car.kak.net

car.kak.net car.kak.net car.kak.net car.kak.net

May 27 2002

Audi RS 6 - Supreme high performance

Posted by: kak in Audi

Audi is presenting its most powerful model to date. The ultimate top-of-the-range version in the A6 model line has been created by quattro GmbH 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 offers the performance of a thoroughbred sports car. With its innovative Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) suspension system and 8-piston high-performance brake system, it opens up new dimensions of operating dynamics. The design of this exclusive sports car is deliberately restrained.

The Audi RS 6 embodies a unique high-tech package. Its immense power characteristic, quattro permanent four-wheel drive, high-performance brake system and innovative DRC suspension set new standards in the segment of high-performance vehicles.

Compared with other high-performance sports cars, driver and passengers do not have to accept any compromises with regard to functionality, comfort and spaciousness. The Audi RS 6 is the only car of its kind that is available in both saloon and Avant versions.

The design of the Audi RS 6 makes a clear statement. Despite its unequivocal declaration of top performance, its tremendous potential is only apparent at second glance thanks to its distinguishing features.

The low front apron with three air intake apertures of diamond design, 18-inch or (optionally) 19-inch alloy wheels, discreet side sills, a redesigned rear apron and a separation edge on the luggage compartment lid of the saloon accentuate the dynamism of the Audi RS 6.

Engine power that draws on plentiful resources

The 4.2-litre V8 engine in the Audi RS 6 reaches a permanent peak output of 331 kW (450 bhp) between 5700 and 6400 rpm. The fact that its peak torque of 560 Nm is available across an extremely wide speed range of between 1950 and 5600 rpm is exceptional.

Most of the impressive power gain is attributable to the two fast-acting turbochargers, the efficiency of which is further enhanced by two intercoolers optimised to prevent pressure loss. There is one turbocharger per bank of cylinders.

The engine in the Audi RS 6 has an aluminium block, five valves per cylinder with three inlet and two exhaust valves per cylinder unit and roller-bearing rocker arms.

In order to increase power output, the admission and exhaust ports have been modified in the cylinder head and the air ducts at both the intake and thrust side redesigned for the biturbo engine. The water jacket has been carefully optimised to ensure optimum heat dissipation in the area of the combustion chambers and valves.

The adapted engine management is another key aspect of the RS 6 engine’s efficiency. The Bosch Motronic ME 7.1.1 operates with boost pressure, knock and exhaust-gas temperature control. The biturbo functionality has been added especially for use in the Audi RS 6.

The backpressure-optimised dual-branch exhaust system is an entirely new development. It consists of special middle and rear silencers, large-section pipes and primary and main catalytic converters with a metal substrate. Thanks to careful tuning it has been possible to compose a powerful sound that is sporty across the entire speed range. The Audi RS 6 satisfies the EU3 emission standard.

To distribute the weight more effectively throughout the vehicle, the battery is located at the rear, in the spare-wheel recess. The air cleaner with two filter elements is positioned above the engine. Its housing is made of a carbon-fibre composite material and, together with a carbon plate over the front section of the engine, forms the cover of the V8 engine.

Performance

The tractive capability of quattro permanent four-wheel drive converts 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 4.7 seconds and reaches the 200 km/h mark after 17.6 seconds. The top speed of 250 km/h is governed smoothly by electronic means.

Sporty tiptronic

The automatic five-speed tiptronic transmission specially developed for the RS 6 originates from the six-litre, twelve-cylinder Audi A8 6.0 and copes with the engine’s high torque levels without any trouble. The modifications made focused on even shorter shifting times. The tiptronic’s adaptive program recognises the driver’s style at a particular moment and varies the shift points accordingly.

The tiptronic in the RS 6 satisfies the demands for emphatically sporty driving with a dynamic Sport program: the S mode pushes the gears higher up so that the tiptronic changes up later and down sooner. This program also adapts the shift points to the driver’s own particular style.

A special feature of the tiptronic becomes apparent when cornering at high speed. Depending on lateral acceleration, the advanced tiptronic selects a sub-program that delays the shift points even further. In this way the gears are pushed up as far as possible to prevent unwanted shifting and therefore interruptions in traction when cornering.

