12 Sep 07
The new RS6 on show at Frankfurt is Audi's most powerful production road car so far. It uses a variation on the V10 powerplant already employed in the Lamborghini Gallardo. Here, it's in 5.0-litre form, as in the S8 and S6, but with the addition of two turbochargers. That takes the peak power output up from the S6's 429bhp to 572bhp at 6,250rpm, with maximum torque of 479lb-ft available from as low as 1,500rpm.
Its output dwarfs that of Audi's two-seat supercar, the R8, which with its current V8 engine peaks at 414bhp. The two cars have the same 0-62mph time, 4.6 seconds, but where the R8 goes on to 187mph the RS6's top speed is restricted to 155mph. It also outpowers the M5 Touring, but while the 500bhp BMW estate costs £67,075 the Audi is likely to put you back £75,000.
The RS6 has Quattro four-wheel drive with a 60% rear bias, and a six-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox. The standard wheels are 19" alloys, and ceramic brakes are an optional extra. With the rear seats folded the boot capacity is a whopping 1,660 litres. It's available in a choice of exclusive shades of blue, silver and green.
Order books open in November, with the first UK deliveries of the Avant due next spring. The saloon will follow later in the year.
Check out the rest of our Frankfurt Motor Show coverage
