Audi turns concept model into limited-edition production car

In 2020, 12 apprentices at Audi who were learning to work as bodywork and vehicle construction mechanics, automotive mechanics, automotive painters, and tooling mechanics worked on the project for 6 months with the support of Audi Design.

They took most of their inspiration from the legendary Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO racing car of 1989 and created the RS 6 GTO concept.

Audi management must have been impressed and approved the concept for production as the RS 6 Avant GT. However, it will be limited to 660 units for worldwide sale with prices starting from 219,355 euros (RM1.12 million). Deliveries start in the second quarter of this year.

Exclusive exterior and interior features
The special edition comes with many exclusive interior and exterior details such as a pass-through roof edge spoiler, redefined diffuser, and 22-inch wheels in a distinctive design.

Besides the standard RS package, the black interior features high-quality bucket seats, a fresh colour combination, and individual numbering in the centre console as exclusive accents.

Increased engine output
The 4-litre twin-turbocharged V8 TFSI engine produces 630 ps/850 Nm, which are increases of 30 ps and 50 Nm compared with the RS 6 Avant base model. This allows acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in a claimed 3.3 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than the RS 6 Avant. It can also reach 200 km/h from a standstill within 11.5 seconds, half a second quicker than the RS 6 Avant. Without a limiter, the top speed is said to be 305 km/h.

The power flows to the quattro drive via the standard 8-speed Tiptronic gearbox with optimized shift times. Like the RS 6 Avant performance, the RS 6 Avant GT uses the latest version of the locking centre differential. Particularly light and compact, it distributes engine power to the front and rear axle at ratio of 40:60.

If slippage occurs, more drive torque is automatically applied to the axle with better traction – up to 70% can flow to the front axle and up to 85 percent to the rear axle. The reworked centre differential improves driving dynamics, ensures noticeably more precise cornering, and makes for less understeer at the limit.

To further distinguish the special edition from other RS models, the quattro sport differential on the rear axle has been specially tuned for the RS 6 Avant GT. The new parameters focus on greater agility and rear bias in ‘dynamic’ driving mode.

Adjustable coil-over suspension
For the first time, and only for the RS 6 Avant GT, adjustable coil-over suspension comes as standard. It lowers the ride height by 10 mm (compared to the RS 6 Avant). A higher spring rate, triple-adjustable dampers, and stiffer stabilizers (30% stiffer at the front, 80% at the rear) ensure less body roll, which once again significantly increases the fun factor. The necessary tools and instructions for making individual adjustments are also on board.

Exclusive manufacturing process
One thing that’s different about the RS 6 Avant GT is that, unlike the regular RS 6 Avant, it is not entirely assembled on the production line in Neckarsulm. After the body construction works and painting shop, the 660 cars will go to Bollinger Hofe, where the R8, e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT are built in small-series production.

Located near Audi’s production site in Neckarsulm, this highly flexible facility is unique within the Group and thus offers the best conditions for finishing the limited edition model. Final assembly is carried out by 7 experienced employees at 3 assembly stations set up especially for the model. Each individual vehicle spends a whole day there, fitting all GT-specific features by hand.

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