2008 Audi RS6 Avant

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The Audi RS models from quattro GmbH are the ultimate in sportiness, complemented by powerful and elegant design, exclusive equipment and perfect quality. It has also meanwhile become a good tradition that their sports performance is combined with the high utility value of an Avant: the very first Audi RS2, which appeared in 1993, was only built as an Avant model. Although the unique Audi RS driving sensation can now be experienced in saloon, Avant and Cabriolet models – as is the case with the current RS 4 – customers especially appreciate the combination of dynamism and versatility that an Avant offers.

The new leader in the performance category

The Audi RS 6 redefines the term “high performance” in the business class. With its 426 kW (580 bhp), it is the most powerful model in the current Audi range and – with the exception of pure racing cars like the Le Mans-winning Audi R10 TDI – the most potent Audi of all time. But not only that: it is also clearly superior to all competitors in the top performance category.
The ten-cylinder V-configuration engine in the RS 6 is based on the V10 powerplants of the Audi S6 and Audi S8, but has been redeveloped in practically every respect to attain the significantly higher level of performance. The twin turbochargers ensure an impressively constant stream of power over the entire engine speed range: the mighty peak torque of 650 Nm is available across the entire range from 1,500 to 6,250 rpm; maximum output is available between 6,250 and 6,700 rpm.

 

The road performance of a super sports car

This powerplant enables the Audi RS 6 Avant to achieve the road performance of a high-performance sports car. It requires just 4.6 seconds for the sprint from a standing start to 100 km/h, and reaches the 200 km/h mark in a mere 14.9 seconds. Only when the needle touches 250 km/h is the propulsive power electronically governed. The power-to-weight ratio, too, matches that of a firstrate sports car: after all, with a vehicle weight of 2,025 kilograms – including the dynamic and sure-footed quattro four-wheel drive – every horsepower of the RS 6 Avant has to propel just 3.5 kilograms The ten-cylinder concept provides the ideal basis for a high-performance unit of this calibre. The V10 is unusually compact with an overall length of 670 millimetres and is very light with a total weight of 278 kilograms. TFSI technology from Audi, the combination of direct injection and turbocharging, ensures efficient power output, based on extensive experience in the field of motor sport: the R8 racing car, a pioneer of TFSI technology, captured a series of victories for the brand with the four rings at Le Mans.

Racing technology for high efficiency

FSI direct injection delivers precisely metered amounts of fuel into the combustion chambers at a pressure of up to 120 bar. This permits a compression ratio of 10.5:1, which is very high for a turbo engine. Remarkably efficient combustion is the result. The engine is thus content with a standard consumption of 13.9 litres – a very good figure in view of the potential offered. A further feature adopted from racing technology is the dry-sump lubrication system used on the V10. By virtue of the elaborate design of the oil pump module and oil tank, reliable lubrication of all engine components and both turbochargers is guaranteed, even with constant lateral acceleration of 1.2 g.

 

Thanks to FSI technology and the optimised design of the turbocharger and air ducts, the ten-cylinder unit is extremely responsive and converts minimum movements of the throttle into dynamic acceleration. Yet the twin turbo is by no means a rough-and-ready sports engine: it runs smoothly and with refinement, as is typical of a ten-cylinder unit. When accelerating, of course, its dual-branch exhaust system with two oval tailpipes produces that sonorous sporty, throaty sound – an essential feature of a high-performance automobile. Those who wish to enhance this daily delight for the ears even further may opt for the alternative sports exhaust system.

Tiptronic with exceptionally short shift times

The six-speed tiptronic is the perfect complement to the self-confident, powerful character of the RS 6. Its hydraulics and control system have been optimised to achieve exceptionally short shift times; the ratios have been adapted accordingly. It goes without saying that the new RS 6 transmits its tremendous power to the road via quattro permanent four-wheel drive. The latest generation not only provides substantially more driving safety and stability than a vehicle with rear-wheel drive, it also underscores the distinctly dynamic character of the RS 6.

In its basic setting, the centre differential distributes 40 percent of the power to the front and 60 percent to the rear wheels – this slightly rear-biased setup produces particularly dynamic handling characteristics.

