The Audi RS 6 is the high-performance version of the Audi A6, built by Audi Sport GmbH, formerly quattro GmbH. The first generation appeared in 2002 with a twin-turbo V8, and the RS 6 has been the most powerful A6 ever since.
Audi RS 6 at a glance
| Sold | since 2002, four generations, C5 to C8 |
|---|---|
| Maker | Audi Sport GmbH, called quattro GmbH until 2016 |
| C5 engine | 4,172 cc twin-turbo V8, 450 PS |
| C5 torque | 560 Nm from 1,950 to 5,600 rpm |
| C5 acceleration | 0–100 km/h in 4.6 seconds |
| Top speed | 250 km/h, limited |
| RS6 plus | 480 PS, from April 2004, Avant only |
| C5 built | 8,081 cars |
| C6 engine | 5.0 V10 twin-turbo, 580 PS |
| C7 engine | 4.0 V8 twin-turbo, Avant only |
| C8 | presented in August 2019 |
History of the Audi RS 6
C5 (2002–2004)
The first RS 6 was shown at the Geneva Motor Show in 2002 and built at Neckarsulm. It started as an Avant, with a saloon added shortly afterwards. Its 4,172 cc V8 had two turbochargers, five valves per cylinder and an output of 450 PS from 5,700 to 6,400 rpm, with 560 Nm available from 1,950 to 5,600 rpm. The only gearbox was a five-speed tiptronic. The Avant reached 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds and 200 km/h in 17.8 seconds, and the top speed was limited to 250 km/h. It was the first Audi with a turbocharged V8, and the first RS model exported to North America. Production ended in September 2004 after 8,081 cars. The Avant held 455 litres with the rear seats up and 1,590 litres with them folded, while the saloon held 424 litres. The body was reinforced and much wider than the A6’s, with flared wheel arches and 255 mm tyres on 18-inch wheels. From April 2004 there was also the RS6 plus with 480 PS, offered only as an Avant and originally limited to 999 cars.
C6 (2008–2010)
The second RS 6 was introduced at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show and went on sale for the 2008 model year. Its 5.0-litre V10 had two turbochargers and FSI direct injection, producing 580 PS and 650 Nm. It was sold as an Avant and a saloon, and it was the most powerful Audi of its time. The Avant reached 100 km/h in 4.6 seconds, the saloon in 4.5 seconds.
C7 (2013–2018)
The third generation was sold only as an Avant, with a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 shared with the Audi RS 7. Buyers who wanted a saloon were offered the RS 7 instead.
C8 (2019–2025)
The fourth RS 6 is based on the Audi A6 C8 and was presented in August 2019. It kept the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 of its predecessor, and the generation remained in production until 2025. Unlike the C6 and C7, the C8 was again sold in North America.
Design and features
- Engine: the RS 6 is defined by its engines, from the 450 PS twin-turbo V8 of the C5 to the 580 PS V10 of the C6 and the 4.0 V8 of later cars.
- quattro: like every Audi RS model, the RS 6 has permanent four-wheel drive with a Torsen centre differential.
- Wide body: flared wheel arches, larger bumpers, oval exhaust pipes and 18-inch wheels as standard, with 19-inch optional, separate it from the A6.
- Avant: the estate was part of the range from the start and became the only body style from the C7 generation.
Audi RS 6 versions
- RS6 Avant and saloon: the C5 and C6 generations were sold in both body styles.
- RS6 plus: the 2004 Avant with 480 PS, originally limited to 999 cars.
- RS6 C6: the 580 PS V10 version of 2008 to 2010.
- RS6 C7 Avant: the 4.0 V8 generation of 2013 to 2018.
- RS6 C8: the 2019 generation, again with a 4.0 V8.
The RS 6 is based on the Audi A6, and it sits above the Audi S6 in the range. The four-wheel-drive story began with the Audi Quattro; more models are in our Audi collection.
Video: NEU: Audi RS 6 Avant – Testfahrt
Video by MotorAktion on YouTube.
Sources
- Audi RS 6, English Wikipedia: C5 and C6 generations, engines and performance
- Audi RS6, German Wikipedia: all four generations, the RS6 plus and production figures
.jpg){kind=link}
_front.JPG){kind=link}