2008 Audi RS 6 Sedan 5.0 TFSI quattro

the new Audi RS 6 Sedan has launched itself to the very top of the business class – as the most powerful series-production sedan in its segment. The sporty tiptronic transmission and the quattro all-wheel drive system, which has a slightly rear-driven emphasis, transfer the immense power onto the road with no loss. Uncompromising performance is also provided by the suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) damper control and the mighty brakes. Like all RS models from quattro GmbH, the new RS 6 is a car of supreme dynamism that makes no compromise in its qualities for everyday use.

The engine

High performance in the business class – the new RS 6, together with its sister, the RS 6 Avant, is the most powerful series-production Audi ever. With an output of 426 kW (580 hp) and 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) of torque, it easily beats its competitors. The V10, which generates its output from 4,991 cc of displacement, is based on the engines fitted in the Audi S6 and S8, but it has been newly developed in virtually every detail. It is a conglomeration of glorious technologies that are taken directly from the world of motor sports – the ten-cylinder concept, FSI gasoline direct injection, the twin turbochargers and the dry-sump lubrication.

The two turbochargers – one for each cylinder bank – provide for extremely powerful, homogenous thrust, which is available across almost the entire engine speed range. The peak torque of 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft) is available across a broad and high range from 1,500 to 6,250 rpm, while maximum output is generated in the range from 6,250 rpm to the maximum engine speed of 6,700 rpm.

The powertrain

The superior output of 426 kW (580 hp) requires a powertrain that is just as potent. On the new Audi RS 6, a sportily configured six-speed tiptronic transmission feeds the torque to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system, which is also configured for maximum dynamism.

A Torsen center differential (Torsen = torque-sensing), located longitudinally in the drive train, distributes the torque to the front and rear axle. In normal situations, 40 percent of the force is fed to the front axle and 60 percent to the rear – a slightly rear-driven emphasis. This further underscores the dynamism of the RS 6.

The suspension

You cannot afford to have weaknesses if you want to dominate the competition. This motto also bears true for the suspension of the new RS 6. The advanced suspension, the high-tech Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) damping system and the mighty braking system form a package that perfectly controls the enormous power of the drive system. The suspension of the new RS 6 combines a high standard of long-distance comfort and relaxed straight-line driving with impressive performance. Dynamic steering characteristics, an exact response, uncompromising precision and supreme stability forge links between the race circuit and the freeway.

The operating principle of the DRC is simple. The diagonally opposite shock absorbers are linked by two oil lines and a central valve. If the RS 6 takes a corner at high speed, the valves react instantaneously to the oil flow at the compressed shock absorber for the front wheel on the outside of the bend. They strengthen the support provided, reduce lateral tilt and so increase dynamism.

If requested, Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) can be supplemented by three-stage variable damping characteristics. The so-called sports suspension plus allows the driver to customize his driving experience at the MMI control terminal according to the route profile and his own wants and desires. In the “comfort” setting, the sports suspension plus provides for a good level of ride comfort. The “dynamic” mode allows a highly active driving style, while “sport” mode provides for maximum driving precision.

For any exceptional athlete, slowing down is at least as important as sprinting ability. The new Audi RS 6 is equipped with a high-performance brake system that is built to withstand extreme loads. Even the standard steel disks are designed to withstand maximum loads. Their aluminum brake disk chamber is linked to the cast iron friction ring with metal pins – a floating mount that boosts performance at high loads while reducing weight. The cooling ducts and the axial perforation of the disks fulfill the same tasks.

The front brake disks have a diameter of 390 millimeters (15.35 in) and are actuated by fixed six-piston aluminum calipers. The rear disks have a diameter of 365 millimeters (14.37 in) and single-piston floating calipers. The calipers are painted black and adorned with the RS logo at the front.

In conjunction with the 20-inch wheels, Audi can also fit a ceramic brake system. This also has ventilated and perforated disks that are made from a composite material in which high-strength carbon fibers are embedded in hard, abrasion-resistant silicon carbide. They have an impressive diameter of 420 millimeters (16.54 in) at the front and 356 millimeters (14.02 in) at the rear, yet they weigh 12.2 kilograms (26.90 lb) less than the steel disks, reducing unsprung masses in favor of driving dynamics.

Interior & Equipment

The interior of the new RS 6 is an oasis of wellness. High-grade materials such as carbon fiber, aluminum, leather and Alcantara have been selected and employed with the uncompromising, immaculate quality for which Audi and quattro GmbH are renowned. They create an ambience of cultivated dynamism and form an elegant dress for the high-tech package that can be found underneath.

A standard feature of the new RS 6 is a very special steering wheel – the leather-covered RS multifunction sport steering wheel. Its rim, which can optionally be trimmed in full-grain leather, is particularly substantial and is flat-bottomed, like on a racing car. The spokes incorporate multifunction buttons for operating the telephone, navigation system and audio system. Shift paddles for the tiptronic transmission allow fast manual gear changes, while an RS 6 signet provides a visual highlight. Audi is also able to fit the leather-covered multifunction sport steering wheel of three-spoke design with all-round rim at no extra cost.

On the inside, the new RS 6 has electrically adjustable sports seats with Silk Nappa leather upholstery. The front and outer rear seats can be heated. Carbon inlays, a cockpit front panel in piano finish and RS 6 logos are visual highlights in the interior. Safety and comfort are also of the very highest standards. An automatic anti-dazzle interior mirror, a leather-covered RS multifunction sports steering wheel with shift paddles and the deluxe automatic air conditioning plus provide a sense of luxury.

The new RS 6, which will be in German showrooms from mid-October priced 105,550 euros, is fitted with standard equipment that underlines its dynamic, exclusive character.

Story by Audi AG

In Detail

Keyword: 2008 Audi RS 6 Sedan 5.0 TFSI quattro