Suspension for performance and comfort

The suspension of the Audi RS 6 has been consistently designed for maximum dynamic performance along with good travelling comfort – on long journeys, too. Shock absorber and spring settings as well as the entire elastokinematics of the four-link front suspension and the trapezoidal-link rear suspension have been adapted to the new level of performance. The characteristics of the servotronic speed-dependent power assistance have also been retuned. The steering is consequently very sensitive and delivers optimum feedback from the road. All in all, in terms of driving feel the RS 6 combines the precision and cornering ability of a sports car with the relaxed straight-line stability of a comfortable cruiser. The standard Dynamic Ride Control DRC, familiar from the current RS 4 and consistently enhanced, plays a major role here. This system reduces pitching and rolling movements about the longitudinal and transverse axis of the vehicle in a particularly ingenious way – entirely without the aid of electronics and solely according to the laws of fluid dynamics.

An individual driving feel

With Dynamic Ride Control the shock absorbers are connected diagonally with each other via two oil lines and two control valves. Body movement – e.g. rolling when cornering at high speed on an uneven road surface – produces flows of oil, which generate additional damping force. As a result, the RS 6 boasts even more directional control through bends and reacts with substantially more precision to the steering inputs of the driver.

Dynamic Ride Control on the new RS 6 can be supplemented if desired with optional three-stage damping. This allows the driver to select the handling characteristics according to his/her personal preferences or chosen route. In the comfort setting, the sports suspension plus provides remarkable ride comfort, in the dynamic program it adjusts superbly to an enthusiastic driving style and in the sport mode it delivers maximum driving precision.

The sporty setting of the electronic stabilisation program ESP is an ideal match here: the point of intervention is very late, permitting a high degree of driving enjoyment whilst fully maintaining driving safety. Alternatively, the ESP may be completely deactivated.

Ceramic brakes for the exceptional athlete

An athlete of such exceptional calibre as the Audi RS 6 naturally requires an outstanding brake system. The standard 19-inch steel discs have been designed for maximum load. They consist of an aluminium brake-disc chamber and a cast friction ring, both connected with each other in a floating arrangement via metal pins. This design increases thermal stability and reduces weight. Optionally, in conjunction with 20-inch wheels, a ceramic brake system is available: it boasts discs with an impressive diameter of 420 millimetres at the front and 356 millimetres at the rear, which endure the most extreme thermal loads with ease and have a very long operating life. Equally impressive are the tyre sizes: the standard 19-inch wheels with the new 10-spoke design are shod with size 255/40 R 19 tyres; the optional 20-inch wheels are fitted with 275/35 R 20 tyres.

Self-assured appearance with functional features

Its independent design lends the Audi RS 6 a striking and self-assured look – without any hint of aggression. In fact, the clear front-end design with the remodelled bumper and accentuated apertures evidently follows function: the high-performance powerplant requires a considerable amount of air to breathe as well as for cooling. The fact that it belongs to the RS family is emphasised by the matt aluminium-look single-frame grille featuring a highly polished black guard in a diamond design.

The headlights on the Audi RS 6 are miniature works of art in high-tech terms: to create space in the front apron for additional air flow, the halogen fog lights have been integrated alongside the bi-xenon headlights, optionally with adaptive light, the cornering light function.

The LED daytime running lights strip adds a distinctive touch: ten LEDs at the lower edge of each headlight unit lend the Audi RS 6 a striking appearance, by day or night. A flat cover at the top of the headlights sharpens the “look” of the business/sports car. The taillights, too, largely employ LED technology.

Striking design derived from the “Ur-quattro”

The rear of the Audi RS 6 is characterised by the oval exhaust tailpipes and the diffuser-look apron. A roof spoiler completes the aerodynamic fine-tuning of this high-performance vehicle. The side outline is distinguished by wide, flared wheel arches. Like the engine compartment lid, the front wings are made of aluminium in order to reduce weight. They accommodate the mighty wheels of the new Audi RS 6, yet are also reminiscent of a milestone in automotive history: the flat tops of the wheel arches with their clear edges were counted among the design elements of the Audi quattro – the pioneer of permanent fourwheel drive from the year 1980. A metallic/pearl effect paint finish is standard; new colours Sepang Blue, Monza Silver and Monterrey Green are exclusively reserved for the RS 6.

