Audi has refined the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback to make it even more suitable for everyday use. The RS 6 Avant is now fourth generation and the RS 7 in its second generation officially available in South Africa from 1 st April 2021. Both models have had body enhancements with the 6 gaining 40 mm in width on each side from its broad flared wheel arches. The 7 sits lower and is now 1,950mm wide at the front fenders. Both models have a new hood together with a power dome and a flatter sportier headlight structure containing HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and darkened trims as standard. The grille takes on a three-dimensional honeycomb structure finished in gloss black. Audi R8 supercar influence comes in the form of side air vent intakes below the headlights and strikingly new RS bumper which extends almost into the lower edge of the headlights. Rear end treatment includes roof edge spoiler, RS-specific bumper with rear diffuser and design elements in gloss black, and RS oval chrome-coloured exhaust tailpipes. At a speed of 100km/hr a spoiler will extend from the tailgate of the RS 7 Sportback.
The 4.0 TFSI in both models produces 441kW and delivers 800 Nm of torque within a broad range from 2,050 to 4,500 rpm. 3.6 seconds to sprint from 0 – 100km/hr and top speed of 250 km/hr which can be increased to 280 km/hr with the RS Dynamic Package. A mild hybrid system with 48-volt main on-board electrical system combines maximum performance with high efficiency. The belt alternator starter can recover up to 12 kW power under gentle acceleration and feed into a lithium-ion battery as electricity. This technology reduces fuel consumption by as much as 0.8 litres per 100 kilometres. Cylinder-on-demand is another system the vehicle has when it comes to efficiency. In higher gears at low to medium loads and engine speeds the system will deactivate cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8 by halting injection and ignition and closing the intake and exhaust valves. Each switchover takes mere milliseconds and is virtually undetectable by the driver and passengers.
The power produced by the 4.0 TFSI flows via the standard eight-speed-Tiptronic transmission with optimized shift times and a new launch control function to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.
Many further enhancements have been made to the suspension, and steering resulting in an improved driving experience through road holding and stability.
The adaptive air suspension can be set to several modes including automatic level control. The body of the new RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback is 20 mm lower than base models and at speeds of 120km/hr and above is lowered by another 10mm.
Progressive steering is standard or optionally with the RS Dynamic package the new models come with dynamic all-wheel steering. At low speeds the rear wheels turn as much as five degrees in the opposite direction relative to the front wheels, reducing the turning circle by as much as one metre. Six profiles are available, comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, individual RS1 and individual RS2 activated directly using the steering wheel button. 22-inch 5-V-spoke design wheels with 285/30 tyres in silver, matt titanium look, gloss turned finish, and gloss turned anthracite black finish. Red painted brake callipers as standard or blue on the optional RS ceramic brakes. Discs measure 440mm at the front and 370mm at the rear. Inside the RS sport seats are upholstered with Valcona leather featuring a honeycomb pattern and embossed RS emblem. Red stitching on the Alcantra steering wheel rim, gear lever gaiter and knee pads and lastly red edging on the seatbelts and RS floor mats. The Avant has a luggage capacity between 565 and 1 680 litres and the Sportback 535 litres increasing to 1 390 litres with the split
rear seat folded down.
Further equipment highlights include:
- Park Assist (360-degree camera)
- Lane Change Assist
- Tour assist (Cruise control)
- Embedded SIM
- Navigation with satellite maps and live weather updates
- Audi Connect
- Remote function, car finder, lock and unlock speed and thief alerts
- MMI touch response display
- Audi virtual cockpit
- Logo projectors on front and rear doors
Eight exterior colour finishes including two RS specific shades of Nardo Grey and Sebring Black. Three optional exterior packages for the trims to enhance the sporty look. Front spoiler, side flaps, sill inlays, window slot trims, rear diffuser, and exterior mirror housing all fall under one package and can be selected in matte aluminium, black styling, or carbon glossy black upon request.
Retail Prices:
Audi RS 6 Avant TFSI quattro R2 070 000
Audi RS 7 Sportback TFSI quattro R2 173 500
