Audi RS6
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Audi RS6 | |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | quattro GmbH (a private subsidiary of Audi AG) |
| Parent company | Volkswagen Group |
| Production | 2002 - 2004 2008 - onwards |
| Assembly | Neckarsulm, Germany |
| Class | Mid-size executive car, Sports car, Halo vehicle |
| Layout | Front engine, quattro permanent four-wheel drive |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group C platform series |
| Related | Audi A6 Audi S6 |
The Audi RS6 is the highest performing version, and top-of-the-line specification of the Audi A6 (positioned above the Audi S6). It is a mid-size sports-focussed executive car, produced by quattro GmbH, for German automaker Audi AG, part of the Volkswagen Group (Volkswagen AG).
Production of the original RS6 (C5) began in June 2002 and ended in October 2004. The second-generation (C6) was introduced at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. Its main rivals are the Mercedes-Benz E-Class AMG and BMW M5.
The C5 RS6 was the third model to come out of Audi's private subsidiary company, quattro GmbH. The first was the RS2 Avant, from a joint venture between Porsche and quattro GmbH. The second was the 2000 B5 RS4; the fourth was the 2005 A4 DTM edition saloon, and the fifth was the 2006 B7 RS4. The sixth and current quattro Gmbh model is the latest C6 RS6. The original RS6 was the first RS model to reach the United States and Canada, aside from many owners converting the B5 S4 saloon version into an RS4 spec 4-door replica.
The "RS" initials stand for RennSport (German), and is Audi's ultimate high performance trim level, positioned above the "S" model specification level of Audi's regular model range line-up. Like all Audi RS models, the RS6 pioneers some of Audi's newest and advanced technology, and so could be described as a halo vehicle. Furthermore, it is only available with Audis' Torsen-based quattro permanent four-wheel drive system.
Its main market competitors include BMW M5, Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG.
Contents |
[edit] C5 RS6 (Typ 4B): (2002-2004)
| Audi RS6 (C5) Typ 4B | |
|---|---|
 Audi RS6 (C5) Avant |
|
| Production | 2002 - 2004 |
| Body style(s) | 5-door Avant/wagon 4-door saloon/sedan |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group C5 platform |
| Engine(s) | 4.2L V8 40v 2xDOHC twin-turbo |
| Transmission(s) | 5-speed tiptronic automatic transmission |
| Wheelbase | 2759 mm (108.6 in) |
| Length | 4852 mm (191 in) |
| Width | 1850 mm (72.8 in) |
| Height | saloon: 1387 mm (54.6 in)-1426 mm (56.1 in), Avant: 1390 mm (54.7 in)-1430 mm (56.3 in) (Avant) |
| Curb weight | 1865 kg (4112 lb) |
| Fuel capacity | 82 L (18.0 imp gal/21.7 US gal) |
The first RS6 was the top-of-the-line of C5 (2nd generation, 1997-2004) A6 (Typ 4B), and was available as both a saloon (sedan) and an Avant (wagon). 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 saloon/Avant).
[edit] C5 Powertrain
The RS6 featured a twin-turbocharged 5 valve per cylinder version of Audi's 4.2 Litre V8 engine (code BCY), tuned by Cosworth Technologies (now known as Mahle Powertrain). With the aid of the two turbochargers, output rose to 331 kilowatts (450 PS/444 bhp), and 560 N·m (413 ft·lbf) 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 rpm.
The RS6 was only available with Audi's Torsen-based quattro permanent four-wheel drive, a modified unit which was being used in the 6.0 litre W12-powered D2 A8.
It has an electronically-controlled five-speed tiptronic automatic transmission, with lock-up torque converter. It has "hill detection" capability, and is programmed to "blip" the throttle for downshift gear changes. The transmission ECU incorporates fuzzy logic with its dynamic shift programme, to suit individual driving styles.
The front and rear differentials are a conventional open type, with "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL); the centre is a dynamically self-locking Torsen T-2 unit. The torque from the engine is first routed to the Torsen center unit, and then divided to front and rear.
[edit] C5 Suspension
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 provide additional pressure in the shock absorbers during cornering to counteract rolling and pitching. The system can 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.
[edit] C5 Brakes, wheels & tyres
The front features Brembo eight-piston fixed brake caliper (four pads per side) working with cross-drilled, floating vented brake disc, sized 365 mm (14.37 in) (33 mm (1.3 in) thickness). The rear had single-piston floating caliper with cable operated parking brake mechanism, mated to cross-drilled, floating vented disc sized 335 mm (13.19 in) (23 mm (0.91 in) thickness).