Elegant and exclusive interior

The interior of the new RS 6 offers an impressive synthesis of sporty elegance and exclusiveness. The extremely high standard of craftsmanship typical for Audi is complemented by an equally sporty and elegant combination of topclass materials. Carbon fibre, aluminium, leather and Alcantara create an ambience that is unique even in the world of high-performance cars.
The main control element is and remains the steering wheel: on the RS 6 the customer can choose between the multifunction sports steering wheel with a 3-spoke design and the particularly distinctive flat-bottomed RS sports steering wheel, likewise with multifunction controls and shift paddles for the transmission. The cockpit in the typical RS design additionally features a boost pressure gauge. Displays for boost pressure, oil temperature and lap timer can be called up via the driver information system.

The inlays are made of carbon fibre and edged in aluminium, the cockpit trim gleams with its piano black finish. Additional highlights in the interior are provided by the aluminium-coloured keys of the MMI terminal on the centre console, the milled-finish door handles and the aluminium-look sports pedals. The highly contoured sports seats are covered in a combination of leather and Alcantara with an embossed RS 6 emblem or optionally wrapped completely in Silk Nappa or Valcona leather.

Extensive equipment, individual options

This high-performance vehicle naturally deserves an appropriate level of standard equipment. In addition to design and technical elements specific to the RS 6, this includes the audio system with powerful Bose Surround Sound, heated seats at the front and rear, a tyre pressure monitoring system and Audi parking system plus. Together with the wide range of high-tech options for the Audi A6 series, every RS 6 can be perfectly matched to the driver’s individual wishes. The Audi RS 6 is consequently a sporty business car with great versatility, making it suitable for a variety of leisure activities, too.

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Engine

 

The RS 6 Avant – the world’s most powerful wagon

Breathtaking power and fascinating dynamics – the Audi RS 6 Avant lends new meaning to the term high-performance. Its 426 kW (580 bhp) make it the most powerful model in the current Audi portfolio and the most powerful production vehicle ever to bear the four-ring emblem. Its high horsepower also places it well above any competitor in the upper business category – it is simply the most powerful production wagon in the world.

The engine in the RS 6 Avant, whose power output comes from a displacement of 4,991 cc, is based on the V10 powerplants installed in the Audi S6 and Audi S8, but nearly all of its details have been newly developed. With its combination of a ten-cylinder layout, FSI direct fuel injection, two turbochargers and the same kind of dry-sump lubrication used in motor racing, this engine is totally unlike anything the competition has to offer. In terms of its power-to-weight ratio, too,
the RS 6 Avant can rival the sports car elite: Every horsepower has to propel just 3.5 kg.

The turbocharging system provides extremely high and consistent delivery of the torque across almost the engine’s entire rpm range. Its maximum torque is an awesome 650 Nm, available from 1,500 to 6,250 rpm, while maximum power output is produced between 6,250 rpm and the engine’s top speed of 6,700 rpm. The biturbo V10 catapults the Audi RS 6 Avant to the level of a high-performance sports car. Accelerating from zero to 100 km/h takes just 4.6 seconds, and the sprint to the 200 km/h mark a mere 14.9 seconds. The speed then keeps on rising rapidly until 250 km/h, at which point the speed governor gently intervenes. Audi also offers a higher top speed of 280 km/h as an option.

The ten-cylinder engine makes for fascinating driving in every situation. It closely and tenaciously follows the action of the accelerator pedal, instantly responding to even the slightest movement with a burst of acceleration. Its dual-branch exhaust system with two oval tailpipes accompanies the acceleration with a full, rich sporty sound, which perfectly rounds out this car’s high-performance profile.