The Audi RS 6 driver can of course also operate the tiptronic manually. This is done either at the selector lever on the centre console or by pressing one of the two shift paddles. These are fixed to the steering wheel so that their recesses are conveniently within reach regardless of the position of the steering wheel. The right paddle is used to shift up, the left paddle to shift down. A noticeable pressure point gives the driver precise feedback.

If the driver actively intervenes in the tiptronic, his choice of gear overrides the driving program currently in use for ten seconds. For safety reasons, the transmission control still always checks the plausibility of the shift command.

High-performance brake system

In keeping with the car’s high performance, quattro GmbH has developed a completely new brake system for the Audi RS 6. Brake discs of a composite design derived from motorsport have been fitted on both the front and rear wheels.

An aluminium brake-disc chamber minimises weight and consequently ensures a low unsprung mass. It is connected to a ventilated cast friction ring by 14 radial steel pins. This design ensures the decoupled thermal expansion of components.

The floating arrangement improves the stability of the brake discs in combination with a low weight, particularly when exposed to extreme loads and at high operating temperatures.

The ventilated disc brakes have a diameter of 365 millimetres at the front, and 335 millimetres at the rear. 8-piston fixed callipers are used at the front, single-piston floating-calliper brakes with integral handbrake at the rear.

The parameters of the ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution systems have been adapted to the modified hydraulic conditions. The sporty control algorithms of the Anti-lock Brake System are clearly aimed at very short stopping distances and optimum regulating convenience.

Running gear

Space for the generously dimensioned brake system is created by 8.5 J x 18 cast aluminium wheels of 9-spoke design with tyres of size 255/40 R 18. As an option the Audi RS 6 can be ordered with 9 J x 19 aluminium wheels in the new 5-arm design, fitted with tyres of size 255/35 R 19. The 5-spoke wheels for winter tyres are of the 7.5 J x 18 dimension and, with substantial 225/45 R 18 M+S tyres even at this time of year, ensure optimum traction and handling.

The Audi RS 6 is fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system as standard. This monitors the tyre pressure of the four wheels during the journey, including the factory-fitted winter wheels. Any variances in pressure are immediately indicated in the driver’s display.

The swivel bearings and the control arms of the four-link front suspension are of aluminium to reduce the unsprung mass. The spring/shock absorber units and elastokinematics have been retuned to suit the altered axle weights and modified axle geometry in order to achieve sporty handling. A solid anti-roll bar and the rack-and-pinion steering with a direct ratio also contribute towards the vehicle’s distinctly sporty handling. A double-wishbone axle with anti-roll bar is fitted at the rear.

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). This integral roll and pitch-compensating facility consists of a special damping system that counteracts these movements of the vehicle body immediately without the use of electronics. When steering into and around a corner, the damper characteristic is changed in such a way that movements of the body around the longitudinal axis (rolling) and the transverse axis (pitching) are significantly reduced.

The single-tube shock absorbers on the same side of the vehicle are connected with the diagonally opposed dampers on the other side via two separate oil lines, each with a central valve. The DRC valves fitted in the proximity of the rear axle provide the required compensation volume by means of inboard pistons with the pressure chamber situated behind.

When steering into and around a corner, oil flows between the diagonally opposed shock absorbers via the central valve and generates additional damping force.

When the suspension is compressed on one side, the damper characteristic is consequently modified in such a way that rolling or pitching movements are almost entirely eliminated. As a result, this alert damping system ensures that the Audi RS 6 maintains extremely good tracking stability when cornering.

If the suspension is compressed on both sides, the conventional damping is active. This guarantees a level of ride comfort that is unusually high for a sports car.

DRC suspension provides for exceptional agility, a precise steering response and neutral self-steering behaviour even when cornering at high speeds. The Audi RS 6 thus offers new dimensions to drivability for road-going vehicles.

The Electronic Stability Program, fitted as standard on the Audi RS 6, does likewise. The latest-generation ESP has been programmed for an overtly sporty driving style. Even if the driver has a very dynamic style, it does not intervene until a late stage and then only briefly.

The functions ABS with EBD (Electronic Brake-force Distribution), EDL (Electronic Differential Lock with active brake control), ASR (Anti-Slip Regulation) and the higher-level yawing-moment control are integrated and form a comprehensive safety package. The engine drag torque control system MSR opens or closes the throttle valve, thus adapting the engine braking effect to the requirements of the current driving situation.

