The idea of the Audi RS 6 Avant GT goes back to the apprentice project RS 6 GTO concept from 2020. Twelve apprentices learning to work as bodywork and vehicle construction mechanics, automotive mechanics, automotive 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. The result shows the range of ways in which young talents can contribute to the company even during their apprenticeship.
An unparalleled appearance
The new Audi RS 6 Avant GT stands out from other models in its range thanks to its striking front end, which takes obvious inspiration from the RS 6 GTO concept. The Singleframe and air intakes are finished entirely in high-gloss black, which makes the car appear even lower and wider.
Vertical blades in the front apron, a new intake grille, and a powerful front splitter integrated into the bumper enhance the sharpened look. For the first time, Audi Sport GmbH is not only using a fully redesigned bonnet but is also manufacturing it from carbon fiber. The one-of-a-kind finish makes the redesigned bonnet a real eye-catcher, and it is impressively framed by the colour of the body. Integrated air outlets behind the large 22-inch wheels reduce air pressure in the wheel arch and improve brake cooling. Like the bonnet, the arches housing the large wheels are made entirely of carbon fibre for the first time – a highlight on the vehicle itself as well as for Audi Production.
The side profile is defined by inserts in the side skirts, exterior mirror covers in glossy carbon, and the 22-inch wheels in the six-spoke design made exclusively for the RS 6 Avant GT. At the rear, the special edition impresses with black “RS 6 GT” lettering, a tailgate specially adapted to the design with a visually lowered loading edge, a functional diffuser with a vertically centred reflector that makes the car appear even wider, and a distinctive double wing inspired by motorsport. The latter was taken almost 1:1 from the apprentices’ concept car. For the first time in the history of the RS 6 Avant, the roof rails have been removed for an even flatter, sportier silhouette.
For the RS 6 Avant GT, customers have the option to choose exclusive decals in two colours. The first, in conjunction with an Arkona White finish, combines the traditional colours of Audi Sport, black, grey, and red. The model badges at the front and rear also come in these colours. If this colour combination is chosen, the wheels in the distinctive design always come in high-gloss white. Alternatively, the decals in black and grey tones come with the exterior color Nardo grey or Mythos black, while the wheels are finished in matte black. The four rings in the Singleframe and the tailgate, along with the model lettering, are black as standard. The following finishes are available for the exterior: Arkona White, Nardo Grey, and Mythos Black Metallic.
The RS 6 Avant GT rolls off the production line with the RS design package plus as standard. The black interior is enhanced by numerous accents in the exclusive colour combination of red and copper, for example, the stitching on the steering wheel, the sides of the centre console, the centre armrest and door armrests, and the floor mats with “RS 6 GT” lettering. The new RS bucket seats in a leather-Dinamica combination and the “RS 6 GT” lettering right below the headrests also feature this colour scheme. The honeycomb stitching in the centre of the seat shimmers in Express Red, while that on the outer seam of the bucket seat is finished in copper.
The armrests, the dashboard, the centre console, including its sides, and the door waist rails are upholstered in Dinamica black microfibre, while the decorative inlays are covered in Dinamica deep black microfibre. The seat belts catch the eye with their full crimson red colour. As a special highlight, the centre console features the car’s serial number in the limited run of 660 models.
Next-level performance
The new RS 6 Avant GT has a power output of 630PS and a maximum torque figure of 850Nm. Against the stopwatch, it hits 0-62 mph in 3.3 seconds, 0-124mph in 10.5 seconds, and can hit a top speed of 190 mph. Stopping power is provided by the RS ceramic brake system as standard.
The power of the 4.0-litre TFSI V8 is put to the road via permanent all-wheel drive quattro and an eight-speed Tiptronic gearbox with optimised shift times. Like the RS 6 Avant performance, the RS 6 Avant GT uses the latest version of the locking centre differential. Particularly light and compact, it distributes engine power to the front and rear axles at a ratio of 40:60. If slippage occurs, more drive torque is automatically applied to the axle with better traction; up to 70 per cent can flow to the front axle and up to 85 per cent to the rear axle. The reworked centre differential improves driving dynamics, ensures noticeably more precise cornering, and helps reduce understeer.
To further distinguish the special edition from other RS models, the quattro sport differential on the rear axle has been specially tuned for the RS 6 Avant GT. The new parameters focus on greater agility and rear bias in “dynamic” driving mode. Customers benefit from sporty, neutral, and highly precise handling. For the first time, and only for the RS 6 Avant GT, adjustable coilover suspension comes as standard. A higher spring rate, triple-adjustable dampers, and stiffer stabilisers (30 per cent stiffer at the front and 80 per cent at the rear) ensure less body roll, which once again significantly increases the fun factor. The necessary tools and instructions for making individual adjustments are also on board.
The new high-performance Continental “Sport Contact 7” 285/30 R22 tyres ensure the necessary grip for dynamic driving. The tyres offer consistently better roadholding in both dry and wet conditions and reduce understeer when cornering at speed, making for overall more precise handling across the entire speed range. Additionally, the braking distance is up to two metres shorter with the new tyres when braking from 62mph to a standstill.
Manufacturing of the highest grade
One thing that is different about the new RS 6 Avant GT is that, unlike the regular RS 6 Avant performance, it is not entirely assembled on the production line in Neckarsulm. After the body construction works and painting shop, the 660 models go to Böllinger Höfe, where the Audi R8 and Audi e-tron GT are built in small-series production.
Located near Audi’s production site in Neckarsulm, this highly flexible facility is unique within the Group and thus offers the best conditions for finishing the Audi RS 6 Avant GT there. Final assembly is carried out by seven experienced employees at three assembly stations set up especially for this exclusive special edition. Each individual vehicle spends a whole day there. All GT-specific features are fitted by hand to each of the only 660 RS 6 Avant GT models produced worldwide. This includes the bonnet, the wheel arches, the rocker panels, the double wing, the front and rear aprons, and the adjustable coilover suspension.
Production at Böllinger Höfe is net carbon neutral. To achieve this, Audi uses green electricity and heat from renewable sources – an important milestone both for the brand and the Neckarsulm site. CO2 emissions Audi cannot yet avoid by means of renewable energy sources are offset using carbon credits from certified environmental projects. The company is thus making a significant contribution to Mission:Zero – the premium manufacturer’s environmental programme for fully sustainable production.