The V10 – the ideal sport engine

A turbocharged ten-cylinder powerplant is the ideal recipe for sporty, dynamic performance. It has fewer components, lighter moving masses and less internal friction than a similar twelve-cylinder engine; the result is higher efficiency. Moreover, it is lighter and more compact – with all ancillaries, the engine in the new Audi RS 6 Avant measures only 670 mm in length, 790 mm in width and 655 mm in height. The length of the bare engine is 560 mm.

The V10 is a member of the Audi family of V-engines, which are all designed with a 90-degree included angle between cylinder banks and center-to-center spacing of 90 millimeters between cylinders. The offset between the two banks is 18.5 mm. The cylinder bore is 84.5 mm, the stroke 89.0 mm.

The crankcase is manufactured of hyper-eutectic aluminum alloy by means of low-pressure die-casting. This high-tech material unites low weight with high strength. The cylinder barrels of the single-piece crankcase are honed to mechanically expose the hard silicon crystals. The complete engine weighs only 278 kilograms – an outstanding achievement in the five-liter class.

A so-called bedplate design – an intermediate frame – gives the crankcase extremely high torsional rigidity and improves its vibrational behavior. Its cast-in bearing bridges, made from gray cast iron, reduce thermal expansion of the aluminum crankcase and keep the crankshaft’s main bearing clearances to within tight tolerances. The crankcase design features cross-flow cooling and has no ventilation openings between the crank chambers (pneumatic spring engine). This serves to recover energy at engine speeds of 2,500 rpm and higher, thus enhancing both power and fuel efficiency. The high-strength con rods are made of forged steel and the pistons, which are equipped with newly developed ring packages, are aluminum alloy. The common-pin forged steel crankshaft provides both increased strength and lower weight.

Dry-sump lubrication – for the ultimate in sporty driving

To meet the utmost demands in driving dynamics, a dry-sump lubrication system, known for its proven effectiveness in motor racing, was implemented in developing the engine’s oil circulation system. It features an extremely elaborate external oil tank and oil pump module, operating with numerous different vacuum stages. This ensures that lubricant is supplied to all engine components and the two turbochargers under all conditions – even at the extreme lateral acceleration forces of over 1.2 g of which the RS 6 Avant is capable. As a result, the dry-sump lubrication system has sheer limitless reserves, even under racetrack conditions. The hydraulic variable valve timing system continuously adjusts all four camshafts through a crankshaft angle range of 42 degrees to vary valve overlap in response to engine loads and speeds. This optimizes volumetric efficiency for more effective combustion.

The camshafts, the oil pump module and the ancillary components are driven by maintenance-free chains at the rear of the engine. The valves, which are actuated by roller cam followers with hydraulic tappets, have a diameter of 33.9 mm on the intake side and 28.0 mm for the exhaust valves. To withstand high thermal loads, the exhaust valves are sodium-filled for improved cooling.

The fine oil separator that is integrated into the cylinder head works in accordance with the “Multitwister” separation principle, which ensures that the oil is returned directly to the cylinder head.

The V10 in the new Audi RS 6 Avant operates by means of FSI direct fuel injection. A common rail injection system injects the fuel directly into the combustion chambers at a pressure of 120 bar. The vacuum-controlled charge tumble flaps in the CVTS flange impart a tumbling motion to the intake air at engine speeds of up to 3,500 rpm – this circular motion perpendicular to the cylinder axis enhances combustion efficiency.

In combination with turbocharging, FSI becomes TFSI – bringing together two technologies that complement one another perfectly. The swirling of the fuel helps to absorb heat from the combustion chamber walls – this solves the old problem of high heat build-up in turbocharged engines. In the V10 for the RS 6 Avant, the Audi engineers have implemented an unusually high compression ratio of 10.5:1, which produces excellent combustion efficiency. This is why the V10 biturbo contents itself with standard-cycle fuel consumption of 14.0 liters of premium gasoline per 100 km – very good fuel efficiency considering its power potential.

