New Audi RS6 breaks its cover
Author: Chris Barker
Published: 12 August 2008
Like the new Nissan GT-R before it, the new £76,160 Audi RS6 saloon has been lauded as an ‘everyday supercar’. Only with a couple more opening doors and boot space. And slightly less vertebrae-jerking acceleration.That’s not to sell the new RS6 super saloon short though, as it’s still set to go to a lot of places, and in a preposterously quick time.A 572bhp 5.0-litre twin-turbo V10 fossil fuel-running engine is what you find should you flip the bonnet, that when tossed and turned with all the ferocity of a T-Rex setting its dinner will see it good for 0 – 62mph in 4.5 seconds. If the limited 155mph on tap doesn’t whet your appetite, then the option of having the RS6 tweaked to 174mph should leave a little spittle at your mouth’s corner. Mmmm.For those sharp of eye and keen on pedanticism, you’ll observe that the new RS6 saloon is Audi’s interpretation of its RS6 Avant. The fastest thing on the planet after a Cheetah and Dwain Chambers. Although that’s the same thing we guess.But, miracle upon miracle, drop the estate end and adopt a boot, and you shave a useful amount off the RS6 Avant’s asking price of £76,160. So we’re told by the men from Ingolstadt.So what should we be made aware of if and when we decide that it will be in our best interests to hoon around in this monumentally-rapid performance saloon anytime soon. Mid October otherwise known as both the ‘anytime’ and ‘soon’ bit.Well, the new RS6 saloon’s ride and handling get Audi’s Dynamic Ride Control treatment. Which means like a box of chocolates, there’s something for everyone. For those who like a soft centre, there’s a ‘Comfort’ setting. For those after something a bit harder, there’s the ‘Dynamic’ mode. And if you’re completely nuts, there’s the ‘Sport’ setting. Which will dislodge your dentures one way or another.And then there’s the Stability Control system. Which is geared up to come to the fore later than it does on a standard car. Which can be set to the ‘Sport’ mode, or simply turned to the off position. So either way, expect some sideways action.The new RS6 saloon certainly looks the part in all its blue-ness, oversized – kiddie sketched – alloys, bulbous wings, fish gills and copious exhaust count. Which is half the battle of convincing other road users not to engage in the traffic light grand prix, as they’re risking wasting their tyres, clutch, gear linkage, time, face and respect in but 4.5 seconds.That’s right, the new Audi RS6 – sans estate lump – sits on 20” rims that come with uprated steel brakes. If you insist on up-keeping your traffic light hostilities, then high-performance ceramic brakes can be specified.
Air intakes, flared wheel arches, a rear diffuser and twin oval exhaust pipes will do much to silence detractors.On the inside, and it’s all about Zen-like tranquility, calming Yin to all that posturing exterior Yang. Figure-hugging sports seats, dual-zone air con, front and rear parking sensors, sports steering wheel and a Bose CD player.Again, if you’re after more, then opt for even more oxygen-restricting sports seats, Lane Assist – that does its best to alert the driver to hazardous blind spots and blissfully ignorant carriageway drift – cruise control and Bluetooth connectivity.
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