By Amanda Mfuphi

Audi SA has revealed the updated RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback performance models with exterior changes as well as interior updates. These models and are set to be available for retail in South Africa as early as 1 April 2021.

Exterior

The body of the new Audi RS 6 Avant has been widened around 40 millimetres on each side with its broad flared wheel arches emphasizing the distinctive character of the high-performance Avant. The new Audi RS 7 Sportback sits low to the ground and the performance model is an extra 40 millimetres or so wider than the base model. The performance models are fitted as standard with RS-specific wheels with a 22-inch 5-V-spoke design with 285/30 tyres in silver, matt titanium look, gloss turned finish, and gloss turned anthracite black finish.

The designers have taken their cue from the front-end of the Audi R8 for the RS 6 and Rs 7 models. The front-end of both the RS 6 and RS 7 models have been refreshed and feature a new bonnet together with power dome and a new RS bumper. In addition, the models adopt a flatter, sportier headlight structure which offer HD Matrix LED headlights with Audi laser light and darkened trims as a standard feature. The lights feature a dynamic turn signal along with an exciting RS-specific sequencing when the vehicle is locked and unlocked. The three-dimensional honeycomb structure within the grille is finished in gloss black and the quattro logo typical in the bumper has been eliminated.

The rear-end of the RS 6 consists of the roof edge spoiler and an RS-specific bumper with rear diffuser and design elements in gloss black. The RS exhaust system flows on both sides into oval chrome-coloured tailpipes – an RS sport exhaust system with black tailpipes is standard. The new RS 7 Sportback’s rear-end features curved trailing edge and a strip of lights that link the main rear lights. At a speed of 100 km/h, a spoiler will extend from the tailgate in the RS 7. The RS exhaust system, with a large, chrome-coloured oval tailpipe on each side, sits beneath an RS-specific bumper with a rear diffuser and design elements in gloss black.

The range of colours for the new models encompasses eight exterior paint finishes, including the two RS-specific shades of Nardo grey and Sebring black as well as three optional exterior styling packages to enhance the sporty look. Front spoiler; side flaps in front; sill inlays, window slot trims; rear diffuser; and exterior mirror housings can all fall under one of three styling packages in matte aluminium (standard), black styling, or carbon/glossy black packages.

Interior

Inside, the Audi virtual cockpit is available as standard on both of these performance models and features the RS Performance and Sport layouts. The Audi virtual cockpit plus is available as an optional extra and features an all-new layout called the RS Runway. The special RS displays use the Audi virtual cockpit to provide details of tyre pressure, torque, performance, oil temperature, boost pressure, lap times, acceleration, and g-forces. The shift light display prompts the driver to upshift when the rev limit is reached.

The models feature the flat-bottomed, fully perforated RS sport leather steering wheel with large new RS aluminium shift paddles. The RS logos adorn the steering wheel, seats, and illuminated front door sill trims. Logo projectors on the front and rear doors beam the Audi Sport emblem onto the ground when the doors are open. The models feature RS sport seats upholstered with Valcona leather, featuring a honeycomb pattern and RS embossing are fitted as standard. The RS design package brings a splash of colour, with contrasting red stitching on the Alcantara steering wheel rim, gear lever gaiter and knee pads. The package also features seat belt straps with red edging and RS floor mats.

The new RS 6 Avant is even roomier compared to the previous model with a luggage compartment capacity of between 565 and 1,680 litres. The luggage compartment of the new RS 7 Sportback offers a base capacity of 535 litres, which can be increased to as much as 1,390 litres with the split rear seatbacks folded down. For the first time, Audi is offering the five-door grand tourer with a three-seater rear bench. The long tailgate opens and closes electrically as standard, with a comfort key allowing it to be operated by foot gesture control.

Engine

The new RS 6 and Rs 7 Sportback are both powered by a 4.0 TFSI V8 engine that produces 441 kW of power and 800 Nm of torque. The power produced by the 4.0 TFSI flows via the standard eight-speed tiptronic transmission with optimized shift times and a new launch control function to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system. The high-performance models will sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in only 3.6 seconds. The top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h; this can be increased to 280 km/h with the RS Dynamic package.

Local pricing and availability

The new Audi RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback will officially go on sale in South Africa from 1 April 2021. The RS models are priced as follows (inclusive of all taxes) and comes standard with a five year Audi Freeway Plan:

• Audi RS 6 Avant TFSI quattro R 2,070,000; and
• Audi RS 7 Sportback TFSI quattro R 2,173,500.