Audi RS6
Encyclopedia
The Audi RS6 quattro, commonly referred to as the RS6, is the highest performing version, and top-of-the-line specification of the Audi A6
, positioned above the Audi S6
. It is a mid-size
sports-focused
executive car
, produced by the high performance private subsidiary company quattro GmbH
, for Audi AG
, part of the Volkswagen Group
.
Both versions of the RS6 are, or have been produced as, a five-door
five-seat
"Avant", Audi's name for an estate car–station wagon
, along with a four-door five-seat saloon–sedan. Based on the A6 platform, the RS6's internal combustion engine
s are front-mounted
and longitudinally
oriented, while the transmission
is mounted immediately at the rear of the engine in a longitudinal orientation, in the form of a transaxle
. Unlike the A6 and S6, however, the RS6's engines have not been shared with any other vehicle in Audi's lineup.
The "RS" initials are taken from the – literally translated as "racing sport", and is Audi's ultimate 'top-tier' high performance trim
level, positioned a noticeable step above the "S" model specification level of Audi's regular model range line-up. Like all Audi "RS" models, the RS6 pioneers some of Audi's newest and advanced engineering and technology, and so could be described as a halo vehicle, with the latest RS6 having the most powerful
internal combustion engine
out of all Audi models, with more power than the physically larger Audi S8
. Furthermore, like all RS models, the RS6 is only available with Audi's 'trademark' Torsen
-based quattro permanent four-wheel drive
system.
The C5 RS6 was the fourth model to come out of Audi's private subsidiary company, "quattro GmbH
". The first was the Audi RS2 Avant
, from a joint venture
between Porsche
and quattro GmbH for the Audi marque. The second was the Audi C4 S6 Plus, produced from April 1996 to July 1997. Third was the 2000 Audi B5 RS4; the fifth was the 2005 Audi B7 A4 DTM Edition saloon, and the sixth was the 2006 Audi B7 RS4. The seventh and current quattro GmbH model is the latest Audi C6 RS6.
Production of the original Audi C5 RS6 began in June 2002 and ended in September 2004. The second and current Audi C6 RS6 was introduced at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The original RS6 was the first Audi RS model exported to North America, while the succeeding C6 RS6 is only sold in Europe.
Its main market competitors include BMW M5
and Mercedes-Benz E55/E63 AMG
.
five-seat
Avant - Audis name for an estate or station wagon
. A four-door five-seat saloon/sedan followed shortly after the launch of the Avant. Derived from the Audi C5 S6 (itself derived from the Audi C5 A6), the RS6 also shares the aluminium
structure from the firewall and forward with the C5 A6s with V8 engine
s (A6 4.2 V8 quattro, S6 saloon/Avant). It was manufactured
from July 2002 through to September 2004.
Official performance figures for the Avant, whilst consuming the recommended high octane
98 RON "Super Plus" unleaded petrol
indicate the 0-100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) dash would be completed in 4.6 seconds (s), reaching 200 km/h (124.3 mph) in 16.8 seconds (16.6 s for the saloon). Official figures state an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph), although most "RS" owners report that the speed limiter is rather liberal on all RS cars, with genuine 'limited' top speeds of 270 km/h (167.8 mph) being possible to achieve. Using a lower octane rated petrol, such as the standard 95 RON "Premium" unleaded will reduce the engine power output, and have logical reduction in performance.
Luggage capacity, measured according to the VDA block method in the Avant ranges from 455 litres (16.07 cu ft), to 1590 litres (56.15 cu ft) with the rear seats folded down. For the saloon, the boot holds 424 litres (14.97 cu ft).
detail, the internal combustion engine
is an all-aluminium alloy
4172 cc twin-turbo
charged ('biturbo'), twin double overhead camshaft (2xDOHC), 5 valve
per cylinder
version of Audi's 4.2 litre 90° V8 petrol engine
(parts code prefix: 077, identification code: BCY), developed and manufactured in the Germany and UK by quattro GmbH
and Cosworth Technology
(now known as MAHLE Powertrain
). With the addition of the two turbocharger
s (one per cylinder bank
), the motive
power
output of the V8 engine
was increased to 331 kW at 5,700 to 6,400 rpm
, and generated 560 newton metres (413 ft·lbf) of torque
. The combination of the 4.2 litre V8, variable inlet valve timing
, and twin turbochargers gave the RS6 an exceptionally wide power band
, with peak torque available from 1,950 to 5,600 rpm.
Further detail of the engine includes fully sequential electronic multi-point fuel injection with intake manifold-sited fuel injectors, mapped direct ignition system
with solid-state high voltage distribution using eight individual single-spark ignition coil
s and NGK
longlife spark plug
s, and three knock
sensors. Engine management uses a Bosch
Motronic
ME 7.1.1 engine control unit
, which controls all functions of the engine operation; including fuel delivery, ignition system
, valve timing, emissions control systems, and torque reduction control - the latter operating in conjunction with the Bosch
ESP 5.7 Electronic Stability Programme
, as part of the "Anti Slip Regulation" (ASR) traction control system
. The engine is compliant with the European Union
Euro3 (EU3) standard, and includes two close-coupled primary catalytic converter
s (CATs), two underfloor main CATs, and four heated oxygen sensor
s which manage the cylinder bank
selective lambda control. This results in a CO2
emissions rating of 350 g/km for the Avant and saloon in standard configuration.
It has an electronically controlled five-speed ZF
5HP24A tiptronic automatic transmission
(parts code prefix: 01L, identification code: GAG) (gear ratio
s - 1st: 3.571, 2nd: 2.200, 3rd: 1.505, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.804), with lock-up torque converter
in all forward gears. It has "hill detection" capability, and, despite many press articles stating that the gearbox was programmed to "blip" the throttle for downshift gear changes, no UK owners have ever found this feature to be present. The transmission control unit
ECU
incorporates "fuzzy logic
" with its "Dynamic Shift Programme" (DSP), with the shift pattern adapting to suit individual driving styles. 'tiptronic' manual control can be achieved with either the floor mounted gear shift lever, or the steering wheel mounted 'paddles'.
The RS6 was only available with Audi's Torsen
-based quattro permanent four-wheel drive
, utilising the Torsen T-2 dynamic 'automatic torque biasing' (ATB) centre differential
(diff), a modified unit which was being used in the 6.0 litre W12
-powered Audi D2 A8. The torque from the engine
is first routed from the gearbox output shaft to the Torsen centre diff, and then automatically divided and apportioned between the front and rear axle
s.