Presence as a statement

In keeping with its calm yet imposing presence, the Audi RS 6 conveys its superb performance with subtlety. Together with 18-inch or 19-inch alloy wheels, modifications to the nose and tail ends and the sills of the Audi RS 6 lend it a dynamic but restrained note.

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 front end. The decorative grilles for the air intake apertures have a honeycomb design. Xenon Plus headlights behind clear-glass covers and fog lights in the right and left air intake shafts complete the “face” of the Audi RS 6.

Two vertical flaps on these air intake apertures improve the air routing to the intercoolers. The aerodynamically shaped spoiler lip also contributes to this effect, providing additional negative lift at the front axle.

The rear apron echoes the design principle of the front end with its three smaller but visually identical grille inserts. The two oval exhaust tailpipes add a further visual note.

Aerodynamically shaped sills in the body colour and a discreet separation edge on the saloon’s luggage compartment lid accentuate the sporty styling of the Audi RS 6.

The names of the five exclusive paint finishes for the Audi RS 6 reflect its proximity to the world of motor sport. Customers can choose from the pearl effect colours Mugello Blue, Daytona Grey, Avus Silver, Misano Red and Goodwood Green - all named after racing circuits. The Audi 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 are in matt aluminium. Like the RS 6 logo with laser red rhombus on the rear lid, radiator grille and sill strips, they are among the more restrained external distinguishing features of this car.

Interior

Sports appeal and individuality also characterise the exclusive interior equipment of the Audi RS 6. The distinctive ambience created by choice materials and carefully selected components has a particularly harmonious feel to it.

The Recaro sports seats with special upholstery and embossed RS 6 logo provide stability, optimum lateral support and ample comfort however long the journey may be. The steering wheel rim and selector lever knob are trimmed with perforated leather which affords a particularly good grip.

The gearbox gate has a matt brushed aluminium surround, the inside door handles are coated with matt black anodised material.

The RS 6 customer has a basic choice of two interior colours: Black or Silver. The Black specification includes a choice of three different types of seat upholstery: silk nappa leather with silver piping on the seat contours, a leather/cloth combination or, as an option, natural leather.

In the case of the leather/cloth combination, the side sections and head restraints are upholstered in black pearl nappa leather, whereas the seat centre section is of cloth incorporating an aluminium thread. The headlining stretching over the generous interior is in black Alcantara.

The other colour alternative includes seats with silver-coloured 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.

The “Audi exclusive” customisation range available from quattro GmbH is designed for those with unusual requests regarding interior equipment or exterior colours. Leather upholstery and trim can be selected in a different colour, for example, or the body painted in the customer’s favourite colour.

Apart from Recaro sports seats upholstered in leather and with seat heating at the front, the standard equipment of the Audi RS 6 includes a ski bag in the rear seat for transporting long items and the child seat mounting ISOFIX. The automatic air conditioning with sun sensor can be adjusted separately for the right and left sides of the car, the Driver Information System (DIS) includes on-board computer, Auto Check Control, outside temperature gauge and a radio-controlled clock.

A three-spoke leather sports steering wheel with shift paddle, an interior mirror with automatic anti-glare action and the high-quality “concert” audio system with 250 Watt BOSE sound system are also standard. The Acoustic Parking System (APS) facilitates parking by indicating the distance to obstacles acoustically. Xenon Plus headlights illuminate the road in front of the Audi RS 6 brightly and evenly. An anti-theft alarm with interior monitoring protects the Audi RS 6 against unauthorised access.

The standard-fit safety equipment includes airbags for the driver and front passenger, side airbags at the front and SIDEGUARD, the Audi head-level airbag system. In the event of a side or offset crash, this provides additional protection for the head and neck regions of passengers occupying the outer seats. This airbag system cushions the side window areas and A and B-posts almost completely.

Product line

Following the extremely successful RS 4, the Audi RS 6 is the second independent model that has been created by quattro GmbH and developed in conjunction with AUDI AG. It is built jointly at Neckarsulm by the Audi plant and quattro GmbH. The RS 6 is assembled and finished in quattro GmbH’s production halls, at the rate of no more than a handful of cars each day, in the best handicraft tradition. This production concept assures supreme product quality and has already proven notably successful for assembly of the RS 4.

[source: audi-mediaservices.com]