Audi RS6 plus
The Audi RS6, which was the high-performance version of the 2nd generation A6, from 1997 to 2005, was available in both sedan and wagon (Avant) forms. It was the second highest in the A6 lineup, above the A6 2.7T and 4.2 and the S6; only the RS6 Plus had a higher power and price. It replaced the 1995 S6 4.2 and S6 Plus models.
The RS6 had a twin-turbocharged version of the 4.2 Litre V8 engine, tuned by Cosworth Technologies, with an output of 444 hp (331 kW) and 415 ft·lbf (560 Nm) of torque. Thanks to its turbochargers, it had an exceptional wide power band, with peak torque from 1950 to 5600 RPMs.
Quattro All-Wheel Drive and a 5-speed “Tiptronic” transmission, the same unit used on the Audi A8 W12, was the only box available as none of Audi's manual transmissions could cope with its torque output. Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) was also debuted on the RS6; it uses a pump to keep pressure in the shock absorbers while cornering, to counteract rolling and pitching, and can alter the stiffness at each shock absorber to maintain both a comfortable ride and high grip.
Results from tests by Car and Driver magazine show that the RS6 can go from 0–60 mph (0–96.6 km/h) in 4.4 seconds and 0–100 in 10.7 seconds, with an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h), while the unlimited version can hit beyond 170 mph. It can go from 60 mph (96.6) to 0 in 118 feet (35.97m), due to its large 365/335 mm (14.4/13.2 in) front/rear brakes, and the eight-piston design in the front.
The RS6 Plus, available only as an Avant, was a more powerful version with over 480 bhp and a top speed of 180 mph. It lasted just a model year or so, but sold out quickly.
There are plans to make a new version of the S6 and RS6 base on the A6 platform which was launched in 2005. Production of the RS6 totaled 8,000 units worldwide, 1,200 of which were sold in North America. It has developed a small following in North America, referred to by some as "The Beast" or "The Lord of the Rings". RS stands for RennSport – Racing in German.
The 4.2 V8 was chosen as one of Ward's Auto World's "10 Best Engines for 2005" and the RS6 won the Car and Driver magazine award over its closest competitors, the BMW M5, Jaguar S-Type R, and Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG.
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