The front and rear axle differentials (ratio: 3.197) are a conventional "open" type, but utilise an "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL). EDL is an integrated additional function of the Bosch
Electronic Stability Programme
(ESP) system, and works by monitoring and comparing the individual roadwheel speeds across an axle, and braking an individual wheel which is sensed to have lost traction (spinning), thus transferring torque across the axle to the wheel/tyre which does have grip. "Anti-Slip Regulation" (ASR), more commonly known as traction control system
completes the Bosch ESP-related driver aids.
four-link front suspension
, and double wishbone
rear, as its related A6 and S6, the RS6 was lowered by 20 millimetre (0.78740157480315 in), with a 30% stiffer spring rate, and 40% increased compression damping. The RS6 also served as the debut model for Audi's "Dynamic Ride Control" (DRC) system. The DRC system is mainly mechanical, and uses a pump to provide additional pressure to individual dampers
(shock absorbers) during cornering, acceleration or braking; to counteract rolling and pitching. The system can adjust the stiffness at each individual damper constantly; to maintain both a comfortable ride on straight roads, and high level of poise and grip when cornering hard, accelerating, or braking. The DRC's main advantage is that it operates without the need for complicated electronics, as required in similar systems from Mercedes-Benz
and other competitors. Its main drawback is that the DRC dampers have been known to fail (leaking fluid from the cross-linked circuits), which can affect the handling and ride quality of the vehicle; some owners have reported needing multiple replacements of faulty DRC units and many drivers have opted to replace the system with simpler and more reliable aftermarket coilover suspension.
Rack and pinion
speed-sensitive "servotronic" power steering
was also standard, with a ratio of 16.2, and a turning circle
of 11.4 metres (37.4 ft).
s feature fixed Brembo
eight-piston monoblock brake calipers, with four pads in each caliper, working with floating and radially vented brake discs
, sized at 365 millimetres (14.4 in) in diameter, by 33 mm (1.3 in) thick. The rear features single-piston floating ATE
calipers with integrated cable-operated parking brake mechanism, mated to floating and radially vented disc, sized 335 mm (13.2 in) by 23 mm (0.905511811023622 in). Front and rear brake calipers are finished in a high-gloss black paint, with the fronts incorporating the Audi "RS" logo
. Both front and rear floating discs are held in by metal pins to the lightweight disc hub, and allow 1 mm (0.0393700787401575 in) of lateral thermal expansion from the hub centre.
Bosch
ESP 5.7 Electronic Stability Programme
, with Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
(EBD), and Brake Assist
(BA) was standard fitment.
There were total of three original equipment manufacturer
(OEM) roadwheel
and tyre
types produced for the RS6. In Europe and elsewhere, 19" wheels were standard, with an optional 18" package. In the U.S. market, the 18" package was the only available offering. An 18" winter package, with Dunlop
SP Winter Sport M3 tyres was universally available.
For 18" wheels, the standard tyre fitted was with eXtraLoad (XL) rating. This is often stressed, and is the only recommendation by Audi, as RS6 does weigh 1865 kilograms (4,112 lb). Tyres which are not rated XL are not safe (nor legal, in most countries) for use. Owners reported finding Continental
ContiSportContact 2, Dunlop SP Sport 9000, Michelin
Pilot Sport PS2, and Pirelli
P-Zero Rosso as OEM suppliers for tyres on the RS6. However, according to ETKA
, the Dunlop and Pirelli tyres were subsequently withdrawn from official supply, and the Continental SportContact 2 has been superseded by the SportContact 3. An additional tyre from Bridgestone
has now been included as officially recommended fitment, the Potenza RE050A.
For 19" wheels, the standard tyre fitted was . However, there were debates as to how safe 19" wheels and tyres are, as the XL rating achieves a (710 kg (1,565 lb) load rating). In contrast, the will get you , good for 775 kg (1,709 lb) per tyre. Current officially recommended tyres from ETKA for the 19" rims only include the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, Continental ContiSportContact 3 and Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta also 96Y XL.
(identification code: BRV), and produced over 353 kW at 6,000-6,400 rpm, with the same 560 newton metres (413 ft·lbf) of torque
at 1,950-6,000 rpm. This engine was also developed and manufactured in the UK by Cosworth Technology
(now known as MAHLE Powertrain
). The additional performance was achieved with a new engine control unit
(ECU), and two additional coolant radiators
behind the side-mounted intercooler
s (these were standard fitment on the standard RS6 in hotter climate countries). Official performance figures indicate the discipline of sprinting from standstill to 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) in 4.6 seconds. The RS6 Plus carries on to reach 200 km/h (124.3 mph) in 17.36 seconds, and has an official top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).
The RS6 Plus came with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) as standard, and also included a no-cost option of "Sports Suspension Plus", which lowered the standard sports suspension
by a further 10 millimetre (0.393700787401575 in) over the standard RS6. A revised steering
rack, with a reduced ratio of 14.3 for firmer steering feel was included, and resulted in a turning circle
of 11.7 metres (38.4 ft). The brake
s now included cross-drilled discs. The wheels were only available in the 9Jx19" '5-arm design' alloys, finished in "anthracite" (dark grey), with tyres.
The car was available only as an Avant, and was sold only in European markets. Visual differences for the RS6 Plus included the "black optic pack", which consisted of black finish to the framing of the radiator grille
, exterior window trims, tailgate lower trim, roof rails, and exhaust tailpipes. It quickly sold out once it was released (999 units total). The last three digits of the Vehicle Identification Number
(VIN) are reproduced on a plaque inside the car, displayed on the centre console
.
The RS6 was used in the North American SPEED World Challenge
GT Series of auto racing
for three years - 2002 to 2004, claiming the manufacturers' championship victory successively in all three years. Once again, the special race derivative of the twin-turbo V8 engine was developed and manufactured in the UK by Cosworth Technology
(now known as MAHLE Powertrain
). However, the 2005 season proved difficult due to performance restrictions imposed on Champion Audi Racing
by the Sports Car Club of America
(SCCA), with Champion deciding to run a different roadwheel
diameter, and the trade off was reducing boost pressure.
The RS6 was challenged by a factory-backed Cadillac CTS-V, but was still victorious. Champion Audi Racing decided to pull the RS6 from the series, citing unfair rules and regulations that targeted the dominant Audis.
The second-generation RS6, later called the Audi RS6 5.0 TFSI quattro (Typ 4F) and based on the Volkswagen Group C6 automobile platform
, was launched in September 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. With factory production
starting in April 2008, it became immediately available in Europe from the same date, and began being exported outside of there in 2009. The total production run of the C6 RS6 was 8,000 units, with 6,500 of these being Avants and the remainder in saloon form. The RS6 was not available in North America, leaving the S6 as the top performing trim in that region. The unpopularity of wagons there made it unlikely that the RS6 Avant would have been exported. It has been rumored that the RS6 saloon/sedan would be offered in the United States, however nothing came of this as the RS6 importer could not clear US regulations. Production of the C6 RS6 ended in third quarter of 2010.