Both front and rear floating discs are held in by metal pins to the hub, and allow 1.0 mm (0.039 in) of thermal expansion from the hub centre.
Anti-lock braking system (ABS) with Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) was standard.
There were total of three OEM wheel types produced for the RS6, and one for later RS6 Plus. In Europe and elsewhere, 19" wheels were standard, with optional 18" package. However, only 18" package was offered in the U.S. market. 18" winter package was universally available. The RS6 Plus saw the addition of "anthracite" (dark gray) 19" package as standard.
For 18" wheels, the standard tyre fitted was 255/40 ZR18 with extra load (XL) rating. This is often stressed, and the only recommendation by Audi, as RS6 does weigh 1865 kg (4111.6 lb). Tyres that are not rated XL are not be safe (nor legal, in most countries) 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 tyres.
For 19" wheels, the standard tyre fitted was 255/30 ZR19 with extra load (XL) rating. However, there were debates as to how safe 19" wheels and tyres are,[citation needed] as the XL rating only achieves a 96 Load Index (710 kg (1565 lb) load rating). In contrast, the 255/40 ZR18 XL will get you 99 Load Index, good for 775 kg (1709 lb) per tyre. Also, 19" wheel and tyre package may rub against the suspension strut if not properly fitted. At least from one U.S. owner[citation needed] reports Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, part number 14875, will fit, as the tyre does not come with rim protector "lip" on the inner side of the tyre.
[edit] C5 RS6 Plus
Between April and October of 2004, there was a final run of a higher-performance RS6, named the RS6 Plus. This produced over 480 PS (473 hp/353 kW) @ 6000-6400 rpm, and 560 N·m (413 ft·lbf) @ 1950-6000 rpm (engine code BRV) - topping out 280 km/h (174 mph). This performance was achieved with a new Engine control unit (ECU), and two additional radiators behind the side-mounted 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 (62 mph). The RS6 Plus hits 200 km/h (124 mph) in just 17.3 seconds. The RS6 Plus came with DRC as standard, also a Sports Suspension Plus (lowering the standard sports suspension by an additional 10 mm (0.39 in) 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.
[edit] C5 RS6 in auto racing
The RS6 was used in the SPEED World Challenge GT Series for two years, claiming victory in both years. However, the 2005 season proved difficult due to performance restrictions imposed on Champion Audi by the SCCA, with Champion deciding to run a different wheel diameter and the trade off was reducing boost pressure. The RS6 was challenged by a factory-backed Cadillac CTS-V, but was still victorious. The RS6's team, Champion Audi Racing decided to pull the RS6 from the series. Champion claimed unfair rules and regulations targeted the dominant Audis, although it was by Champion's own volition that the rules were imposed on them in the first place.
[edit] C6 RS6 (Typ 4F): (2008-present)
| Audi RS6 (C6) Typ 4F | |
|---|---|
 Audi RS6 Avant (C6) |
|
| Production | From April 2008 (999 to be produced[1]) |
| Predecessor | Audi RS6 (C5) |
| Body style(s) | 5-door Avant (estate/wagon) 4-door saloon/sedan |
| Platform | Volkswagen Group C6 platform |
| Engine(s) | 5.0L V10 FSI twin-turbo 2xDOHC |
| Transmission(s) | 6-Speed tiptronic automatic transmission |
| Wheelbase | 2846 mm (112 in) |
| Length | 4928 mm (194 in) (Avant) |
| Width | 1889 mm (74.4 in) |
| Height | 1460 mm (57.5 in) (Avant) |
| Curb weight | 2025 kg (4464 lb) (4464 lb) |
| Fuel capacity | 80 L (17.6 imp gal/21.1 US gal) |
A second generation RS6 (C6) (Typ 4F) was launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007, which positions the car ahead of its main competitors, the BMW M5 and the Mercedes E63 AMG in terms of horsepower and torque. Available from April 2008, and as of June 2008, it is Audi's single most powerful car ever to be produced by the marque.
The RS6 Avant will not be available in the US market. However, a saloon (sedan) is rumored to be under testing, which would most likely make it to North America. A saloon version of the RS6 will be on the market in late 2008, testing is being done on this at the moment.