Exhaust gas after-treatment is accomplished by means of two preliminary and two main catalytic converters. Thanks to their proximity to the engine, they rapidly reach operating temperature, and thus full effectiveness, after the engine is started. Audi’s TFSI technology has garnered an outstanding series of victories in motor sport. The R8 racer equipped with it drove to five overall wins in the Le Mans 24 Hours as well as numerous successes in other events. In the Audi RS 6 Avant, the TFSI engine is managed by a highly advanced Motronic system called the MED 9.1.2. It operates with ten individual pencil coils and two separate control units in accordance with the master/slave principle. For the first time in this class, engine load is measured by a pressure sensor in the intake manifold.

Piling on the pressure – the two turbochargers

The single-stage intake manifold made from pressure die-cast aluminum is equipped with a multifunctional cover and features two separate air paths with two turbochargers and air filters. The pressure sensor built into the intake manifold supplies the necessary data for the innovative p/n control system. The two integral turbocharger modules – one per cylinder bank – develop pressures of up to 0.7 bar. At full load, they have the theoretical capacity to compress 2,200 cubic meters of air per hour. The clamping flange joints allow optimum longitudinal thermal expansion of the integral modules, and the kind of continuous insulation shell used in aerospace engineering minimizes energy input into the engine compartment. The turbochargers and the entire air intake system have been optimized for spontaneous, virtually instantaneous response, and suitably sized intake apertures in the front apron provide the airstreams for the two large charge air coolers.

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Drivetrain

 

A new level of dynamics

The engine’s exceptional power output of 426 kW (580 bhp) necessitates an appropriately superior drivetrain. The new Audi RS 6 Avant comes standard with the latest generation of the tiptronic automatic transmission, designed with six forward gears for sporty performance. It transfers the engine’s torque to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, which itself is also built for the ultimate in driving dynamics.

The tiptronic six-speed automatic transmission represents the vanguard of a new generation of drivetrains that are now entering service throughout the Audi portfolio. It is extremely compact and light, and harmonizes perfectly with the dynamic character of the RS 6 Avant. Its torque converter, which operates in the activated lock-up mode most of the time, its hydraulics and its electronic management system, which adapts to individual driving styles, have been optimized for direct coupling to the engine. Response time has been shortened to a tenth of a second and shifting time has been cut in half – with kickdown responding in less than a second.

A deliberately short set of transmission ratios was chosen; even in sixth gear, the most powerful production Audi of all time offers impressive acceleration. The driver can select the sport mode “S” with the selector lever; the shift point maps are then altered for higher engine speeds. Shifting can also be performed manually with either the lever or the shift paddles. The aluminum-look paddles are located behind the steering wheel rim and turn with it.

Driving pleasure and stability – the quattro driveline

As is typical for an Audi, the new Audi RS 6 Avant also relies on quattro permanent all-wheel drive with the superior traction and exhilarating driving pleasure it offers under all conditions. The quattro driveline is yet another winning motor sport technology from Audi. Its current generation, featuring asymmetrical, dynamic torque distribution, is further testimony to the philosophy of “Vorsprung durch Technik.”

A Torsen center differential installed longitudinally in the driveline distributes the torque between the front and rear axles. The normal split is 40 percent to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear – this slight rear bias was chosen to underscore the sporty nature of the new Audi RS 6 Avant. If the road surface conditions change, the purely mechanical differential responds instantaneously – it can divert up to 85 percent of the torque to the rear wheels or as much as 65 percent to the front wheels. Should a wheel on one axle spin, it is braked by the EDL electronic differential lock.

For the driver, this technology package adds up to outstanding agility, extremely stable handling and uncompromising traction when coming out of a bend – even on wet road surfaces where competitors helplessly struggle for traction with only two driven wheels. The handling dynamics of the RS 6 Avant are further enhanced by its relatively low engine weight, which results in a balanced distribution of axle loads. The battery and the energy management system are located in the luggage compartment for this same reason.

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Chassis

 

Taming the power

Power means nothing if it can’t be controlled – and Audi engineers have followed precisely this motto in developing the chassis for the RS 6 Avant. The complex wheel suspensions, the high-tech Dynamic Ride Control shock absorber system and four brawny brakes form a package that is a worthy match for the engine’s tremendous power.

