UNITED STATES: Audi is introducing an all-new Performance Series with an upgraded twin-turbo, 4.0-liter engine in the RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback.
Despite Audi’s vow to strictly launch only electric vehicles from 2026, there are still plenty of new cars to come with an internal combustion engine.
Delivered to the classic Audi Quattro system, the potent TFSI V8 now produces 621 HP and 850 Nm of torque.
Audi has increased output by 30 HP and 50 Nm compared to the standard models.
The all-new Audi cars can now sprint to 100 km/h from a standstill in just 3.4 seconds, which is two-tenths of a second faster than before thanks to the additional power.
The RS Dynamic Package is standard on the RS6 Performance and RS7 Performance. It raises the top speed to 1280 km/h and adds rear-wheel steering.
In addition to getting a new engine, the RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback get a new self-locking centre differential that is lighter and smaller.
The new differential’s function is to direct the engine’s power in a rear-biased ratio since 60 percent of the engine’s output is channelled to the rear under normal driving conditions.
The traction can be transferred up to 70–85% to the rear wheels or the front axle. The transfer depends on the amount of traction available.
When the driver pushes the car hard, this new hardware reduces the risk of understeering and sharpens handling when cornering.
The Performance models come standard with wheels made of 21-inch cast aluminium that can be upgraded to 22-inch wheels by the customer.
A 22-inch lightweight made with a high-tech forging-milling process shaves off around five kilogrammes of weight compared to the standard 22-inch wheel. As a result, the car shed 20 kilogrammes from its overall weight.
The Continental Sport Contact 7 285/30 tyres with these new wheels promise to improve grip on dry and wet roads and cut the distance required to reach a standstill from 100 km/h by two meters.
Replacing the standard steel set with ceramic brakes can reduce the weight even further, by up to 34 kg.
The lighter brakes with callipers available in red, blue, or grey colours are part of the optional RS Dynamic Package Plus, raising the top speed to 305 km/h. They measure 440 mm front and 370 mm rear.
Audi has integrated a blinking shift indicator into the 12.3-inch digital driver’s display when the eight-speed Tiptronic transmission is in manual mode. When the launch control system is activated, these indicate the ideal time to accelerate off the line.
The LED projectors mounted inside the front doors display the “RS Performance” lettering as a final touch.
Audi has yet to announce the price for the US market, but customers can expect to pay more than the $118,900 price of a standard 2023 RS6 Avant. The regular price of the 2023 RS7 Sportback is $120,900.
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