The Audi RS6 station wagon and RS7 Sportback have a cult following globally and the performance duo are due to touchdown in South Africa. Headlining the new models is the engine; a 441 kW and 800 Nm twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 petrol unit. Both vehicles have an 8-speed tiptronic transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Cleverly, the quattro system can send up to 70 percentto the front wheels and up to 85 percent to the back wheels, depending on conditions.
A quattro sport differential is also available, enhancing the handling even further. When it comes to straight-line sprints, both the Audi RS6 and RS7 are said to sprint to 100 kph in just 3.6 seconds. A limited top speed of 250 kph can be increased to 280 kph with the RS Dynamic package. Despite its performance focus, the new Audi RS6 and RS7 have a mild hybrid system to save fuel, plus the vehicle even deactivate individual cylinders, eeking out more range and improving economy.
Both the Audi RS6 and RS7 feature RS adaptive air suspension. The RS Dynamic Package adds in all-wheel steering, which will improve high-speed agility, as well as enhancing low-speed maneuverability. There are six driving modes, plus drivers can configure RS1 and RS2, with individual adjustments to the engine and transmission management, the power steering, the suspension, the dynamic all-wheel steering, the quattro sport differential, the engine sound and the characteristics of the automatic air conditioning.
The performance duo ride on 22-inch RS-specific alloy wheels, and in terms of stopping power there are internally ventilated and perforated discs (420 millimetres at the front, 370 millimetres at the rear). Customers can go for optional RS ceramic brakes, which are lighter.
Inside, the Audi RS6 and RS7 feature the stylishflat-bottomed, fully perforated RS sport leather steering wheel with new large RS aluminium shift paddles.RS sport seats upholstered with Valcona leather, featuring a honeycomb pattern and RS embossing are fitted as standard, but you're probably going to be interested in theRS design package brings a splash of colour, with contrasting red stitching on the Alcantara steering wheel rim, gear lever gaiter and knee pads. The package also features seat belt straps with red edging and RS floor mats. Being a wagon, the Audi RS6 boasts practicality galore, with aluggage compartment has a capacity of between 565 and 1 680 litres.
At this pricepoint, the features and gadgets are top-notch and Audi has loaded an array ofconvenience, connectivity, and driver assistance equipment likelane change assist; park assist package (360-degree camera, intelligent park assist); tour assistance package (adaptive cruise control and assist); and Audi pre sense rear package.
We're keen to get behind the wheel of the performance duo, there's just something alluring about a fast Audi…
The new Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback will officially go on sale in South Africa from 1 April 2021. The RS models are priced as follows (inclusive of all taxes) and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan:
Audi RS 6 Avant TFSI quattro R 2 070 000
Audi RS 7 Sportback TFSI quattro R 2 173 500
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