People climb Everest because it is there; Audi makes cars like this because they can. At first glance, it looks like another big estate. The difference is that this one goes like a Porsche.
The new RS6 is the latest round in a power game between the German carmakers. By pouring in a 572bhp V10 twin turbo engine, Audi has overtaken both the 503bhp Mercedes AMG and the 500bhp BMW M5, temporarily at least. The previous V8 RS6 had fallen behind the field; hence the 145bhp upgrade.
Audi are masters of understatement and there is little about the appearance of the RS6 that will signify its potency to the average person. Those in the know will spot the badges and the bulging rear wheel arches covering the rather broad tyres on 20-inch alloy wheels. This must be the ultimate Q-car.
You do not have to bend double to get into this super car. I just slide behind the wheel and drive off like I was on a shopping trip. Inside is spacious and luxurious and the car is as docile as a kitten as I negotiate a few villages. There is little to indicate what is to come.
A piece of clear road appears at last, so I tramp on the accelerator. The result can only be described as explosive. The car hurtles forward and we are pressed back into the well-shaped and comfy seats. I have no reason to doubt Audi‘s claim that 62mph is reached in 4.6 seconds. Braking is equally forceful.
What impresses me most is just how relaxed and in control I feel. There is nothing daunting about how the car behaves. It responds well to the steering and feels very stable; its limitations are well beyond mine. The sound of the deep burbling exhaust pipes complements the experience.
Credit must go to the latest version of Audi‘s renowned quattro all-wheel drive system. It now sends 60% of the power to the rear wheels and 40% to the front, giving a more pleasing driving experience as well as huge amounts of grip. The gearbox is a clever six-speed automatic with fast-acting steering wheel paddles when the driver wants to take charge.
There's also an intelligent suspension system that can increase damping when it senses you are cornering hard. Other technologies makes sure the RS can respond to whatever situation it faces. All the non-technical driver will notice is a feeling that this car knows what it is doing.
Of course, most people will find the RS6 to be verging on the ridiculous in these times of rising oil prices and green pressure But Audi points out that it is more economical – 20mpg on the combined cycle – that most cars of its performance. Its emissions of 333g/km are also said to be the lowest in its class. All things are relative.
Still, there is no denying that the RS6 is a magnificent piece of engineering and will sell in limited numbers to the wealthy few who appreciate its qualities and can take the odd trip to Germany to legally use its full capabilities. It is another bold statement that Audi can outdo its German rivals in all the automotive arts.
Post your comment
Cavok
Paul Green
Welcome to the site, m8!
Cavok
Captain_Grumpy
Post your comment