Audi unleashes 190mph RS6 05 | 12 | 2012

AUDI WILL UNLEASH its new 552bhp twin-turbo V8 RS6 Avant in Scotland next July. Though prices and spec have yet to be confirmed, expect the muscular estate to cost around £77,000.

The car — which is 100kg lighter than the previous model — will be capable of a top speed of 190mph and cover the 0-62mph sprint in 3.9sec. It will also return an official combined economy figure 28mpg.

The all-wheel-drive, estate-only RS6 is powered by the twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that is already used in the S6, S7 and S8.

As well as stop-start, the V8 uses fuel-saving ‘cylinder on demand’ technology to shut down four of the eight cylinders when the car is developing between 25% and 40% of maximum torque.

In base form, the RS6 is restricted to 155mph. An optional Dynamic Package raises that to 174mph, while the next-level Dynamic Package Plus allows 190mph.

Audi claims the new RS6 is 30% economical than the previous V10 model, with a CO2 figure correspondingly lower at 229g/km.

Audi plans hardcore TT

The V8 is mated to a ZF eight-speed automatic transmission, equipped with shorter, closer, lower ratios and a longer-striding top gear. Paddle shifters are standard.

Audi has also given its quattro drivetrain a tweak: on the RS6 Avant it now has a self-locking differential with its own oil cooler. And just for good measure, there's the option of a Sport differential, which can continuously distribute torque between the rear wheels.

The new RS6 Avant comes with 20in forged alloys as standard, though 21in wheels are an option. Carbon-ceramic brakes are also optional, though the car is fitted with 390mm front discs clamped by six-piston calipers as standard.

Externally, the front of the car is dominated by a ‘split’ grille, whose lower portion carries a 3D ‘quattro’ script.

Roadtest: Audi RS4 Avant

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Jim McGill