, the RS6 was Audi's single most powerful car ever to be produced by the marque, and positioned the car ahead of its closest competitors, the BMW M5
and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG in terms of engine output, both of whom have naturally aspirated engines. The RS6's 5.0L V10 biturbo engine produced a maximum motive
power
output of 426 kW at 6,250 to 6,700 rpm
, and generated 650 newton metres (479 ft·lbf) of torque
from 1,500 to 6,250 rpm, 52 kW and 150 N·m (111 ft·lbf) more than BMW's 5.0L V10 engine. However the estimated price of the RS6 sedan in 2010 was $160,000 USD in 2010 (another source quotes $126,000 USD in 2009, likely making the RS6 perhaps too expensive for the United States market) which set it apart from other executive car performance variants, compared to the BMW M5's MRSP of $85,700 USD, the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG's $87,700 USD, and the Audi S6's price of $78,025 USD.
Official performance figures for the Avant: 4.6 seconds for the 0-100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) sprint, 12.7 seconds 0-200 km/h (124.3 mph), and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph), with a factory option to de-restrict the top speed to 274 km/h (170.3 mph). In standard form, CO2
emissions are rated at 333 g/km. The saloon reaches 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.5 seconds.
Avant (estate/wagon
) version of the C6 RS6 was launched in April 2008, and the four-door saloon/sedan was available from August 2008. Constructed from steel in a monocoque
(unibody) design, the RS6 uses lightweight aluminium
for its front wings
(fenders) and bonnet
(hood).
Visually, the RS6 differed from its related Audi S6
, having flared front and rear wheel arches (fenders)
, harking back to the original Audi Quattro
, to allow for a wider wheel track. It also had deleted front fog lights to allow for larger frontal air intakes (for the two side-mounted intercooler
s (SMICs), and additional radiator
s). The ten (per side) front light-emitting diode
(LED) daytime running lights
(DRLs) are located within the main headlamp housing on the RS6 in order to increase the size of the air intakes, whereas these LEDs (five per side) on the related Audi S6 are found adjacent to the fog lamps in the lower front bumper. LED lighting technology was also implemented in the rear lights. The RS6 also included adaptive headlights, which swivel around corners in conjunction with steering wheel
movements.
Luggage capacity, measured according to the VDA 'block method' in the Avant ranges from 565 litres (19.95 cu ft), to 1660 litres (58.62 cu ft).
detail of the RS6, the internal combustion engine
(parts code: 07L, identification code: BUH) was what Audi claimed the first all-aluminium alloy
5.0 litre (4991 cc) 90° V10 twin-turbo
charged ("biturbo"), Fuel Stratified Injection
(FSI), with a dry sump
lubrication system. It has been speculated that an even more powerful version of this engine may go into the 2012 Audi S8, tuned to over 600 horsepower. This engine is related to the naturally aspirated V10 found in the Audi R8
, Audi S6
, Audi S8
, and Lamborghini Gallardo
, however the RS6's engine has around 400 unique parts.
The 5.0L V10 engine has four valves
per cylinder
, with twin chain
-driven double overhead camshafts (2xDOHC), and variable valve timing
for both inlet and exhaust camshafts. Charged intake air is cooled with two side-mounted intercooler
s (SMIC)s. Engine management is by way of two Bosch
DI-Motronic
ME 9.1.2 engine control unit
s, which act as "master" and "slave" concepts; two ECUs are required due to the high revs the engine can achieve. It also uses mapped direct ignition system
with ten individual direct-acting spark coils
, an electronic drive by wire
throttle (Bosch "E-Gas"), cylinder-selective knock
control, and cylinder bank
adaptive lambda
control, utilising eight lambda sensors.
A total of seven radiator
s, and four electric cooling fans are needed to cool the engine
, and related components under the aluminium
bonnet of the RS6.
Drive output passes through a modified ZF
6HP26A six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission
(parts code: 09E, identification code: KZQ or KZH) (gear ratio
s - 1st: 4.171, 2nd: 2.340, 3rd: 1.521, 4th: 1.143, 5th: 0.867, 6th: 0.691), with shortened shift time
s, with "Dynamic Shift Programme" (DSP) and "Sport" mode. It has paddle-shifts mounted behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel
, similar in design to the Audi B7 RS4. The gearbox is set by default, in conventional automatic mode, to delay up-changes during acceleration, and change down earlier to maximise engine braking
. Downchanges in all modes of operation include the Powertrain Control Module
electronic control unit
(ECU) "blipping" the Bosch "E-Gas" drive by wire
throttle, for smoother shift changes. The hydraulic torque converter
includes a lock-up function in all forward gears, and is able to completely disconnect when the vehicle is stationary, thus saving fuel.
Like all Audi "RS" models, the RS6 is fitted with Audi's 'trademark' quattro permanent four-wheel drive
as standard; with this version of the RS6 using the latest asymmetric dynamic 40:60 front-to-rear default torque distribution from the Torsen
T-3 'automatic torque biasing' (ATB) centre differential. This latest incarnation of the Torsen quattro, first seen in the B7 RS4, can automatically dynamically apportion up to a maximum 100% torque to the rear axle, or up to 80% to the front, dependent on traction conditions.
The front and rear axle
final drives are conventional "open" differentials (ratio 3.317), and use the Audi "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL). EDL is a part, or "function" of the Bosch
ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme
, which also includes "Anti-Slip Regulation" (ASR) traction control system
. EDL does not 'lock' the differential in a traditional sense, but uses electronics to monitor individual roadwheel speeds across an axle, and merely applies the brake to just one wheel on that axle which is sensed to have lost traction (by rotating faster than the opposite wheel, beyond normal accepted deviations). This braked wheel has the effect of transferring the torque across the axle to the wheel which is deemed to still have traction.
system. The system is mainly mechanical; using a pump to provide additional pressure in the diagonally linked dampers
(shock absorber) during cornering, to counteract rolling and pitching. The system can dynamically adjust the stiffness at each damper constantly to maintain both a comfortable ride and high grip. On this version, it has a three-way level control, selectable from the Multi Media Interface
controls.
The steering
system includes rack and pinion
speed-dependent "servotronic" power steering
, with a ratio of 12.5, and a turning circle
of 12.2 metres.
s on the RS6 consist of cross-drilled, radially vented and floating iron discs
, the front discs sized at 390 millimetres (15.35 in) in diameter by 36 mm (1.417 in) thick, and the rears at 356 mm (14.02 in) diameter by 28 mm (1.102 in). The front discs are clamped by gloss black six-piston fixed Brembo
monoblock alloy calipers incorporating the "RS" logo
, and black single-piston floating calipers, with integrated electro-mechanical parking brake
linkage actuating on the rear discs. This electro-mechanical parking brake serves another purpose, it doubles as a full emergency brake whilst the car is in motion, by applying maximum braking effort to all four wheels, resulting in activating the Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS).
Optional "Audi ceramic" Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) composite front brakes are available, only with 20 inch roadwheels
, which use 420 mm (16.54 in) diameter by 40 mm (1.575 in) thick drilled, vented, and floating SGL Carbon
composite discs, with grey painted eight-piston fixed Alcon monobloc alloy calipers with the "Audi ceramic" logo.
