Yesterday evening, Audi released the first images of their third-generation 2014 RS6 Avant ahead of its worldwide premiere at the 2013 Detroit Auto Show in January.
To differentiate the RS6 from its lesser S6 sibling, Audi gave the high-performance car a unique aerodynamic kit, in addition to standard 20-inch forged wheels, or optional 21-inch cast wheels.
The Ingolstadt-based company dropped the 571 hp 5.0-liter bi-turbo V10 engine seen on the previous model for a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 unit with 552 horsepower and 700 Nm of torque mated to an eight-speed dual clutch transmission and Quattro all-wheel drive system.
The station wagon can hit 100 km/h from a standstill in 3.9 seconds – just 0.2 slower than a Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT – on its way to a top speed of 305 km/h.
It is 100 kilograms lighter than the car it replaces thanks to the extensive use of lighter materials, and features technologies such as cylinder on demand which at low or intermediate speeds, allows the engine to run four cylinders only in order to reduce fuel-consumption.
Audi’s high-performance estate will go into production next year.
