Audi RS 6

The RS6 is the highest-performance version of Audi's C5 body style A6. Production began in late 2003 and ended in early 2004. The C5 RS6 (2004) was the second model to come out of Audi's quattro GmbH; first was B5 RS4 (2001); and the current is the B7 RS4 (2006). It was the first RS model to reach North America (U.S.A. and Canada).

Model Information (2002 - 2004)

The first RS6 was the top-of-the-line of C5 (2nd generation, 1997-2004) A6 and was available as both a sedan and a wagon (called Avant by Audi). Derived from the C5 S6, the RS6 also shares aluminium structure from the firewall and forward with the C5 V8 A6s (A6 4.2 V8 quattro, S6 sedan/Avant).

The "RS" stands for RennSport, and is positioned above the "S" ("Sport") line of Audi's regular line-up.

Engine

The RS6 featured a twin-turbocharged version of the corporate 4.2 Litre V8 engine (code BCY) tuned by Cosworth Technologies (Now known as Mahle Powertrain), which had originally been developed for the 1994 A8. With the aid of the turbochargers, output rose to 450/331 bhp/kW and 415 lb-ft (560 Nm) of torque. The combination of the 4.2 litre V8 and twin turbochargers gave the RS6 an exceptionally wide power band, with peak torque available from 1950 to 5600 RPMs.

Transmission

The RS6 was available only with Audi's Quattro All-Wheel Drive 5-speed "Tiptronic" transmission, a modified unit that was being used in the 6.0 litre W12 powered D1 A8.

It is an electronically-controlled 5-speed automatic transmission with lock-up torque converter. It has "hill detection" capability, and is programmed to blip the throttle for gear change. There are over 200 shift programs to suite the driving style.

The front differential is open, with electronic differential lock ("EDL"); the center is a Torsen unit; and the rear is open with EDL. The power from the engine is first routed to the Torsen center unit, and then divided to front & rear.

Suspension (U.S. model)

The RS6 also served as the debut model for Audi's Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system. The system is mainly mechanical, and uses a pump to keep pressure in the shock abosorbers during cornering to counteract rolling and pitching. The system is "intelligent", it is able to adjust the stiffness at each shock absorber constantly to maintain both a comfortable ride and high grip. However, DRC's main advantage is that it operates without the need for most of the complicated electronics required in similar systems from Mercedes-Benz and other competitors.

Brakes (U.S. model)

The front features Brembo 8-piston fixed caliper (4 pads per side) working with cross-drilled, floating vented disc sized 14.37" (1.3" thickness). The rear had single floating caliper (2 per side) with parking brake mechanism, mated to cross-drilled, floating vented disc sized 13.19" (0.9" thickness).

Both front and rear floating discs are held in by metal pins to the hub, and allow 1mm of thermal expansion from the hub center.

ABS and EBD was standard.

Tyres & Wheels

There were total of three OEM wheels types produced for the RS6, and one for RS6 Plus. In Europe and elsewhere, 19" wheels & tyre package was standard with optional 18" package for those who wish it. However, only 18" package was offered in the U.S. market. 18" winter package was universally available. RS6 Plus saw the addition of "anthracite" (dark gray) 19" package as standard. For 18" wheels, the standard tyre fitted was 255/40-18 with extra load (XL) rating. This is often stressed and the only recommendation by Audi as RS6 does weigh a hefty (approx.) 4100lb. Tires that are not rated XL may not be safe for use. Owners reported finding Continental ContiSportContact 2, Dunlop SP Sport 9000, Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, and Pirelli P-Zero Rosso as OEM suppliers for the tires.For 19" wheels, the standard tyre fitted was 255/30-19 with extra load (XL) rating. However, there were debates as to how safe are 19" tires as XL rating will only get to 96 (1565 lb load rating). (In contrast, the 255/40-18 XL will get you 99, good for 1709 lb per tire.) Also, 19" wheel & tire package may rub against the strut if not properly fitted. At least from one U.S. owner reports Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, part number 14875, will fit as the tire does not come with rim protector "lip" on the inner side of the tire.

Statistics

According to testing by Car and Driver magazine, the RS6 can accelerate from 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) in just 4.7(Avant 4.9) seconds, 0-124 mph in 17.6(Avant 17.8) seconds and has an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h), although many people reported to have gone well over this limit. It can stop from 60 mph (96.6 to 0 km/h) in 118 feet (35.97m), thanks to its large 365/335 mm (14.4/13.2 in) front/rear brakes, and an uncommon eight-piston design in the front.

In addition, Automobile Magazine ran the RS6 from 0-60mph in 4.3 seconds, and 0-100mph in 10.4 seconds, and 0-150mph in 26.8 seconds. Road and Track recorded a quarter-mile run of 12.63seconds@109mph. Motor Trend achieved 60-0mph braking in 113 feet, rounded the skidpad at .90g, and ran the slalom at 68.7mph. These are the best figures, respectively, recorded on the RS6.

About 8000 RS6s were produced worldwide. Originally Audi of American planned to sell approximately 860 units in United States, total of approximately 1200 were sold at the end. In 2003, it was priced at $82,000 for the U.S. market (Car and Driver estimate).

RS6 Plus

Towards the end of production in 2004, there was a run of higher-performance RS6 named RS6 Plus, producing over 480bhp/353kW @ 6000-6400rpm and 413lb-ft/560Nm @ 1950-6000rpm(engine code BRV) - topping out 280km/h(174mph). This performance was achieved with a new ECU and two additional radiators behind the intercoolers(which were available to RS6 in hotter climate countries). A mere 4.6 seconds elapse for the standard discipline of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h. The Quattro RS6 Plus hits 200 km/h in just 17.3 seconds. The RS6 Plus came with DRC as standard, also a Sports Suspension Plus(lowering the standard sports suspension by 10mm) was available with no extra cost. The wheels were uprated from 255/40 R18 to 255/35 R19 size. The car came only as an Avant and was sold only in European markets. It lasted for just one model year but quickly sold out once it was released(999 units total). The last three digits of the VIN are reproduced on a plaque inside the car, displayed on the centre console.

Racing

The RS6 has recently been used in the Speed World Challenge

2008 RS6

Audi is currently in the process of creating a new twin turbo V10 engine derived from the current S6 5.2L V10. This engine will produce 580 hp.

This is sure to rival (or out-do) the performance of the BMW M5 and M6 and the Mercedes Benz E63 AMG.

Awards

The 4.2 V8 engine in its base configuration was named as one of the Ward’s Auto World "10 Best Engines for 2005".

The RS6's combination of performance, handling (AWD), luxury and available space was why it was chosen over its closest competitors, Jaguar S-Type R, and Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG by Car and Driver magazine.