Automotive

Audi RS 6 Avant wagon gets new 560 hp, V8 engine for 2014

Audi RS 6 Avant wagon gets new 560 hp, V8 engine for 2014
The front of the 2014 RS 6 Avant
The front of the 2014 RS 6 Avant
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The 2014 Audi RS 6 Avant in action
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The 2014 Audi RS 6 Avant in action
The redesigned 2014 Audi RS 6 Avant
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The redesigned 2014 Audi RS 6 Avant
The rear of the 2014 RS 6 Avant
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The rear of the 2014 RS 6 Avant
The front of the 2014 RS 6 Avant
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The front of the 2014 RS 6 Avant
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Audi has just announced its new RS 6 Avant wagon for 2014. Based on the car's specs, it's only a wagon in the shape of the body, because the area under the hood contains goodies that seem much more akin to that of a sports car.

The Audi RS 6 Avant is powered by a twin-turbo V8 capable of putting out 560 horsepower (412 kW) and 516.29 lb-ft (700 Nm) of torque. With this engine and the highest options package, Audi claims the RS 6 Avant is able to push a top speed of 189.52 mph (305 km/h). It can also hit 0 - 62 mph (0 – 100 km/h) in just 3.9 seconds.

Even without springing for the high-end engine packages, the top speed of the RS 6 Avant are impressive. The base configuration is able to push 155 mph (250 km/h). while the mid-tier package tops out at 174 mph (280 km/h).

The Cadillac CTS Wagon's top-tier engine pushes 318 hp (237.13 kW), while the Mercedes E63 wagon is much closer in terms of pure power, coming in at 518 hp (386.27 kW). In terms of raw horsepower, the RS 6 Avant definitely comes out ahead, but it is actually a decrease over the previous generation of the wagon.

The 2014 Audi RS 6 Avant in action
The 2014 Audi RS 6 Avant in action

The previous model came with two extra cylinders, which obviously added to the power. However, for this new model, Audi dropped 220 pounds of curb weight, and added more torque, which keeps the vehicle snappy and powerful.

The new wagon has added an interesting feature called a cylinder on demand (COD) system. With this, the Avant shuts down four of its cylinders during slower driving sessions, essentially turning the vehicle into a four-cylinder. When the driver accelerates, the other four are engaged, and the vehicle is back to running at full power. Audi claims this changeover takes just a few hundredths of a second, so drivers should barely notice the switch.

This new feature should improve fuel efficiency by five percent. That, coupled with the lighter curb weight and smaller engine, sees the estimate fuel efficiency of the RS 6 Avant up to 24 mpg (9.8 L/100km). The previous version made 17 mpg (13.8 L/100KM).

For buyers in the US, you will not be able to get your hands on one of these. Audi has not released a price or release date for other territories.

Source: Audi

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6 comments
6 comments
Sieg
Is there any point to this car? Other then on a racetrack there is nowhere in the world where you can drive this car at the proclaimed speed. And, as for acceleration again no point whatsoever unless you go out on a deserted road and do start stops.
If these companies would put as much effort into developing electric or hybrid cars we would be driving some decent ones now.
mrhuckfin
This is nice and I like the look of it and the power is excellent but it just doesn't have the "cool" factor of the twin turbo V10 in my opinion? In fact I wish they had stepped up to the W12 as an optional power plant?
micahd02
Maybe it isn't practical, but, MAN, talk about hauling the groceries in style! Of course, you'll want to belt that dozen eggs and the jug of milk in tightly. Unless you plan on baking a cake in it, after the run!
myale
All I would say to this car is so what - I agree with Sieg - now if the sotry had been new 200 mpg A6 - I might of been oooooohhh lovely.
Mirmillion
Too much design tweaking. Clearly, the previous model was the pinnacle; although this engine config is better for all-round civilian driving. The S-series A4 Avant is/was a better looking ride.
wahip
Correction; the top Cadillac CTS-V has the 556 hp, C6 Z01 motor from the Corvette and is still cheaper than the "new" Avant too. Let alone having beat it to market by 5 model years and being immensely better looking too!