Audi has unveiled the new Performance variants of its RS6 estate and RS7 sedan. The luxury brand has not only updated the 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged petrol V8 engine in both models, but also introduced technical updates and subtle exterior and interior cosmetic enhancements.
- 4.0-litre, twin-turbo petrol V8 now puts out 630hp, 850Nm
- New center differential on both models for improved handling
- Both models get new interior accents and features
Audi RS6, RS7 Performance: powertrain, technical updates
In order to eke out more power, Audi has equipped the engine with larger turbochargers, thanks to which the 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8 engine now puts out 630hp and 850Nm – 30hp and 50Nm more than standard RS6 and RS7. Power is sent to all four wheels thanks to Audi’s Quattro system via an 8-speed, dual-clutch automatic gearbox. Audi claims that both models can now sprint from 0-100kph in 3.4 seconds, which is 0.2 seconds faster than their standard versions.
Audi has also removed much of the insulation from the engine compartment of both cars in a bid to reduce weight, which now stands at 2,090kg in the RS6 and 2,065kg in the RS7 – a reduction of 8kg each. The brand claims that the removal of the insulation brings with it a louder sound from the engine. Some of the other key technical updates introduced on the RS6 Performance and RS7 Performance include the new self-locking center differential for improved handling and new 22-inch lightweight alloy wheels, which are now 5kg lighter and wrapped in Continental Sport Contact 7 tyres.
The brand now offers the RS Dynamic package on both models as standard, which raises the top speed to 280kph and includes all-wheel steering and the Quattro sport differential on the rear axle. Audi offers the RS Dynamics Package plus as an option, which further raises the top speed to 305kph and includes carbon-ceramic brakes.
Audi RS6, RS7 Performance: exterior, interior details
Both models see no styling changes, but get two new matte colour schemes – Ascari Blue and matte Dew Silver. The models also get RS-specific exterior highlights as standard such as the matte grey-finished wing mirrors, front spoiler, front side flaps, side sill inserts, roof rails, side window trims and rear diffuser. An optional carbon/black optics package is also available wherein the roof rails, side window trims and the Audi logo are finished in black.
On the inside, the overall cabin layout on both models remains the same, but it now features new blue accents. The seats are now wrapped in Valcona leather upholstery with honeycomb stitching, while the sides of the centre console and the selector lever knob are covered in Dinamica microfiber – a material that uses roughly 45 percent recycled PET fibers. Both models now get motorsport-derived gear shift indicators and a traffic light icon embedded within the 12.3-inch digital driver's display, which pop up when launch control is activated.
Audi’s future plans
Audi recently unveiled the Q8 e-tron SUV in international markets, which is likely to arrive in India by July-August 2023. The brand is also working on the new fifth-generation Audi RS6, which is set to become a plug-in hybrid vehicle, and the fifth-generation all-electric A3. Audi CEO Markus Duesmann has previously stated that all new models will be electric from 2026.
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