Following a leak earlier this evening we can now officially show you the brand new 2013 Audi RS6 Avant and reveal all the important information. The RS6 is lighter and more efficient than the previous model, and performance has been improved. The sprint from 0 to 100km/h takes just 3.9 seconds, and the top speed is 305km/h.

The new Audi RS6 Avant is a high-performance sports car for everyday use, according to Audi. The 4.0 TFSI, which debuted last year, has a twin-turbo setup with a peak output of 560hp between 5,700 and 6,700rpm with a constant 700Nm of torque available between 1,750 and 5,500rpm. The 4.0 TFSI delivers a sporty, full-throated sound. Switchable flaps in the exhaust system make the sound even fuller, if desired. Audi also offers an optional sport exhaust system.

The powerful twin-turbo V8 accelerates the new RS6 Avant from zero to 100km/h in a 3.9 seconds. In the standard configuration, top speed is electronically limited to 250km/h. This is increased to 280km/h with the optional Dynamic package. With the Dynamic plus package, Audi reigns in the engine only upon reaching 305km/h.

The new RS6 Avant has the cylinder on demand (COD) system, like the S6 and S7. At low to intermediate loads and engine speeds, it shuts down the intake and exhaust valves of cylinders 2, 3, 5 and 8. The 4.0 TFSI then runs as a four-cylinder engine until the driver accelerates more strongly again. The changeover from four and eight-cylinder operation takes just a few hundredths of a second. About the only thing noticeable to the driver is an indication in the instrument cluster.

The 4.0 TFSI is paired with an eight-speed tiptronic featuring shortened shift times. The automatic transmission offers D and S modes. Drivers who wish to shift for themselves can use the shift paddles on the steering wheel or the selector lever, which sports a RS design.

At the heart of the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system with torque vectoring is a self-locking center differential with an elevated locking value. An oil cooler regulates its temperature. If desired, the sport differential distributes the power steplessly between the rear wheels.

The new RS6 Avant is the first RS model from Audi to come standard with a specifically tuned air suspension. The dynamic setup of the adaptive air suspension lowers the body by 20 millimeters. The system combines the air suspension with controlled damping and takes into account the road conditions, the driving style and the mode chosen in the driving dynamics system Audi drive select, with which the driver can influence the function of key components in multiple steps.

Audi also offers the tauter sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) as an alternative to the RS6 adaptive air suspension. This system uses steel springs and three-way adjustable shock absorbers that are interconnected diagonally by means of oil lines and a central valve for improved body roll stability. Another option is dynamic steering, which features steplessly variable steering boost and ratios. This system can also be integrated into Audi drive select and, just like the standard electromechanical power steering, is tailored specifically for the RS6 Avant.

2013 Audi RS6 Avant 01

The brakes include four internally vented discs, which feature a weight-saving wave design with a wave-like outer contour. The front discs measure 390 millimeters in diameter and are gripped by black, six-piston calipers. Customers can also opt for red brake calipers. Also available as an option are carbon fiber-ceramic brake discs measuring 420 millimeters in diameter. Their calipers are painted anthracite gray. The electronic stabilization control (ESC) has a Sport mode and can also be deactivated entirely.

The Audi RS6 Avant comes standard with high-gloss, 20 inch, forged wheels in a seven twin-spoke design. Optional 21 inch cast wheels are available in three versions: high-gloss silver, polished black and polished titanium-look. The body plays a major role in the handling. It is roughly 20 percent aluminum and includes numerous components made of high-strength steel. The new Audi RS 6 Avant weighs roughly 100 kilograms lighter than its predecessor.

Numerous RS-specific design details reveal the origin of the RS model. Most noticeable are the matte aluminum applications on the body, the high-gloss black protective grille at the front of the car, the bumpers, the fender, sill flares and the large roof spoiler. At the rear of the car, the diffuser and the two large, elliptical exhaust tailpipes make a bold statement.

Two optional appearance packages – Matte Aluminum or Carbon – further customize the look and include such things as quattro badges on the central front air inlet. With the Carbon appearance package, the front splitter and the diffuser are more boldly shaped. The Audi RS6 Avant is available in nine exterior colors, including the exclusive shade Daytona Gray matte. Additional options from the Audi exclusive range offer numerous opportunities for customization.

The cockpit of the RS6 Avant has dial instruments with black faces, white dials and red needles. The key; the flat-bottomed, three-spoke, multifunction steering wheel; the illuminated entry sills; the tachometer and the displays for the MMI as well as the driver information system (DIS) sport RS logos.

A new feature in the RS menu of the DIS is the shift light. Green segments are illuminated as revs increase. The bar turns red and begins to blink when revs approach the red line. Displays for the gear selected, boost pressure, oil temperature and a digital speedometer round out the RS 6-specific driver information system.

The footrest, pedals and switches in the MMI navigation plus terminal shine in an aluminum-look finish. The decorative bezel surrounding the retractable monitor sports a piano finish; the interior door openers feature a delicate double-bar design – a classic RS feature. Carbon inlays are standard; six additional materials are available as options. A black headlining is standard; Moon Silver or black Alcantara are optional.

2013 Audi RS6 Avant 02

RS sport seats with pronounced side bolsters, integrated head restraints and RS 6 logos are standard. They are covered in a combination of black Alcantara and leather, and the center sections feature diamond quilting. The seats can also be covered in high-grade, honeycomb-quilted Valcona leather in either black or Moon Silver. Audi offers optional power-adjustable deluxe seats with memory function.

The Audi RS 6 Avant comes standard with two sportily molded rear seats. A three-person bench seat is available as an option. The luggage compartment holds up to 1,680 liters.

The new Audi RS 6 Avant comes with a long list of standard equipment, including xenon plus headlights, LED rear lights, a tire-pressure control system, illuminated entry sills and the custom driver-information system. Also on board are the parking system plus, cruise control, three-zone automatic air conditioning, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch and the ten-speaker Audi sound system.

Options include LED headlights with a unique design, ceramic brakes front and rear, the sport differential on the rear axle and the sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). The Dynamic package, Dynamic package plus, Comfort package and practically every high-end option available in the model series are also available for the RS 6 Avant.

These include the head-up display and the high-performance driver assistance systems as well as the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 15 speakers and 1,200 watts of total power. The Bluetooth online car phone delivers web-based Audi connect services to the car.

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