Official performance figures: 4.6-second 0-100 km/h (0-62mph), 14.9 seconds 0-200 km/h (124mph), and top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h (155 mph), with a factory option to derestrict the top speed to 274 km/h (170 mph). In standard form, CO2 emissions are rated at 333 g/km2.
[edit] C6 Powertrain
It is powered a modified V10 engine from the current S6 and S8. It is a 5.0-litre V10 twin-turbocharged Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI), with a dry-sump lubrication system, and a unique firing order. Charged intake air is cooled with two side-mounted intercoolers (SMIC)s. The engine produces 580 PS (572 hp/427 kW) at 6,250 to 6,700 rpm, and 650 N·m (479 ft·lbf) torque from 1,500 to 6,250 rpm. The RS6 overtakes the position (in power) from the BMW M5, making about 70 bhp and 150 Nm more than BMW's naturally-aspirated V10 engine.
Drive passes through a modified six-speed tiptronic gearbox, with shortened shift times, and "Dynamic Shift Programme" (DSP), "Sport" mode, and with paddle-shifts mounted behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel, similar in design to the RS4. The gearbox is set by default, in conventional automatic mode, to delay up-changes during acceleration, and change down earlier to maximise engine braking. Downchanges in all modes of operation include the Powertrain ECU "blipping" the throttle, for smoother shift changes. Like all Audi S and RS models, the RS6 is fitted with quattro permanent four-wheel drive as standard; including the latest asymmetric 40:60 front-to-rear torque split from the Torsen T-3 centre differential.
[edit] C6 Suspension
Like the previous RS6 and the B7 RS4; this generation RS6 includes Audi's "Dynamic Ride Control" (DRC) Sports suspension system. The system is mainly mechanical; using a pump to provide additional pressure in the diagonally linked shock absorbers during cornering, to counteract rolling and pitching. The system can dynamically adjust the stiffness at each shock absorber constantly to maintain both a comfortable ride and high grip. On this version, it has a three-way level control, selectable from the Multi Media Interface.
[edit] C6 Brakes, wheels & tyres
Standard brakes consist of drilled, radially vented and floating iron discs, the fronts 390 mm (15.4 in), with fixed 6-piston alloy Brembo calipers. Optional "Audi Ceramic" Carbon-Ceramic composite brakes are available - only with 20 in wheels, with 420 mm (16.5 in) discs, with fixed 6-piston monobloc alloy Brembo calipers up front, and 356 mm (14.0 in) discs at the rear.
Standard wheels are 20 inch (in the UK) alloy wheels (20x9.5J '5-segment-spoke' design) running on 275/35 ZR20 tyres, with a no-cost optional 19 inch wheels (19x9J '10-spoke' design) with 255/40 ZR19 tyres.
[edit] C6 Bodywork and styling
Initially, the new RS6 will only be available as a five-door Avant (wagon) version.
Visually, the RS6 differs from its related S6, having flared front and rear wheel arches, to allow for a wider track, and the deletion of front fog lights to allow for larger frontal air intakes (for the twin side-mounted intercoolers). The ten (per side) front light-emitting diode (LED) daytime running lights (DRLs), found on the S6 adjacent to the fog lamps, are now found within the main headlamp housing on the RS6. LED lighting technology is implemented in the rear lights. The new RS6 also includes adaptive headlights, which swivel around corners in conjuction with steering wheel movements:
Luggage capacity in the Avant ranges from 565 cubic litres (L3), to 1660 L3.
[edit] Other notable C6 features
- Electro-mechanical parking brake, which doubles as a full emergency brake whilst in motion (applying maximum braking effort to all four wheels, activating the anti-lock braking system (ABS))
- Three-stage sports-biased Bosch 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme (ESP) - standard full protection mode, ESPsportmode, ESPoff
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ (French) "Audi A3 Cabriolet & RS6 avec Karine Ferri". Retrieved on 2008-02-03.
- Audi UK - The New Audi RS6 - Pricing and Specification Guide, Edition 1. 02/08
[edit] External links
- Audi.com official corporate websitsite
- Audi UK S & RS models
- Audi UK RS6 microsite
- Audi UK RS6 image gallery
- Audi UK RS6 Avant
- RS6 forum at RS6.com International Community
- RS forums at RS246.com - Dedicated to Audi S and RS Models
- The Torque Report - 2008 Audi RS6 Avant Press Release + photos
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