AUDI RS6 Avant 2002-2004 Photos, engines & full specs

Audi introduced a station wagon for its most potent A6 range in 2002 and transformed the family car into a highway beast that could keep up with the raging bulls and ramping horses.

When Audi joined the horsepower war against BMW and Mercedes, it had to do it with something special. First of all, it used all the all-wheel-drive technology it had. Then, it continued with turbocharged engines. It still considered that it wasn't enough, so it brought the wagon to the table.

While it tried to look subtle, the RS6 still showed its muscles, and a trained eye could notice that. At the front, it sported a redesigned bumper with a center grille flanked by two side scoops, which cooled the front brakes and hosted the fog lights as well. Audi extended the roof above the trunk area, behind the rear axle, and ended it with a raked-forward liftgate. From behind, a pair of wide, oval exhausts confirmed that it was a potent version.

Inside, Audi installed a unique interior, unavailable on any regular A6 Avant. It started with a pair of power-adjustable Recaro sport bucket seats at the front, separated by a center console. The multimedia system featured a color screen with navigation and two SD slots for music. A 6-CD changer was available as an option. The standard automatic transmission featured a gear selector surrounded by aluminum trim. In the back, the carmaker installed the same bench seat from the rest of the range, with a folding seatback.

But the magic was under the skin, where Audi installed a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine. It provided 450 hp and sent them via a five-speed ZF gearbox in all corners. The car also featured the DRC (Dynamic Ride Control) system, which controlled the dampers.