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Audi Reveals RS6 performance and RS7 performance with 605 HP

Audi has taken the covers off two brand new versions of the RS6 wagon and its slightly sexier RS7 sister model. Both models wear the "performance" badge, but every fan of the quattro badge will want to call them "Plus" to continue the tradition.
Audi Reveals RS6 performance and RS7 performance with 605 HP 4-Liter TFSI 53 photos
Photo: Audi
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While their names are kind of silly, the performance promised by these beasts is beyond that of rivals from BMW and Mercedes-AMG. Under the unassuming bodies, we find a new version of the 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8. Instead of the usual 560 PS, we get 605 PS, the same output as in the S8 plus.

With 151 horsepower per liter, Audi's little TFSI package is one of the most power-dense V8 ever put into mass production. Torque has also been pushed up to 700 Nm (516.3 lb-ft) under normal conditions or 750 Nm (553.2 lb-ft) when the overboost function kicks in.

Probably feeling a little bit cocky, Audi even went as far as to compare its two champions to a supercar. The two RS high-performance models sprint like old Ferraris, reaching 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, 200 km/h (124 mph) and stopping once they hit the limiter at 280 and 305 km/h (155 to 174 and 189.5 mph), respectively. That means you could do a drag race against the Ferrari F430 and stand a good chance of winning.

Despite being designed to murder the competition, the RS6 and RS7 performance models have retained the cylinder on demand (COD) system, which only activates four of the eight cylinders when under part load. That means the 4-liter engine consumes just 9.6 and 9.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (24.5 and 24.8 US mpg), respectively, corresponding to 223 and 221 g CO2.

To get the best out of these two cars, you will still need to option them out. That's because carbon fiber-ceramic discs, the quattro rear differential or dynamic steering with a continuously variable steering ratio cost extra. Fortunately, the RS adaptive air suspension is free.

Not much has changed in the looks department except for a bit of paint and some new wheels. Audi offers the new exclusive paint finish Ascari Blue, also available as a metallic color. The interiors receive new seat upholstery in an Alcantara/leather combination with a honeycomb pattern and matching contrasting stitching on the armrests, control elements and floor mats. The last touches are knee pads in Alcantara and carbon twill blue inlays that can be seen on the side of the console.

In Germany, the RS6 performance begins at €117,000, making it just €7,000 more expensive than the basic RS6 Avant that nobody is going to want now. The RS7 Sportback with the performance goodies is €121,700 and will arrive next month.
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About the author: Mihnea Radu
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Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida.
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