JUST when you thought Audi couldn’t make the awesome RS 6 Avant any more awesome, they go and launch this — the GT — a limited-run special edition of its explosive estate.
The idea of the RS 6 Avant GT goes back to the apprentice Project RS 6 GTO concept from 2020, (pictured below).
Twelve apprentices learning to work as bodywork and vehicle construction mechanics, painters and tooling mechanics worked on the project for six months with the support of Audi Design.
They took most of their inspiration from the legendary Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO race car from 1989 (pictured above right) and the results are amazing, showcasing the range of ways in which young talents can contribute to the company even during apprenticeship.
It’s available in two colour options, the Arkona White you see here with decals in the traditional colours of Audi Sport — black, grey, and red.
Or alternatively, the decals in black and grey tones come with the exterior colour Nardo grey or Mythos black, and the huge 22-inch come in matte black.
To improve brake cooling there’s integrated air outlets at the rear of the front wings and for the first time on a Audi Sport model they are made from carbon fibre, as is the bonnet.
For the first time in the history of the RS 6 Avant, the roof rails have been removed and there’s an impressive pass-through roof spoiler.
KEY FACTS:
AUDI RS6 AVANT GT
Cost:£176,975 in the UK
Engine: 4.0-litre, twin-turbo V8
Power: 630 bhp
Torque: 850 Nm
0-100kph: 3.3 seconds
Top Speed: 306 kph (190 mph)
Drivetrain: quattro AWD
Gearbox: 8-speed tiptronic
Tyres: Continental 285/30 R22
Brakes: RS ceramics
Rivals: Mercedes-AMG E63 S, Porsche Panamera Sport Turismo
Power comes from the same 4.0- litre, twin-turbo V8 engine you’ll find in the regular RS6.
But the Audi engineers tinkered under the bonnet and increased the output to 630bhp and 850Nm of torque.
This means this supercar-slaying, five-seater estate is blisteringly fast and able to blitz 0-100kph in 3.3 seconds, 0-200kph in 10.5 seconds, and it can hit a top speed of 306kph.
To keep the RS6 Avant GT firmly planted to the road it uses Audi’s legendary quattro permanent all-wheel drive system and all the power is sent to the wheels via an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox.
And to bring it to an abrupt halt, stopping power is provided by standard-fit, RS ceramic brakes.
Lightweight adjustable coilover suspension, unique to the RS 6 Avant GT, and a reworked quattro sport differential help improve driving dynamics for more precise cornering and reduced understeer.
There’s no word on an Irish price yet, but only 660 models will be produced worldwide with just 60 of them heading to the UK, priced at £176,975.
