Audi Unveils 597-HP RS6 Avant, RS7 Sportback ‛Performance’ Models

STUTTGART – More powerful versions of the rapid Audi RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback are set to go on sale in Europe in early 2016, with the likelihood of the latter joining the German automaker's North American lineup by midyear, highly placed Ingolstadt insiders say.

Developed by Audi’s quattro performance-car division, the new RS6 Avant and RS7 Performance models receive an additional 45 hp and 37 lb.-ft. (50 Nm) of torque over the standard RS6 Avant and RS6 Sportback.

The lift in output is achieved through changes to the engine-management system that provide a higher ignition cut out and added turbocharger boost pressure, dialing up the 4.0L V-8 to 597 hp and 553 lb.-ft. (750 Nm).

This is the same state of tune as for the engine used by the recently unveiled Audi S8 Plus.

In combination with a revised 8-speed automatic gearbox that has been modified to handle the increased torque loading, the upgraded engine is claimed to propel the new Performance models 0-62 mph (100 km/h) in 3.7 seconds, 0.2 seconds faster than for the standard RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback that have been on sale since 2013.

Audi also claims the RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback Performance models accelerate to 124 mph (200 km/h), 1.4 seconds faster than the standard cars at 12.1 seconds. Top speed is limited to either 155 mph, 174 mph or 190 mph (249, 280 or 306 km/h) with various optional dynamic packages.

Despite the increase in reserves and added performance potential, Audi says the combined cycle fuel consumption of its latest RS models remains at the same level as their standard siblings.

Distinguishing the new Audi models are exclusive 21-in. alloy wheels.