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New Audi RS6 from
quattro GmbH |
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The Audi RS 6 is making
its international début at the Geneva Motor Show, with Avant and saloon
versions appearing simultaneously. The new model line has been created by quattro
GmbH as an entirely independent model and developed in conjunction with AUDI
AG. The V8 biturbo engine of the Audi RS 6 has an output of 331 kW (450 bhp)
and is capable of the performance of a thoroughbred sports car. With its
innovative DRC (Dynamic Ride Control) suspension system, the Audi RS 6 opens
up new dimensions of operating dynamics. The design of this extreme sports
specialist is deliberately restrained. The Audi RS 6 will have
a unique high-tech package at launch. Its immense power characteristic,
quattro permanent four-wheel drive, high-tech brake system and innovative DRC
suspension set new standards in the segment of high-performance vehicles. As there is more to
everyday driving than sports action, the Audi RS 6 has not settled for any
compromises when it comes to practical utility, comfort or convenience. Both
saloon and Avant body versions will be available, making it perfect for every
type of work, family and leisure use. It is only logical that
the Audi RS 6's elegant appearance should communicate an air of restrained
pre-eminence, for all its insistent emphasis on top performance. This is
entirely in keeping with the inner values of its target audience. The low front apron
with three specific air intake apertures, 18-inch or (optionally) 19-inch
alloy wheels, discreet side sills and a rear spoiler above a redesigned rear
apron accentuate the body's forceful bulk. Engine and
transmission The eight-cylinder V-engine
with a displacement of 4.2 litres has been specially developed for the Audi
RS 6. It achieves a permanent maximum power output of 331 kW (450 bhp)
between 5700 and 6400 rpm. Its peak torque of 560 Newton-metres is available
across an extremely wide range of engine speeds, from 1950 to 5600 rpm. Development work on the
V8 biturbo engine, which has five valves per cylinder unit, intake camshafts
with hydraulic adjustment and two-stage intake manifolds, was spearheaded by
quattro GmbH in close collaboration with AUDI AG's engine development
department at Neckarsulm. Most of the impressive
power gain is attributable to the two turbochargers, the efficiency of which
is further enhanced by two pressure-loss optimised intercoolers. There is one
turbocharger per bank of cylinders. The admission and exhaust ports have been
modified in line with the engine's higher performance, and the cross-section
of the air ducts enlarged at both the intake and thrust side. The adapted engine
management is another key aspect of the RS 6 engine's efficiency. The
Motronic ME 7.1.1 operates with boost pressure, knock and exhaust-gas
temperature control. quattro GmbH has developed a dual-branch exhaust system
with backpressure-optimised middle and rear silencers, larger-section pipes,
and primary and main catalytic converters with a metal base. The RS 6 thus
satisfies the EU3 emission standard. To distribute the
weight more effectively throughout the vehicle, the battery has been moved
further back, into the spare wheel's recess. The upper section of the air
cleaner is made from a carbon fibre composite material; together with a
further carbon fibre cover over the front section of the engine compartment,
it gives the engine a striking appearance.
Performance quattro permanent
four-wheel drive and a version of the tiptronic five-speed automatic
transmission that has been specially refined for the RS 6 convert the V8
biturbo's high torque into propulsive power with impressive efficiency and
directional stability. The Audi RS 6 sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in a mere 4.9
seconds, and hits the 200 km/h mark after 18 seconds. The top speed is
governed smoothly at 250 km/h by electronic means. To maintain the
emphasis on an overtly sporty driving style, the tiptronic five-speed automatic
transmission for the RS 6 incorporates a dynamic Sport program: the S drive
position on the one hand pushes each individual gear up to higher speed at
full throttle, and on the other hand permits swifter downshifts. Depending on
the level of lateral acceleration, the transmission management can adjust the
shift points upwards. This avoids undesirable gearshifts on a bend. The RS 6 driver can of
course also operate the transmission manually: either by briefly pressing the
selector lever or by pressing a shift paddle on the steering wheel, like in
motor racing. When the driver operates the shift paddle, his choice of gear
overrides the driving program currently in use. In keeping with the
car's high performance, quattro GmbH has developed a completely new brake
system for the RS 6. Large brake discs of a composite design have been fitted
on both the front and rear wheels. This technology, which originated in the
world of motor sport, involves fixing a cast friction ring to an aluminium
brake-disc chamber by means of 14 pins. This "floating" arrangement
improves the stability of the brake discs, particularly when exposed to
extreme loads and at high operating temperatures. The ventilated,
perforated disc brakes have a diameter of 365 millimetres at the front, and
335 millimetres at the rear. The grip is achieved by means of eight-piston
brake callipers at the front and single-piston floating callipers at the
rear. The parameters of the ABS system and the electronic brake-force
distribution system have been specifically redefined for the high-performance
brake system. Running gear 18-inch wheels create
space for the generously dimensioned brake system of the Audi RS 6. The 8.5 J
x 18 cast aluminium wheels of nine-spoke design are fitted with 255/40 R 18 tyres
at the front and rear. The Audi RS 6 is available with 19-inch alloy wheels
as an optional extra. The 9 J x 19 aluminium wheels with the new five-arm
design come with 255/35 R 19 tyres. The five-spoke wheels for winter tyres
are of the 7.5 J x 18 dimension and have substantial 225/45 R 18 M+S tyres. The swivel bearings and
the control arms of the four-link front suspension are of aluminium. The
spring/shock absorber units and elastokinematics have been retuned to suit
the altered axle weights and modified axle geometry. The rack-and-pinion
steering with a direct ratio also contributes towards the vehicle's
distinctly sporty handling. |
Price
and Option lists are available from now on.
Please
do not hesitate to contact us for
more informations.