Performance by name

Performance by name and performance by nature. The new Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback performance now literally carry the term as part of their model designation and never was it more appropriate than in these two exceptional cars.

It’s not to say that the original RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback lacked in the high-performance stakes, but in the rarified atmosphere of the supercar ranks it becomes a game of degrees, where every gram of weight removed and every fraction of a second gained makes all the difference.

With the ability to race from standstill to 100km/h in a mere 3.7 seconds (0.2 seconds quicker than before) and a possible top speed of 305km/h with the Dynamic Package Plus selected, these cars also comfortably earn their supercar labels. But their ability to accommodate passengers and have room for luggage – even a couple of golf bags in the boot – make them even more remarkable.

Sitting comfortably atop the RS model range, demand for cars of this pedigree has never been greater and Australia despite its relatively small population, is a significant consumer of the famous RS models.

Speaking at the launch event, Audi Australia’s Managing Director, Andrew Doyle said that the demand for high performance models continued to grow steadily in Australia.

“The Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback models have been extraordinarily successful in this current generation,” he said. “However, discerning customers at this very top end of the luxury sports car market are always looking for an edge, and the new Audi Sport RS performance models really offer a captivating combination of dynamic ability and individual design touches. These new models really stretch their legs ahead of the competition,” said Mr Doyle.

Fittingly the dynamic duo made their Australian debut at the stunning Phillip Island Grand Prix circuit, the weather on its best behaviour for a change. Not that the usual rain would have dampened the occasion or caused these two any problems, given their almost unshakable solidity on the track courtesy of extraordinary chassis dynamics and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. The fast open layout of Phillip Island was perfect for these two grandest of grand tourers, the sonorous note of the 4.0 TFSI twin-turbo V8 engine they share, absolute music under load down the main straight.

With a massive 445kW of power on tap and 700Nm of torque (750Nm on overboost), acceleration has to be experienced to be fully appreciated. The eight-speed tiptronic transmission offering the choice of manual changes via the wheel-mounted paddles, or the option of selecting Sport mode and letting the car make the lightening changes itself.

Visually the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback have been described in the past as being the ultimate wolves in sheep’s clothing, but to be realistic they are more wolves in wolves’ clothing. Even to the untrained eye they have a presence that may not scream ‘look at me’ but makes a distinct impression nonetheless.

In keeping with Audi’s design philosophy their styling is subtle but unmistakably sporty. The RS 6 Avant is taunt and muscular, its front aggressive end with the standard Matrix LED lights is distinctive and its rear end accentuates the car’s width and impressive stance on the road. The RS 7 Sportback performance remains a study in elegance with its sweeping lines, but again the aggressively flared guards and massive air intakes give it an unmistakable presence.

Key visual points of difference between the performance models and their predecessors include a titanium look finish, with accents on the singleframe grille, front spoiler and air intakes, mirror caps, window surrounds and rear diffuser. New 21-inch wheels in keeping with the matt titanium look fill out the massive guards nicely and add to the on-road presence of both vehicles.

Of course customers can further enhance the visual appearance of either model for a more distinctive finish with an optional Carbon styling package which adds a raw carbon fibre finish to elements around the car.

Performance specials they may be but the RS designation is also synonymous with the highest standards of interior finish, equipment and luxury. Passengers in either model are surrounded by two of the best interiors in the business, with an Audi Exclusive combination of Alcantara and Valcona leather upholstery highlighted by marcato blue honeycomb stitching, along with a unique carbon fibre blue twill inlay. Additional leather touches and contrasting stitching set these models apart and the sports seats with their RS logos seem to envelop the occupants like a glove, regardless of the speed and the g-forces. But it is the driver who is really spoilt – chiefly because they are the one driving.

Around town, both cars offer sumptuous accommodation for five adults and 535 litres of storage (30 litres more in the RS 6 Avant) with systems such as Cylinder on Demand shutting down four of the eight cylinders to provide maximum fuel efficiency. But given the right road conditions (and speed limits), the size of both cars is forgotten, as they ‘morph’ into the most agile of sports cars.

At speed – really high speed – they are rock solid, giving the driver the confidence to dive deeper into corners before braking and to get back on the throttle sooner. Forgiving is another term that springs to mind, these cars are far more competent at speed than this particular writer, and oh so forgiving of over enthusiasm. 

An exercise to familiarise journalists with the cars before unleashing them on the track showed just how hard they were to ‘unsettle’ (the cars that is) even with the traction controlled switched off. Attempting to deliberately make the back end ‘step out’ proving frustratingly difficult thanks to the sure-footedness of the quattro all-wheel drive.

Fast laps in the hands of someone really talented – on this occasion three-time Australian champion Dean Canto – and these cars are pure weapons grade, but still allow the passenger to sit back and enjoy the sumptuous interior as the world rushes by in a blur.

These are impressive cars in every respect and in every circumstance. Their appeal as performance specials is obvious and the fact that they are so comfortable with the everyday puts these extraordinary cars in a unique class of their own.