Audi Australia choose the world famous Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit for the launch of the updated 2015 Audi RS6 Avant and 2015 Audi RS 7.
Both of the updated Audi autobahn slaying weapons are just as at home on the racetrack as they are on Australian roads.
The updated 2015 RS 6 and RS 7 have received new cylinder on demand technology, revised exterior changes and minor interior updates.
The 2015 Audi RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback pricing is:
- RS 6 Avant $229,500
- RS 7 Sportback $242,000
Option Highlights Include:
| Carbon styling package | $8,500 |
| Black styling package | $2,200 |
| Dynamic package | $4,900 |
| Dynamic steering part of the Dynamic Pkg | - |
| Dynamic ride control (DRC) part of the Dynamic Pkg | - |
| Top speed 305km/h up from 250km/h part of the Dynamic Pkg | - |
| Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound | $12,000 |
| Red brake callipers | $980 |
Both the Audi RS6 and RS7 are powered by an almighty 4.0-litre TFSI twin turbo petrol V8 engine that produces 412kW and 700Nm and has a claimed fuel consumption of only 9.6L/100km. Helping to achieve a low fuel consumption figure is the new cylinder on demand technology shuts down cylinders 2,3,5,8 helping reduce fuel consumption by up to 10%. As soon as the driver presses firmly on the accelerator the cylinders are re-activated.
However use a heavy right foot around a racetrack like Phillip Island and watch the figure jump to 36.3L/100km.
Each of the cars are blindly quick, they can accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds – not bad for a station wagon!
All of that power is transferred to the Quattro all-wheel-drive system via an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission with shorter shift times and a Dynamic Shift Program when sport mode is activated.
The updated exterior sees a revised front grille, a new headlight design , side sills, rear-end taillight update and some minor interior changes.
The new headlight design see the introduction of the Audi’s Matrix LED units which not only look amazing but by all accounts offer incredible illumination at night with out blinding on coming traffic.
Inside there is a new high-res Driver Information System (DIS) that sits between the speedo and taco which have black dials and red needles.
The optional $12,000 Bang & Olufsen sound system is something to be hold. If you ever get bored of the amazing engine sound you can crank the audio system and marvel at your tweeters that rise out of the dash like some futuristic space craft.
Audi has also updated the infotainment system with both the RS6 and RS7 now using the MIB2 infotainment system that offers fast processors and high colour depth. They have also increased the number of contacts from 2,000 to 4,000 entries for your nearest and dearest.
Luggage space is surprisingly large in the RS7 at 535 liters with the seats in place. The RS 6 has an additional 30litres at 565litres. So it really is a choice of which style you like the best when choosing between the two.
Audi has also improved cabin noise by installing a acoustic film on the front windscreen and side windows. This additional measure has improved interior noise reduction by 8dB.
The choice of a racetrack is perfect for the RS6 Avant and RS7 as it is here where you can fully appreciate the brutal performance that 4.0-litre TFSI twin turbo petrol V8 engine can produce.
We had the opportunity to sample both RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportsback on a few flying laps around Australia’s best racetrack.
The steering is spot on with ample feedback and the suspension really helps you feel connected to the road. Corning around the racetrack is delight with torque vectoring helping both cars handle high speed turns with ease.
Hurtling along the main straight a Phillip Island and pushing north of 230km/h both of the Audi rocket ships are firmly planted and show no signs of weakness (unlike me who ease off the throttle) under breaking the crackle and pop of the engine as it shifts down gears makes the Bang & Olufsen sound system a luxury we could do without - I could listen to that sound all day.
To take a old saying and make it a modern one the Audi RS6 and RS7 is a direwolve in sheep clothing.
