2014 Audi RS 6 Avant has just been unveiled. It has been disclosed that it needs only 3.9 seconds for the acceleration sprint from 0 to 100 km/h. Its ultra-efficient downsized twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 TFSI engine will firmly cement its RS credentials by outrunning its mighty V10-powered predecessor and the acceleration time is what proves it.

At the same time the smaller unit will make 28.8mpg economy potential a reality. The new Audi model has a peak output of 560 hp (412 kW), which is reached between 5,700 and 6,700 rpm, with a constant 700 Nm (517 lb-ft) of torque available between 1,750 and 5,500 rpm.

The top speed here is 155mph, but it is possible to increase this top speed to 174mph by specifying the optional Dynamic package, and to go a step further still with the Dynamic plus package, where the top speed reaches 189mph.

Furthermore, the 4.0-litre TFSI is combined with an eight-speed tiptronic transmission. The latter includes shortened shift times and offering ‘Sport' and ‘Manual' modes in addition to the standard ‘Drive' setting.

What's more, the new RS 6 Avant will be the first Audi RS model which will include adaptive air suspension. The specially tuned set-up lowers the body by 20 millimetres, and incorporates controlled damping which takes into account road conditions, driving style and the mode chosen in the standard Audi drive select adaptive dynamics system, with which the driver can influence the function of key components in multiple steps.

As an option, there will be offered sports suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). This system utilizes steel springs and three-way adjustable shock absorbers which are interconnected diagonally.

In addition, the brakes have also been improved. Four internally vented discs include a weight-saving wave design with a wave-like outer contour. The front discs measure 390 millimetres in diameter and are gripped by six-piston calipers which are available in either black or red. As an option a carbon fibre-ceramic brake discs measuring 420 millimetres in diameter are available. Their calipers are painted anthracite grey.

The RS 6 Avant runs on High-gloss, 20-inch, forged wheels in a seven twin-spoke design. Optional are the three 21-inch cast wheels with either high-gloss silver, polished black or polished titanium-look finish.

Numerous RS-specific design details mark the unique visual stance of the Avant. What captures the attention the most are the matte aluminium applications on the body, the matte black honeycomb radiator grille at the front of the car, the bumpers, the wings, the sill flares and the large roof spoiler. At the rear of the car, the diffuser and the two large, elliptical exhaust tailpipes round off the design.

And for those willing to further customize the look of the vehicle, there are two optional exterior design packages – Matte Aluminium or Carbon. Moreover, 2014 Audi RS 6 Avant is available in eight exterior colours, including the exclusive shade Daytona Grey matte.

The interior is of course elegantly trimmed and highly focused. The dial instruments include black faces, white dials and red needles. The key, the flat-bottomed three-spoke multifunction steering wheel, the illuminated entry sills, the rev counter and the displays for the MMI and the Driver's Information System (DIS) incorporate RS logos.

The footrest, pedals and switches in the MMI navigation plus terminal have an aluminium look which contrasts with the piano finish for the decorative bezel surrounding the retractable monitor and the carbon inlays.

Next, the RS sports seats have side bolsters, integrated head restraints and RS 6 logos. They covered in high-grade, honeycomb-quilted Valcona leather in either black or Moon Silver, or as an option they can be covered in an optional combination of black Alcantara and leather, and the centre sections feature diamond quilting.

The standard equipment is generous: xenon plus headlights, LED rear lights, a tyre-pressure monitoring system, illuminated entry sills, the RS-specific driver's information system, the parking system plus with visual and acoustic prompts, cruise control, four-zone automatic air conditioning, MMI navigation plus with MMI touch, BOSE sound system, DAB radio and Audi Music Interface (AMI).

What will be available as an option is the following: LED headlights with a unique design, ceramic brakes, sports suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), the Dynamic packages, head-up display and a portfolio of high-performance driver assistance systems, as well as the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System with 15 speakers and 1,200 watts of total power.

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Source: Audi