As if the 600 hp wasn’t quite enough, Audi has now given the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback models an extra dose of performance… quite literally. Yes, these two new variants for the RS 6 and RS 7 are actually called ‘performance’ (even without the capital ‘P’), and it tells you exactly what it is, making the already hot cars even hotter.
First things first, some numbers. Thanks to a larger turbocharger, Audi is able to extract even more power from the 4.0-litre bi-turbo V8 engine, with a 30 hp and 50 Nm boost in outputs to now make 630 hp and 850 Nm. The extra power translates to a 0.2 seconds quicker century sprint time, which means both cars now do 0-100 km/h in just 3.4 seconds.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox has also been re-tuned for faster shifts and a more noticeable personality change in between drive modes, while the new centre-locking differential is also both lighter and more compact. Audi says that it can now send as much as 70% of torque to the front wheels and 85% to the rear whenever needed, to help improve handling and reduce understeer.
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Audi says it’s also shaved off some weight on the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback performance, with reduced insulation in the engine compartment, interior, and in the rear of the vehicle to drop about 8 kg from the scale – although you’ll probably notice the louder engine noise more.
The more noticeable weight difference comes from the optional (and exclusive) 22-inch 5-Y spoke wheels, which helps shave off an extra 20 kg over the standard car’s 22-inch options, while looking extra badass. The lightweight wheels will also be fitted with new stickier rubber in the form of Continental Sport Contact 7, with a massive 285 mm width, that helps reduce braking distances from 100-0 km/h as much as two metres shorter.
The new range-topping performance models will come as standard with the RS Dynamic Package, which includes a rear-wheel steering system with RS-specific software, a Quattro sport differential on the rear axle, and – perhaps most importantly – raises the top speed to 280 km/h.
A RS Dynamics Package plus option is also available, which further increases the top speed to 305 km/h, and swaps the steel brakes for a carbon ceramic brake system, dropping another 34 kg in unsprung mass.
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On the appearance front, the new performance models get matte grey exterior trims as standard. Although, customers can opt for a matte carbon or black optics package if they so wish, which blacks out the roof rails and side window trims. Buyers can also choose between chrome or black for the Audi Rings and model badging.
Inside, a smattering of blue accents along with extra Dinamica microfibre tell you that they’re the special performance models. The 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster also gets a new blinking shift indicator mode, because race car.
Quite surprisingly, there really aren’t that many performance badgings here at all throughout the entire car. The most prominent display of the new variant name actually comes in the form of a front door puddle lamps, which projects a ‘RS performance’ logo on the ground at night. Weird, but refreshing.
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