Audi RS 6 Avant: powerful station wagon on the way to the USA

• The upcoming RS 6 Avant is the next model in the Audi Sport lineup.
• A turbo engine and adjustable suspension are among the performance features.
• Audi says the station wagon delivers exhilarating performance and everyday functionality.

Van fans who love the muscle under the hood have reason to celebrate. The Audi RS 6 Avant is coming to the United States, according to the automaker. Audi promises stars but hopes to deliver the galaxy with a high-performance wagon that represents the latest chapter for the Audi Sport brand.

“Throughout our 25 year RS history, the Audi RS 6 Avant has been one of our absolute icons with a large global fan base,” explained Oliver Hoffmann, Managing Director of Audi Sport GmbH. “In this way, we will enter a new market with huge potential and ensure further growth.”

Audi Sport: a brief history

The Audi Sport brand was launched in 2017 at the New York International Auto Show. At the time, Audi explained how it would present its best track test results, promising eight new models over the next two years for the US only. Audi fans may recall how the division used to be called quattro GmbH; Inspired by motorsport hallmarks such as the historic silver arrows of Auto Union and Audi's own quatto all-wheel drive technology on the rally track.

Audi Sport, which exists alongside the automaker's R and RS models, is now expanding to corporate motorsports, customer racing and performance parts. One of their latest introductions, the 2019 TT RS, happens to be one of our favorites.

Audi RS 6 Avant. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.

Audi RS 6 Avant: design and style

The exterior is made up entirely of RS-specific parts and introduces a new chapter in what Audi is calling the RS design language. The body is now wider (about 1.6 inches on each side) and is further accentuated by special wheel arches and fender flares. The RS 6 Avant is all about the details in the design department. For example, the glossy black single-frame grille has a three-dimensional, RS-specific honeycomb structure. Out back, the RS-style bumper includes a rear diffuser just above the oval chrome exhaust tips. The roof edge even gets its own spoiler.

On the inside, it's a technological haven with the new MMI sensor response system and Audi's virtual cockpit. The latter displays information on tire pressure, power output, engine oil temperature, boost pressures, lap times and g-force.

Audi RS 6 Avant. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.

Power and performance: US specs yet to come

The heart of the Audi RS 6 Avant is a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 and an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox. While US specs are pending, Audi says it expects around 600 ponies and 600 lb-ft. torque from the turbo factory. According to Audi, the RS 6 Avant will reach 62 in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of 155. Helping to achieve high speeds are optimized shift points and Audi's proprietary quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.

The quattro sports differential actively distributes torque between each of the rear wheels, but can direct almost all of the torque to just one wheel. This improves handling and flotation, whether on a twisty track or trail. Audi is putting a lot of emphasis on steering, developing a new assist system that they say delivers precise feedback.

The RS 6 Avant offers six different driving modes: Comfort, Automatic, Dynamic, Economy and the individually adjustable RS1 and RS2 modes. The characteristics of the engine, exhaust, transmission, steering and suspension change accordingly.

The quattro sports differential actively distributes torque between each of the rear wheels. Photo: Audi of America, Inc.

Suspension technology: a really cool system

The Audi RS 6 Avant gets an adaptive air variety suspension with different modes. An RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control is also available; and the design is pretty cool. Drivers can adjust single-tube dampers in three steps. From there, hydraulic lines and a central valve connect diagonally opposite shock absorbers. Speaking of angles, Audi says the valves "control the flow of oil into the shock absorber of the spring-deflected front wheel from the outside of the curve."