Celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Audi RS6 by discovering its four generations

The Audi RS6 turns 20, and it remains one of the most beloved sports models on the market. This model combines very appealing performance with a versatility worth considering. As the brand with the four rings has stated, the success of the Audi RS6 is based “on a concept that has endured since 2002 across all generations, with a twin-turbocharged engine and all-wheel drive”.

The motto of Audi, “At the Forefront of Technology”, is also reflected in other elements, such as the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system, which has long been used in other RS models from Audi. The first generation of the Audi RS6 was internally named C5 and received all the adaptations needed to turn the A6 into a true sports car. Now the model would have new skirts, wider sills, a spoiler for the Avant, a distinctive spoiler for the saloon, 18″ or 19″ wheels, and two oval exhaust outlets that accentuated its sporting ambitions.

Discover the four generations of the Audi RS6

Two of the most striking characteristics are comfort and sportiness, both in the most demanding driving and in everyday use, and this was achieved thanks to the inclusion of a chassis with the dynamic chassis control system called Dynamic Ride Control, DRC. Stephan Reil, head of development for the four generations of the Audi RS6 and Technical Development manager in Neckarsulm, explained how the system works: “the DRC reduces body roll and pitch when driving sportily, whether on straights or on winding roads.”

The Audi RS6 C5 became the only RS6 to have competed in racing, specifically in the Speed GT World Challenge in 2003, driven by Randy Pobst. To mark the end of the series, the brand with the four rings raised its output to 480 CV and 560 Nm of maximum torque. With these ingredients, the model could accelerate to 280 km/h.

In 2008 the second generation of the Audi RS6 arrived, the C6. On this occasion, the brand increased the number of engine cylinders to ten, also increased the power, added two turbochargers, and the displacement reached 5,000 cc. It offered 580 CV and 650 Nm of torque from 1,500 rpm. The V10 engine featured dry-sump lubrication to ensure oil supply in corners. It is worth mentioning that towards the end of the series, buyers could choose between the plus Sport and plus Executive versions.

The third generation arrived in 2013 under the internal designation C7. On this occasion, the German brand returned to an eight-cylinder, four-liter engine, but the most notable feat is that it managed to reduce the weight of the assembly by 120 kilograms thanks to the use of aluminium. It could go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 305 km/h. Among its most notable features is the adoption of air suspension as standard equipment.

The fourth member of the family is named C8 and has become the best Audi RS6 to date. It reached the market in 2019 and has remained faithful to its legacy. It currently features a twin-turbo V8 engine capable of delivering 600 CV of power and 800 Nm of maximum torque. Electrification has also reached the model, which features a 48-volt mild-hybrid system. It can go from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and needs only twelve seconds to reach 200 km/h. Now that you know its history, which generation do you prefer?