Imagine taking a high-performance car packed with a V8 powerplant that can go 0-62 mph in under four seconds, has an eight-speed transmission, along with a variety of drive mode settings and merging it with a station wagon. That’s the thinking behind the Audi RS Avant Series. Now, Audi has announced that the newest Avant, the RS 6 Avant, will be coming to the American automotive market.
The successful concept of combining power, driving experience, and the feel of driving a high-performance car with a family vehicle has helped Audi in putting the Avant firmly into the high-end car market. The original mid 90s Avant’s rolled off the line with the help of Porsche and quickly became a hit because they were fun to drive and practical for everyday use.
Audi has announced that the all-new Rs 6 Avant will be available through dealers in North America for the first time according to Oliver Hoffmann, managing director of Audi Sport GmbH.
“Throughout our 25-year RS history, the Audi RS 6 Avant is one of our absolute icons with a large global fan base,” said Hoffmann. “We will also be offering the RS 6 Avant in North America for the very first time. As such, we will be tapping into a new market with huge potential and generating further growth.”
The RS 6 Avant will have a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine with an eight-speed Tiptronic® transmission featuring optimized shift times and an all-new launch control function as part of the standard package.
The specs show that the RS 6 Avant will deliver 600 PS and 590.0 lb-ft of torque allowing it to leap from 0 to 62 mph (0-100 km/h) in 3.6 seconds and a top-speed (track) listed at 155.3 mph. The RS 6 will feature Audi’s Quattro® permanent all-wheel drive with wheel-selective torque control, adaptive air suspension, and controlled damping for “enhanced handling” and “cornering agility.”
The interior of the car will have seating for the driver and four passengers along with plenty of cargo space. It also comes with standard features which may not be common in cars in its segment. Here’s where things start to change when making the mental jump from wagon/crossover to a high-end sports car.
The RS 6 Avant interior features electronic displays that provide normal driver information on tire pressure, torque, power output, etc. and track-relevant information on engine oil temperature, boost pressure, acceleration, g forces, and lap-times… yes – lap times. Drivers can select from six drive modes including comfort, auto, dynamic, efficiency, and two additional configurable modes.
The all-new exterior design of the RS 6 Avant is a big step away from former looks. The new-look utilizes a striking front end complete with the signature RS honeycomb grille and flared side air intakes. The body is almost two inches wider (1.6), which enhances the aggressive look of the vehicle when compared to past models. The posterior has a roof edge spoiler, an RS-specific bumper with a diffuser in gloss black along with gorgeous looking chrome exhaust pipes. That’s a combination you’re not going to find on many wagons.
When the 2020 Audi RS 6 Avant pops up in your rear-view mirror, you may have the impression that a high-end sports car is behind you. When it passes, you may be left scratching your head wondering how a family wagon whizzed past you so quickly.
