Audi unveiled the RS6 Avant on December 5th 2012, but the 2013 Geneva autoshow is the first opportunity given to the public and the press to admire it in the metal.

In this RS6 (type C7), the TFSI twinturbo 4.0 liter V8 achieves a maximum torque of 700 Nm between 1750 and 5500 rpm, and achieves a peak power of 560 hp from 5600 to 6700 rpm. The two twinscroll  turbochargers are nested inside the V, between the cylinder banks, while induction ports are placed on the outside. The 0-100 km/h acceleration is covered in 3.9s, top speed (heavily) regulated at 250 km/h, or 280 km/h with the optional “dynamic package”, or even 305 km/h if you tick the “dynamic package plus” box.

The twinturbo 4.0 V8 sends its massive torque via an eight gear tiptronic gearbox, with tight ratios in the lower gears to favor acceleration, and longer upper gears to optimize gas mileage. All-wheel-drive Quattro is of course standard, with torque vectoring to help agility. Adaptive pneumatic suspension adapts ride height to speed, lowering the body by 20mm at high speeds. A stiffer sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control is offered as an option. Break rotors measure 390mm in diameter, pinched by 6 pistons calipers. Carbon ceramic discs of 420mm are also available. Forged 20 inch rims are standard, 21 inch are an option.

The engine is equiped with Cylinder On Demand (COD) technology: cylinders 2, 3, 5 & 8 are shut under light loads, reducing fuel consumption by 5% to achieve 9.8 L/100km in the normalized cycle, or 40% less than the RS6 C6. Base price in Switzerland is 147‘’200 CHF, with deliveries starting the second half of 2013.

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