Irrespective of the type of disc construction, all brake discs are mounted via high strength steel mounting pins which connect the 'working' surface of the disc to lightweight alloy disc hubs.
A specifically 'tuned' "sport-biased" Bosch
ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme
is standard, and includes Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
(EBD), and Brake Assist
(BA). This ESP system has three user-selectable settings: "ESP-on" - the standard default full protection mode, "ESP-sportmode" (which turns off the ASR and EDL traction functions), and "ESP-off" (which fully disables all 'stability' and 'traction' related functions).
Standard roadwheels
(in the UK) are 9.5Jx20 inch '5-segment-spoke' design alloy wheel
s running on (eXtra Load) tyres
(rated at 850 kilograms (1,874 lb) per tyre), with official supplies being either Pirelli
P-Zero Rosso or Dunlop
SP SportMaxx GT. A no-cost optional 9.5Jx20 '7-arm double spoke' design (identical style to B7 RS4), or 9Jx19 inch '10-spoke' design alloys with Michelin
Pilot Sport PS2 tyres.
Audi A6
The Audi A6 is an executive car marketed by the German automaker Audi AG, now in its fourth generation. As the successor to the Audi 100, the A6 is manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany – and is available in saloon, and wagon configurations, the latter marketed by Audi as the Avant.All generations...
, positioned above the Audi S6
Audi S6
The Audi S6 is a high-performance version of the Audi A6, an executive car produced by German automaker Audi. It went on sale in 1994, shortly after the "A6" designation was introduced, replacing the "100" nameplate...
. It is a mid-size
Mid-size car
A mid-size car is the North American/Australian standard for an automobile with a size equal to or greater than that of a compact...
sports-focused
Sports car
A sports car is a small, usually two seat, two door automobile designed for high speed driving and maneuverability....
executive car
Executive car
Executive car is a British term that refers to a car's size and is used to describe an automobile larger than a large family car. In official use, the term is adopted by EuroNCAP, a European organisation founded to test car safety.- History :...
, produced by the high performance private subsidiary company quattro GmbH
Quattro GmbH
quattro GmbH is a wholly owned private subsidiary of the German automobile manufacturer AUDI AG, part of the Volkswagen Group.Founded in October 1983, it primarily specialises in producing high performance Audi cars and components, along with purchaser specified customisations...
, for Audi AG
Audi
Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer, from supermini to crossover SUVs in various body styles and price ranges that are marketed under the Audi brand , positioned as the premium brand within the Volkswagen Group....
, part of the Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen Group is a German multinational automobile manufacturing group. , Volkswagen was ranked as the world’s third largest motor vehicle manufacturer and Europe's largest....
.
Both versions of the RS6 are, or have been produced as, a five-door
Vehicle door
A vehicle door is a partition, typically hinged, but sometimes attached by other mechanisms such as tracks, in front of an opening which is used for entering and exiting a vehicle. A vehicle door can be opened to provide access to the opening, or closed to secure it. These doors are similar to...
five-seat
Car seat
A car seat is the chair used in automobiles. Most car seats are made from inexpensive but durable material in order to withstand as much use as possible.-Ergonomy: Lumbar and thigh support:...
"Avant", Audi's name for an estate car–station wagon
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
, along with a four-door five-seat saloon–sedan. Based on the A6 platform, the RS6's internal combustion engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
s are front-mounted
Front-engine design
A front-mounted engine describes the placement of an automobile engine in front of the vehicle passenger compartment.Historically, this designation was used regardless of whether or not the entire engine was behind the front axle line...
and longitudinally
Longitudinal engine
In automotive engineering, a longitudinal engine is an internal combustion engine in which the crankshaft is oriented along the long axis of the vehicle, front to back....
oriented, while the transmission
Transmission (mechanics)
A machine consists of a power source and a power transmission system, which provides controlled application of the power. Merriam-Webster defines transmission as: an assembly of parts including the speed-changing gears and the propeller shaft by which the power is transmitted from an engine to a...
is mounted immediately at the rear of the engine in a longitudinal orientation, in the form of a transaxle
Transaxle
In the automotive field, a transaxle is a major mechanical component that combines the functionality of the transmission, the differential, and associated components of the driven axle into one integrated assembly....
. Unlike the A6 and S6, however, the RS6's engines have not been shared with any other vehicle in Audi's lineup.
The "RS" initials are taken from the – literally translated as "racing sport", and is Audi's ultimate 'top-tier' high performance trim
Trim package
A trim package is an automotive package composed by a set of cosmetic embellishments to a vehicle. In some cases the trim package may include a specific model or ending name...
level, positioned a noticeable step above the "S" model specification level of Audi's regular model range line-up. Like all Audi "RS" models, the RS6 pioneers some of Audi's newest and advanced engineering and technology, and so could be described as a halo vehicle, with the latest RS6 having the most powerful
Motive power
In thermodynamics, motive power is an agency, as water or steam, used to impart motion. Generally, motive power is defined as a natural agent, as water, steam, wind, electricity, etc., used to impart motion to machinery; a motor; a mover. The term may also define something, as a locomotive or a...
internal combustion engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
out of all Audi models, with more power than the physically larger Audi S8
Audi S8
The Audi S8 quattro is a high-performance version of the German luxury automaker Audi's flagship car, the full-size Audi A8. The S8 is produced at Audi's Neckarsulm 'aluminium plant', and it was introduced in September 1994...
. Furthermore, like all RS models, the RS6 is only available with Audi's 'trademark' Torsen
Torsen
Torsen is a type of differential used in automobiles. It was invented by American Vernon Gleasman and manufactured by the Gleason Corporation. Torsen is a contraction of Torque-Sensing...
-based quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
system.
The C5 RS6 was the fourth model to come out of Audi's private subsidiary company, "quattro GmbH
Quattro GmbH
quattro GmbH is a wholly owned private subsidiary of the German automobile manufacturer AUDI AG, part of the Volkswagen Group.Founded in October 1983, it primarily specialises in producing high performance Audi cars and components, along with purchaser specified customisations...
". The first was the Audi RS2 Avant
Audi RS2 Avant
The Audi RS2 Avant was a limited edition, high-performance Audi five-door, five-seat estate car , manufactured from March 1994 to July 1995...
, from a joint venture
Joint venture
A joint venture is a business agreement in which parties agree to develop, for a finite time, a new entity and new assets by contributing equity. They exercise control over the enterprise and consequently share revenues, expenses and assets...
between Porsche
Porsche
Porsche Automobil Holding SE, usually shortened to Porsche SE a Societas Europaea or European Public Company, is a German based holding company with investments in the automotive industry....
and quattro GmbH for the Audi marque. The second was the Audi C4 S6 Plus, produced from April 1996 to July 1997. Third was the 2000 Audi B5 RS4; the fifth was the 2005 Audi B7 A4 DTM Edition saloon, and the sixth was the 2006 Audi B7 RS4. The seventh and current quattro GmbH model is the latest Audi C6 RS6.
