More power for the Audi RS 6 and RS 7 in the new performance versions

For those of us who have been lucky enough to drive cars like the Audi RS 6 Avant -or the RS 7 Sportback, which for practical purposes are the same-, and with the freedom a closed circuit allows, it’s hard for us to understand why anyone at Audi would set out to… improve them? Surely that’s impossible! At least mechanically, because some cosmetic tweaks here and there are always welcome.

But it seems I was mistaken. At the brand with the four rings they didn’t hesitate, and the “performance” name on these new versions lives up to its meaning: even more power and better performance. These aren’t the only changes the new RS 6 Avant performance and RS 7 Sportback performance bring, though. I should warn you that calling something “performance” comes at a price: no less than about 20,000 euros over the base versions, which puts the RS 6 Avant performance at 168,000 euros, and the RS 7 Sportback performance at 173,800 euros. What do they offer in return? Let’s take a look.

Twin-turbo V8 engine boosted to 630 CV

To start, the powerful 4-litre twin-turbo TFSI V8 receives new, larger turbochargers, which raise boost pressure from 2.4 to 2.6 bar. Power could have been raised far more without difficulty, but at Audi they have chosen to be “conservative” and gain 30 CV, bringing output to 463 kW (630 CV), also raising peak torque by 50 Nm, to 850 Nm.

Weight has also been slightly reduced, by about 8 kilograms. Not to improve the power-to-weight ratio, but to remove insulation between the engine compartment and the cabin, along with some other areas, so that customers feel even more sporty sensations at the wheel when accelerating hard, always without compromising comfort. The kerb weight of the RS 6 Avant performance stays at 2,090 kg, versus 2,065 kg for the RS 7 Sportback. Both models shave two tenths off the 0-100 km/h time, with the clock stopping at an impressive 3.4 seconds.

But that’s not all. A new, more compact rear limited-slip differential has been added, and the steering has been recalibrated to reduce understeer and offer greater agility through corners. Standard equipment now includes new 22-inch forged aluminium wheels, about 5 kg lighter than cast aluminium ones; in total that is 20 kg less unsprung mass, which further improves dynamic behaviour. These wheels are fitted with new Continental Sport Contact 7 tyres, in size 285/30.

Another adjustment in these performance versions affects the driving profiles of the Audi drive select system, which now offer greater differentiation. Finally, the new software for the tiptronic gearbox makes gear changes even faster.

RS Dynamic package as standard

These new performance versions of the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 come as standard with the RS Dynamic package, which includes four-wheel dynamic steering (also with a software update) and the rear sport differential, and raises the top speed limiter from 250 to 280 km/h. As an option, the limiter can be raised further to 305 km/h with the RS Dynamic plus package, which adds RS brakes with ceramic discs, 34 kg lighter than steel ones.

Externally, the “performance” versions are distinguished by matt titanium grey finish on elements such as the mirror housings, the front spoiler and flaps, the sill inserts, the roof rails, the window surrounds and the rear diffuser. Buyers can choose from 16 body colours, three of them exclusive: Ascari blue, metallic or matt, and Rocío silver matt.

In the cabin, colour comes from the RS design packages, available in grey or red, with contrast stitching in blue, a shade repeated on the seatbelts. The gear lever knob and door trims are in Dinamica microfibre, and the standard upholstery is Valcona leather. The optional RS plus design package adds black microfibre inserts in various parts of the interior.

Audi RS 6 Avant performance – Image gallery

Audi RS 7 Sportback performance – Image gallery