Audi RS6 and RS7 Performance: more torque and power
Audi is committed to offering only electric vehicles from 2026, but the good old internal combustion engine still has life ahead of it. To improve on the RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback, the four rings are introducing an even more muscular Performance derivative with an upgraded version of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre engine. The powerful TFSI V8 now develops 621 horsepower and 850 Newton-metres of torque transmitted to a Quattro system. That’s an extra 30bhp and 50Nm of torque to get you to 100m in 3.2 seconds.
AUDI RS6 AND RS7 PERFORMANCE: STANDARD EQUIPMENT TO MATCH
The Performance models are equipped with 21-inch cast aluminium wheels as standard, which are manufactured using a high-tech forging-milling process to reduce weight by around 20 kilograms for all four wheels. The standard ceramic brakes reduce the weight by a further 34kg. Measuring 440 mm at the front and 370 mm at the rear, the lighter brakes with red, blue or grey calipers are part of the optional RS Dynamic Package Plus, which also increases the top speed to 305 km/h.
The RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback in Performance trim are available in 16 exterior colours, including the new Ascari Blue with a matt or metallic finish and a matt-only Dew Silver. To distinguish the cars from the regular models, Audi paints certain parts in matte gray: front spoiler and front side flaps, mirror caps, side sill inserts, roof rails, side window trims and rear diffuser.
INSIDE, THE SPORTY AMBIENCE OF THE AUDI RS REMAINS
Little has changed inside, where both RS models now have contrasting blue accents and several RS design packages to choose from. The seats are covered in perforated Valcona leather with honeycomb stitching, while the side of the centre console and the gearshift knob are covered in Dinamica microfibre. This is a material that uses around 45% recycled PET fibres.
On the driver’s 12.3-inch digital display, Audi has integrated a flashing shift indicator when the eight-speed tiptronic transmission is in manual mode. These indicators are also displayed when the launch control system is activated, illustrating the ideal moment to accelerate from the line. As a finishing touch, LED headlamps mounted in the front doors display the inscription ‘RS Performance’.