Production of the original Audi C5 RS6 began in June 2002 and ended in September 2004. The second and current Audi C6 RS6 was introduced at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show. The original RS6 was the first Audi RS model exported to North America, while the succeeding C6 RS6 is only sold in Europe.
Its main market competitors include BMW M5
BMW M5
The first BMW M5, based on the E28 5 Series, made its debut at Amsterdam Motor Show in February 1984. It was the product of demand for an automobile with the carrying capacity of a saloon , but the overall performance of a sports car. It utilized the 535i chassis and an evolution of the engine from...
and Mercedes-Benz E55/E63 AMG
Mercedes-Benz E-Class
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is a range of executive-size cars manufactured by Mercedes-Benz in various engine and body configurations. The E initially stood for Einspritzmotor, ; a new feature in volume production vehicles at the time that the E-Class first appeared, with the E as a suffix to the...
.
C5 (Typ 4B, 2002–2004)
The original Audi C5 RS6 quattro (Typ 4B) was the top-of-the-line user of the Volkswagen Group C5 platform (1997–2004), and was initially available as a five-doorVehicle door
A vehicle door is a partition, typically hinged, but sometimes attached by other mechanisms such as tracks, in front of an opening which is used for entering and exiting a vehicle. A vehicle door can be opened to provide access to the opening, or closed to secure it. These doors are similar to...
five-seat
Car seat
A car seat is the chair used in automobiles. Most car seats are made from inexpensive but durable material in order to withstand as much use as possible.-Ergonomy: Lumbar and thigh support:...
Avant - Audis name for an estate or station wagon
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
. A four-door five-seat saloon/sedan followed shortly after the launch of the Avant. Derived from the Audi C5 S6 (itself derived from the Audi C5 A6), the RS6 also shares the aluminium
Aluminium
Aluminium or aluminum is a silvery white member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has the symbol Al, and its atomic number is 13. It is not soluble in water under normal circumstances....
structure from the firewall and forward with the C5 A6s with V8 engine
V8 engine
A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
s (A6 4.2 V8 quattro, S6 saloon/Avant). It was manufactured
Automotive engineering
Modern automotive engineering, along with aerospace engineering and marine engineering, is a branch of vehicle engineering, incorporating elements of mechanical, electrical, electronic, software and safety engineering as applied to the design, manufacture and operation of motorcycles, automobiles,...
from July 2002 through to September 2004.
Official performance figures for the Avant, whilst consuming the recommended high octane
Octane rating
Octane rating or octane number is a standard measure of the anti-knock properties of a motor or aviation fuel. The higher the octane number, the more compression the fuel can withstand before detonating...
98 RON "Super Plus" unleaded petrol
Gasoline
Gasoline , or petrol , is a toxic, translucent, petroleum-derived liquid that is primarily used as a fuel in internal combustion engines. It consists mostly of organic compounds obtained by the fractional distillation of petroleum, enhanced with a variety of additives. Some gasolines also contain...
indicate the 0-100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) dash would be completed in 4.6 seconds (s), reaching 200 km/h (124.3 mph) in 16.8 seconds (16.6 s for the saloon). Official figures state an electronically limited top speed of 250 km/h (155.3 mph), although most "RS" owners report that the speed limiter is rather liberal on all RS cars, with genuine 'limited' top speeds of 270 km/h (167.8 mph) being possible to achieve. Using a lower octane rated petrol, such as the standard 95 RON "Premium" unleaded will reduce the engine power output, and have logical reduction in performance.
Luggage capacity, measured according to the VDA block method in the Avant ranges from 455 litres (16.07 cu ft), to 1590 litres (56.15 cu ft) with the rear seats folded down. For the saloon, the boot holds 424 litres (14.97 cu ft).
C5 powertrain
For the C5 RS6 powertrainPowertrain
In a motor vehicle, the term powertrain or powerplant refers to the group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, water, or air. This includes the engine, transmission, drive shafts, differentials, and the final drive...
detail, the internal combustion engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
is an all-aluminium alloy
Aluminium alloy
Aluminium alloys are alloys in which aluminium is the predominant metal. The typical alloying elements are copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon and zinc. There are two principal classifications, namely casting alloys and wrought alloys, both of which are further subdivided into the categories...
4172 cc twin-turbo
Twin-turbo
Twin-turbo refers to a turbocharged engine, in which two turbochargers compress the intake charge. There are two commonly used twin turbo configurations: parallel twin-turbo and sequential twin-turbo...
charged ('biturbo'), twin double overhead camshaft (2xDOHC), 5 valve
Multi-valve
In automotive engineering a multi-valve or multivalve engine is one where each cylinder has more than two valves. A multi-valve engine has better breathing and can operate at higher revolutions per minute than a two-valve engine, delivering more power.- Multi-valve rationale :A multi-valve design...
per cylinder
Cylinder (engine)
A cylinder is the central working part of a reciprocating engine or pump, the space in which a piston travels. Multiple cylinders are commonly arranged side by side in a bank, or engine block, which is typically cast from aluminum or cast iron before receiving precision machine work...
version of Audi's 4.2 litre 90° V8 petrol engine
Petrol engine
A petrol engine is an internal combustion engine with spark-ignition, designed to run on petrol and similar volatile fuels....
(parts code prefix: 077, identification code: BCY), developed and manufactured in the Germany and UK by quattro GmbH
Quattro GmbH
quattro GmbH is a wholly owned private subsidiary of the German automobile manufacturer AUDI AG, part of the Volkswagen Group.Founded in October 1983, it primarily specialises in producing high performance Audi cars and components, along with purchaser specified customisations...
and Cosworth Technology
Cosworth
Cosworth is a high performance engineering company founded in London in 1958, specialising in engines and electronics for automobile racing , mainstream automotive and defence industries...
(now known as MAHLE Powertrain
MAHLE Powertrain
MAHLE Powertrain Ltd is the wholly owned engineering services division of MAHLE GmbH. With its headquarters in Northampton, UK and sister company in Novi, Michigan, USA the company specialises in the design, development, testing and production of internal combustion engines and provides a broad...
). With the addition of the two turbocharger
Turbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
s (one per cylinder bank
Cylinder bank
Internal combustion piston engines are usually arranged so that the cylinders are in lines parallel to the crankshaft. Where they are in a single line, this is referred to as an inline or straight engine....
), the motive
Motive power
In thermodynamics, motive power is an agency, as water or steam, used to impart motion. Generally, motive power is defined as a natural agent, as water, steam, wind, electricity, etc., used to impart motion to machinery; a motor; a mover. The term may also define something, as a locomotive or a...
power
Power (physics)
In physics, power is the rate at which energy is transferred, used, or transformed. For example, the rate at which a light bulb transforms electrical energy into heat and light is measured in watts—the more wattage, the more power, or equivalently the more electrical energy is used per unit...
output of the V8 engine
V8 engine
A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
was increased to 331 kW at 5,700 to 6,400 rpm
Revolutions per minute
Revolutions per minute is a measure of the frequency of a rotation. It annotates the number of full rotations completed in one minute around a fixed axis...
