Bucket lister: Audi's new RS 6 Avant GT

Bucket lister: Audi's new RS 6 Avant GT

There are few cars more desirable than the RS 6. Its unique and athletic station wagon design is one of the few that does it right. Even though it's gorgeous, the Avant is heavy. Audi's solution? More power, more torque, and less weight.

Last year, the RS 6 Avant performance arrived in South Africa, and it was an impressive addition to the RS lineup. Slightly more power and better handling proved to make the RS 6 that much more engaging, but the weight and body roll remained cumbersome in the corners. The introduction of the RS 6 Avant GT should add to the driving experience by removing weight, improving the look, and providing the owner with adjustable features.

The twin-turbocharged V8 TFSI produces a whopping 463kW and 850 Nm in this application, with all this power sent to the wheels using an 8-speed gearbox. Furthermore, the GT knocks out a 0-100km/h time of 3.3 seconds and tops out at 305km/h. Not bad for a family car.

An added benefit to the GT is its new adjustable coilovers. It stiffens up the ride to your liking and allows for more consistent cornering characteristics. The shocks are now 30% stiffer in the front and 80% stiffer in the rear. It also comes with bold racing-inspired 22-inch wheels, which are exclusive to the RS 6 GT wrapped in Continental's Sport Contact 7s. Audi claims these tyres have improved both its wet and dry road holding ability.

Audi has further added the same locking centre differential found in the RS 6 Performance for better dynamics. Power is split front and rear in a 40:60 configuration, but if you do lose traction, the RS 6 GT will send power to the axle with the most grip. Up to 70% can be sent to the front and 85% to the rear.

Now for the most obvious changes. The look. The RS 6 Avant GT is striking with its new livery in Audi colours that highlights all of the tiny details on the exterior. Audi took inspiration from the RS 6 GTO Concept, and the heritage decal that steals the show is based on the Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO. Added body kit elements like the front splitter, rear wing, and 22-inch wheels make the RS 6 that much more aggressive.

Given that Audi plans to only produce 660 units, it is unlikely that any of these models will arrive in South Africa. Even if we did receive a couple, the price in Europe translates to a smidge less than R4.5 million, making it a tough sell, even for enthusiasts.

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