinities with the world of motor sport. Customers can choose from Avus Silver, Misano Red, Goodwood Green, Mugello Blue and Daytona Grey. The RS 6 is also available in Ebony Black.
The roof surround strips, window capping strips, door mirrors, radiator grille frame and also the roof rails on the Avant have a matt aluminium finish, and as such are among the more restrained external features of this car, along with the RS 6 logo on the rear lid, radiator grille and sill strips.
Interior
Sports appeal and individuality also characterise the interior of the Audi RS 6. The distinctive flair of choice materials and carefully selected components looks particularly harmonious.
The Recaro sports seats with special upholstery provide stability, optimum lateral support and ample comfort however long the journey may be. The steering wheel rim and gear lever knob are trimmed with perforated leather. The gearbox gate is of matt aluminium, and the inside door handles of matt black anodised material.
The RS 6 customer has a basic choice of two interior colours: Black or Silver. The “Ebony” version of the Black specification includes a choice of three different types of seat upholstery: silk nappa leather with silver piping on the seat’s contours, a leather/cloth combination or (at extra charge) natural leather. On the leather/cloth combination, the side sections and head restraints are upholstered in black pearl nappa leather, whereas the seat centre section is of woven fabric incorporating an aluminium thread. The headlining is in black Alcantara.
The Silver option includes seats with light-coloured, silvery silk nappa leather upholstery and black piping on the contours, a headlining in silver-grey Alcantara and silver-coloured seat belts. The door panel inserts are in leather to match the colour of the seat upholstery.
The trim strips in the doors and on the instrument panel and centre console are available in a choice of black piano finish, agate-coloured poplar wood or carbon fibre, at no extra charge.
As well as the Recaro sports seats with leather upholstery and the three-spoke sports steering wheel with shift paddle, the standard specification of the RS 6 includes heated seats, a “concert” radio with Bose sound system and the Acoustic Parking System to facilitate parking. The standard-fit passive safety equipment includes airbags for the driver and front passenger, side airbags at the front and the Audi Sideguard head-level airbag system.
Product line
The Audi RS 6 is an independent model that has been created by quattro GmbH and developed in conjunction with AUDI AG. It is being built jointly at Neckarsulm by the Audi plant and quattro GmbH. The RS 6 is assembled and finished at quattro GmbH’s production facilities, at the rate of no more than a handful of cars each day, in the best handicraft tradition. This approach assures supreme product quality and has already proven notably successful for assembly of the RS 4, of which 6030 were built between September 1999 and July 2001.
[source: audi-mediaservices.com]
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