, and generated 560 newton metres (413 ft·lbf) of torque
Torque
Torque, moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....
. The combination of the 4.2 litre V8, variable inlet valve timing
Variable valve timing
In internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine...
, and twin turbochargers gave the RS6 an exceptionally wide power band
Power band
The power band of an engine or electric motor refers to the range of operating speeds under which an the engine or motor is able to operate efficiently...
, with peak torque available from 1,950 to 5,600 rpm.
Further detail of the engine includes fully sequential electronic multi-point fuel injection with intake manifold-sited fuel injectors, mapped direct ignition system
Ignition system
An ignition system is a system for igniting a fuel-air mixture. Ignition systems are well known in the field of internal combustion engines such as those used in petrol engines used to power the majority of motor vehicles, but they are also used in many other applications such as in oil-fired and...
with solid-state high voltage distribution using eight individual single-spark ignition coil
Ignition coil
An ignition coil is an induction coil in an automobile's ignition system which transforms the battery's 12 volts to the thousands of volts needed to create an electric spark in the spark plugs to ignite the fuel...
s and NGK
NGK
is a Public Company established in 1936 and based in Nagoya, Japan. NGK is involved in the manufacture and sale of spark plugs and related products for internal-combustion engines and new ceramics and applicable products.-Organization:...
longlife spark plug
Spark plug
A spark plug is an electrical device that fits into the cylinder head of some internal combustion engines and ignites compressed fuels such as aerosol, gasoline, ethanol, and liquefied petroleum gas by means of an electric spark.Spark plugs have an insulated central electrode which is connected by...
s, and three knock
Engine knocking
Knocking in spark-ignition internal combustion engines occurs when combustion of the air/fuel mixture in the cylinder starts off correctly in response to ignition by the spark plug, but one or more pockets of air/fuel mixture explode outside the envelope of the normal combustion front.The...
sensors. Engine management uses a Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
Motronic
Motronic
Motronic is the trade name given to a range of digital engine-management systems developed by Robert Bosch GmbH, commonly known as Bosch.-Motronic ML1.x:Motronic ML1.x was one of the first digital engine-management systems developed by Bosch...
ME 7.1.1 engine control unit
Engine control unit
An engine control unit is a type of electronic control unit that determines the amount of fuel, ignition timing and other parameters an internal combustion engine needs to keep running...
, which controls all functions of the engine operation; including fuel delivery, ignition system
Ignition system
An ignition system is a system for igniting a fuel-air mixture. Ignition systems are well known in the field of internal combustion engines such as those used in petrol engines used to power the majority of motor vehicles, but they are also used in many other applications such as in oil-fired and...
, valve timing, emissions control systems, and torque reduction control - the latter operating in conjunction with the Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
ESP 5.7 Electronic Stability Programme
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
, as part of the "Anti Slip Regulation" (ASR) traction control system
Traction control system
A traction control system , also known as anti-slip regulation , is typically a secondary function of the anti-lock braking system on production motor vehicles, designed to prevent loss of traction of driven road wheels...
. The engine is compliant with the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
Euro3 (EU3) standard, and includes two close-coupled primary catalytic converter
Catalytic converter
A catalytic converter is a device used to convert toxic exhaust emissions from an internal combustion engine into non-toxic substances. Inside a catalytic converter, a catalyst stimulates a chemical reaction in which noxious byproducts of combustion are converted to less toxic substances by dint...
s (CATs), two underfloor main CATs, and four heated oxygen sensor
Oxygen sensor
An oxygen sensor, or lambda sensor, is an electronic device that measures the proportion of oxygen in the gas or liquid being analyzed. It was developed by the Robert Bosch GmbH company during the late 1960s under the supervision of Dr. Günter Bauman...
s which manage the cylinder bank
Cylinder bank
Internal combustion piston engines are usually arranged so that the cylinders are in lines parallel to the crankshaft. Where they are in a single line, this is referred to as an inline or straight engine....
selective lambda control. This results in a CO2
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring chemical compound composed of two oxygen atoms covalently bonded to a single carbon atom...
emissions rating of 350 g/km for the Avant and saloon in standard configuration.
It has an electronically controlled five-speed ZF
ZF Friedrichshafen
ZF Friedrichshafen AG, also known as ZF Group, and commonly abbreviated to ZF, is a German public company headquartered in Friedrichshafen, in the south-west German region of Baden-Württemberg....
5HP24A tiptronic automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
(parts code prefix: 01L, identification code: GAG) (gear ratio
Gear ratio
The gear ratio of a gear train is the ratio of the angular velocity of the input gear to the angular velocity of the output gear, also known as the speed ratio of the gear train. The gear ratio can be computed directly from the numbers of teeth of the various gears that engage to form the gear...
s - 1st: 3.571, 2nd: 2.200, 3rd: 1.505, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.804), with lock-up torque converter
Torque converter
In modern usage, a torque converter is generally a type of hydrodynamic fluid coupling that is used to transfer rotating power from a prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine or electric motor, to a rotating driven load...
in all forward gears. It has "hill detection" capability, and, despite many press articles stating that the gearbox was programmed to "blip" the throttle for downshift gear changes, no UK owners have ever found this feature to be present. The transmission control unit
Transmission Control Unit
A transmission control unit or TCU is a device that controls modern electronic automatic transmissions. A TCU generally uses sensors from the vehicle as well as data provided by the Engine Control Unit to calculate how and when to change gears in the vehicle for optimum performance, fuel economy...
ECU
Electronic control unit
In automotive electronics, electronic control unit is a generic term for any embedded system that controls one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems in a motor vehicle....
incorporates "fuzzy logic
Fuzzy logic
Fuzzy logic is a form of many-valued logic; it deals with reasoning that is approximate rather than fixed and exact. In contrast with traditional logic theory, where binary sets have two-valued logic: true or false, fuzzy logic variables may have a truth value that ranges in degree between 0 and 1...
" with its "Dynamic Shift Programme" (DSP), with the shift pattern adapting to suit individual driving styles. 'tiptronic' manual control can be achieved with either the floor mounted gear shift lever, or the steering wheel mounted 'paddles'.
The RS6 was only available with Audi's Torsen
Torsen
Torsen is a type of differential used in automobiles. It was invented by American Vernon Gleasman and manufactured by the Gleason Corporation. Torsen is a contraction of Torque-Sensing...
-based quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
, utilising the Torsen T-2 dynamic 'automatic torque biasing' (ATB) centre differential
Differential (mechanics)
A differential is a device, usually, but not necessarily, employing gears, capable of transmitting torque and rotation through three shafts, almost always used in one of two ways: in one way, it receives one input and provides two outputs—this is found in most automobiles—and in the other way, it...