The chassis of the Audi RS 6 Avant unites the qualities of maximum dynamic performance, good road trip comfort and smooth straight-ahead stability. The combination of a host of advanced technologies produces a fascinating sports carlike driving experience. Its dynamic steering response, exact feedback, sporty precision and superior stability bridge the gap between racetrack and highway. Most of the suspension components are manufactured of lightweight aluminum.

This design reduces unsprung masses and lends an immediate and fascinating spontaneity to the car’s handling – just as in motor racing. In the front suspension system, the wheels are guided by four aluminum links. Their elastokinematics have been designed for highly dynamic performance. The front track is an impressive 1,614 mm. The self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension system features a track of no less than 1,637 mm. The rear suspension kinematics have additionally been modified for sporty handling.

Special adjustments have also been made to the operating characteristics of the speed-dependent servotronic power steering. The steering box has a ratio of 12.5:1 for a direct, dynamic steering feel. The Audi RS 6 Avant’s steering works sensitively to impart a sense of close, positive contact with the road to the driver.

Purely mechanical – Dynamic Ride Control

One of the major features that sets the new Audi RS 6 Avant apart from the competition is Dynamic Ride Control as a standard feature, which was used in similar form both in the predecessor model and in the current RS 4. This evolved high-tech system reduces the vehicle’s pitching and rolling movements in a particularly ingenious way – by purely mechanical means, which makes it instantaneous.

In the compact, lightweight DRC system, each pair of diagonally opposite shock absorbers is interconnected by means of two oil lines and a central valve. When the car takes a bend, the valves reduce the oil flow at the shock absorber of the outer front wheel where the suspension spring is compressed. This improves support, reduces body roll and thus enhances handling dynamics.

If desired, Dynamic Ride Control in the new RS 6 Avant can be supplemented with optional three-stage shock absorption. This version is called sport suspension plus and allows drivers to individually adjust the driving experience to suit their own personal preferences or the route they are traveling. In the “comfort” setting, sport suspension plus provides remarkable ride comfort. In the “dynamic” mode it adjusts superbly to an enthusiastic driving style, and in the “sport” mode it delivers maximum driving precision.

The unique combination of sport suspension plus with DRC, the high-traction quattro driveline and the sporty axle layout lend unrivaled capabilities to the chassis of the new Audi RS 6 Avant. The high-performance Avant still handles safely within its dynamic limits under conditions that are well beyond the abilities of other concepts.

Pleasure and stability – ESP

The ESP directional stabilization system rounds out this characteristic: It intervenes at a very late stage and affords maximum driving pleasure while ensuring excellent safety. By briefly pressing a button, the driver can select a sport mode – the ESP’s traction control function, i.e. engine torque intervention, is then largely deactivated and braking intervention takes place at a later stage. This enables skilled drivers to perform fantastic drifts on low-friction road surfaces. Holding the button down longer deactivates both functions.

The new Audi RS 6 Avant comes equipped standard with 9 J x 19 cast alloy wheels featuring a 10-spoke design. They mount 255/40 R 19 tires, which are equipped with a tire pressure monitoring system as a standard feature. Also optionally available are 20″ 9.5 J x 20 cast wheels featuring a five-segment spoke design in an aluminum-look or titanium-look finish. They are an impressive 275/35 R 20 in size and also feature pressure monitoring.

An automotive athlete of such exceptional caliber naturally also needs an extremely high-performance brake system. The standard steel discs on the Audi RS 6 Avant have been designed to withstand extremely high loads. They consist of an aluminum brake disc cover and a cast iron friction ring, joined by metal pins. This floating design increases thermal stability at high loads and reduces weight. The discs’ cooling channels and cross drillings both fulfill the same function.

The front brakes on the RS 6 Avant have a diameter of 390 mm and are gripped by six-piston fixed calipers made of aluminum. The discs mounted on the rear axle have a diameter of 356 mm and single-piston floating calipers. The brake calipers are painted black and adorned with RS emblems in front.

Audi can optionally supply ceramic brakes in conjunction with the 20″ wheels. The ventilated, cross-drilled discs consist of a special composite in which highstrength carbon fibers are embedded in hard, abrasion-resistant silicon carbide – a material that has proven its effectiveness in aerospace engineering.