(diff), a modified unit which was being used in the 6.0 litre W12
W12 engine
A W12 engine is a twelve cylinder piston internal combustion engine in a W configuration. W12 engines are manufactured in two distinct configurations. One configuration uses four rows of three cylinders merged into two 'cylinder banks' , coupled to a common crankshaft - as in Volkswagen Group W12...
-powered Audi D2 A8. The torque from the engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
is first routed from the gearbox output shaft to the Torsen centre diff, and then automatically divided and apportioned between the front and rear axle
Axle
An axle is a central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear. On wheeled vehicles, the axle may be fixed to the wheels, rotating with them, or fixed to its surroundings, with the wheels rotating around the axle. In the former case, bearings or bushings are provided at the mounting points where the axle...
s.
The front and rear axle differentials (ratio: 3.197) are a conventional "open" type, but utilise an "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL). EDL is an integrated additional function of the Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
Electronic Stability Programme
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
(ESP) system, and works by monitoring and comparing the individual roadwheel speeds across an axle, and braking an individual wheel which is sensed to have lost traction (spinning), thus transferring torque across the axle to the wheel/tyre which does have grip. "Anti-Slip Regulation" (ASR), more commonly known as traction control system
Traction control system
A traction control system , also known as anti-slip regulation , is typically a secondary function of the anti-lock braking system on production motor vehicles, designed to prevent loss of traction of driven road wheels...
completes the Bosch ESP-related driver aids.
C5 suspension and steering
Utilising the same fully independentIndependent suspension
Independent suspension is a broad term for any automobile suspension system that allows each wheel on the same axle to move vertically independently of each other. This is contrasted with a beam axle, live axle or deDion axle system in which the wheels are linked – movement on one side affects...
four-link front suspension
Suspension (vehicle)
Suspension is the term given to the system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. Suspension systems serve a dual purpose — contributing to the car's roadholding/handling and braking for good active safety and driving pleasure, and keeping vehicle occupants...
, and double wishbone
Double wishbone suspension
In automobiles, a double wishbone suspension is an independent suspension design using two wishbone-shaped arms to locate the wheel. Each wishbone or arm has two mounting points to the chassis and one joint at the knuckle. The shock absorber and coil spring mount to the wishbones to control...
rear, as its related A6 and S6, the RS6 was lowered by 20 millimetre (0.78740157480315 in), with a 30% stiffer spring rate, and 40% increased compression damping. The RS6 also served as the debut model for Audi's "Dynamic Ride Control" (DRC) system. The DRC system is mainly mechanical, and uses a pump to provide additional pressure to individual dampers
Shock absorber
A shock absorber is a mechanical device designed to smooth out or damp shock impulse, and dissipate kinetic energy. It is a type of dashpot.-Nomenclature:...
(shock absorbers) during cornering, acceleration or braking; to counteract rolling and pitching. The system can adjust the stiffness at each individual damper constantly; to maintain both a comfortable ride on straight roads, and high level of poise and grip when cornering hard, accelerating, or braking. The DRC's main advantage is that it operates without the need for complicated electronics, as required in similar systems from Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz
Mercedes-Benz is a German manufacturer of automobiles, buses, coaches, and trucks. Mercedes-Benz is a division of its parent company, Daimler AG...
and other competitors. Its main drawback is that the DRC dampers have been known to fail (leaking fluid from the cross-linked circuits), which can affect the handling and ride quality of the vehicle; some owners have reported needing multiple replacements of faulty DRC units and many drivers have opted to replace the system with simpler and more reliable aftermarket coilover suspension.
Rack and pinion
Rack and pinion
A rack and pinion is a type of linear actuator that comprises a pair of gears which convert rotational motion into linear motion. A circular gear called "the pinion" engages teeth on a linear "gear" bar called "the rack"; rotational motion applied to the pinion causes the rack to move, thereby...
speed-sensitive "servotronic" power steering
Power steering
Power steering helps drivers steer vehicles by augmenting steering effort of the steering wheel.Hydraulic or electric actuators add controlled energy to the steering mechanism, so the driver needs to provide only modest effort regardless of conditions. Power steering helps considerably when a...
was also standard, with a ratio of 16.2, and a turning circle
Turning radius
The turning radius or turning circle of a vehicle is the size of the smallest circular turn that the vehicle is capable of making. The term turning radius is actually a misnomer, since the size of a circle is actually its diameter, not its radius. The less ambiguous term turning circle is preferred...
of 11.4 metres (37.4 ft).
C5 brakes, wheels and tyres
The front brakeBrake
A brake is a mechanical device which inhibits motion. Its opposite component is a clutch. The rest of this article is dedicated to various types of vehicular brakes....
s feature fixed Brembo
Brembo
Brembo S.p.A. is a manufacturer of automotive brake systems, especially for high-performance cars and motorcycles. It was established in Bergamo, Italy in 1961. Soon after the company was formed, it specialised in disc brakes, which were exclusively imported from the United Kingdom at the time...
eight-piston monoblock brake calipers, with four pads in each caliper, working with floating and radially vented brake discs
Disc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
, sized at 365 millimetres (14.4 in) in diameter, by 33 mm (1.3 in) thick. The rear features single-piston floating ATE
Continental AG
Continental AG, internally often called Conti for short, is a worldwide leading German manufacturer of tires, brake systems, vehicle stability control systems, engine injection systems, tachographs and other parts for the automotive and transport industries. The company is based in Hanover, Germany...
calipers with integrated cable-operated parking brake mechanism, mated to floating and radially vented disc, sized 335 mm (13.2 in) by 23 mm (0.905511811023622 in). Front and rear brake calipers are finished in a high-gloss black paint, with the fronts incorporating the Audi "RS" logo
Logo
A logo is a graphic mark or emblem commonly used by commercial enterprises, organizations and even individuals to aid and promote instant public recognition...
. Both front and rear floating discs are held in by metal pins to the lightweight disc hub, and allow 1 mm (0.0393700787401575 in) of lateral thermal expansion from the hub centre.
Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
ESP 5.7 Electronic Stability Programme
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
, with Anti-lock Braking System
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
(ABS), Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution ', Electronic brakeforce limitation ' is an automobile brake technology that automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle's brakes, based on road conditions, speed, loading, etc...
(EBD), and Brake Assist
Brake assist
Brake Assist is a generic term for an automobile braking technology that increases braking pressure in an emergency situation. The first application was developed jointly by Daimler-Benz and TRW/LucasVarity...
(BA) was standard fitment.
There were total of three original equipment manufacturer
Original Equipment Manufacturer
An original equipment manufacturer, or OEM, manufactures products or components that are purchased by a company and retailed under that purchasing company's brand name. OEM refers to the company that originally manufactured the product. When referring to automotive parts, OEM designates a...
(OEM) roadwheel
Wheel
A wheel is a device that allows heavy objects to be moved easily through rotating on an axle through its center, facilitating movement or transportation while supporting a load, or performing labor in machines. Common examples found in transport applications. A wheel, together with an axle,...
and tyre
Tire
A tire or tyre is a ring-shaped covering that fits around a wheel rim to protect it and enable better vehicle performance by providing a flexible cushion that absorbs shock while keeping the wheel in close contact with the ground...
types produced for the RS6. In Europe and elsewhere, 19" wheels were standard, with an optional 18" package. In the U.S. market, the 18" package was the only available offering. An 18" winter package, with Dunlop
Dunlop Tyres
Dunlop Tyres is a British company owned 75% by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and 25% by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which bought the right to sell Dunlop-branded road tyres....
SP Winter Sport M3 tyres was universally available.
For 18" wheels, the standard tyre fitted was with eXtraLoad (XL) rating. This is often stressed, and is the only recommendation by Audi, as RS6 does weigh 1865 kilograms (4,112 lb). Tyres which are not rated XL are not safe (nor legal, in most countries) for use. Owners reported finding Continental
Continental AG
Continental AG, internally often called Conti for short, is a worldwide leading German manufacturer of tires, brake systems, vehicle stability control systems, engine injection systems, tachographs and other parts for the automotive and transport industries. The company is based in Hanover, Germany...
ContiSportContact 2, Dunlop SP Sport 9000, Michelin
Michelin
Michelin is a tyre manufacturer based in Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne région of France. It is one of the two largest tyre manufacturers in the world along with Bridgestone. In addition to the Michelin brand, it also owns the BFGoodrich, Kleber, Riken, Kormoran and Uniroyal tyre brands...
Pilot Sport PS2, and Pirelli
Pirelli
Pirelli & C. SpA is a diverse multinational company based in Milan, Italy. The company, the world’s fifth largest tyre manufacturer, is present in over 160 countries, has 20 manufacturing sites around the world and a network of around 10,000 distributors and retailers.Founded in Milan in 1872,...
P-Zero Rosso as OEM suppliers for tyres on the RS6. However, according to ETKA
ETKA
ETKA is the official electronic parts catalogue for Volkswagen Group motor vehicles. Launched in 1989, ETKA superseded the older parts books and microfilm-based catalogues. ETKA is an abbreviation from the . It is produced for Volkswagen AG by the Munich-based specialist automotive industry...
, the Dunlop and Pirelli tyres were subsequently withdrawn from official supply, and the Continental SportContact 2 has been superseded by the SportContact 3. An additional tyre from Bridgestone
Bridgestone
The is a multinational rubber conglomerate founded in 1931 by in the city of Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan. The name Bridgestone comes from a calque translation and transposition of ishibashi, meaning "stone bridge" in Japanese....
has now been included as officially recommended fitment, the Potenza RE050A.
For 19" wheels, the standard tyre fitted was . However, there were debates as to how safe 19" wheels and tyres are, as the XL rating achieves a (710 kg (1,565 lb) load rating). In contrast, the will get you , good for 775 kg (1,709 lb) per tyre. Current officially recommended tyres from ETKA for the 19" rims only include the Michelin Pilot Sport PS2, Continental ContiSportContact 3 and Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta also 96Y XL.
C5 RS6 Plus
Between April and September 2004, there was a final limited run of an even higher-performance RS6, named the Audi RS6 Plus. This had an increased engine power outputMotive power
In thermodynamics, motive power is an agency, as water or steam, used to impart motion. Generally, motive power is defined as a natural agent, as water, steam, wind, electricity, etc., used to impart motion to machinery; a motor; a mover. The term may also define something, as a locomotive or a...
(identification code: BRV), and produced over 353 kW at 6,000-6,400 rpm, with the same 560 newton metres (413 ft·lbf) of torque
Torque
Torque, moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....
at 1,950-6,000 rpm. This engine was also developed and manufactured in the UK by Cosworth Technology
Cosworth
Cosworth is a high performance engineering company founded in London in 1958, specialising in engines and electronics for automobile racing , mainstream automotive and defence industries...
(now known as MAHLE Powertrain
MAHLE Powertrain
MAHLE Powertrain Ltd is the wholly owned engineering services division of MAHLE GmbH. With its headquarters in Northampton, UK and sister company in Novi, Michigan, USA the company specialises in the design, development, testing and production of internal combustion engines and provides a broad...
). The additional performance was achieved with a new engine control unit
Engine control unit
An engine control unit is a type of electronic control unit that determines the amount of fuel, ignition timing and other parameters an internal combustion engine needs to keep running...
(ECU), and two additional coolant radiators
Radiator (engine cooling)
Radiators are used for cooling internal combustion engines, mainly in automobiles but also in piston-engined aircraft, railway locomotives, motorcycles, stationary generating plant or any similar use of such an engine....
behind the side-mounted intercooler
Intercooler
An intercooler , or charge air cooler, is an air-to-air or air-to-liquid heat exchange device used on turbocharged and supercharged internal combustion engines to improve their volumetric efficiency by increasing intake air charge density through nearly isobaric cooling, which removes...
s (these were standard fitment on the standard RS6 in hotter climate countries). Official performance figures indicate the discipline of sprinting from standstill to 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) in 4.6 seconds. The RS6 Plus carries on to reach 200 km/h (124.3 mph) in 17.36 seconds, and has an official top speed of 280 km/h (174 mph).
The RS6 Plus came with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) as standard, and also included a no-cost option of "Sports Suspension Plus", which lowered the standard sports suspension
Suspension (vehicle)
Suspension is the term given to the system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. Suspension systems serve a dual purpose — contributing to the car's roadholding/handling and braking for good active safety and driving pleasure, and keeping vehicle occupants...
by a further 10 millimetre (0.393700787401575 in) over the standard RS6. A revised steering
Steering
Steering is the term applied to the collection of components, linkages, etc. which will allow a vessel or vehicle to follow the desired course...
rack, with a reduced ratio of 14.3 for firmer steering feel was included, and resulted in a turning circle
Turning radius
The turning radius or turning circle of a vehicle is the size of the smallest circular turn that the vehicle is capable of making. The term turning radius is actually a misnomer, since the size of a circle is actually its diameter, not its radius. The less ambiguous term turning circle is preferred...
of 11.7 metres (38.4 ft). The brake
Brake
A brake is a mechanical device which inhibits motion. Its opposite component is a clutch. The rest of this article is dedicated to various types of vehicular brakes....
s now included cross-drilled discs. The wheels were only available in the 9Jx19" '5-arm design' alloys, finished in "anthracite" (dark grey), with tyres.
The car was available only as an Avant, and was sold only in European markets. Visual differences for the RS6 Plus included the "black optic pack", which consisted of black finish to the framing of the radiator grille
Grille
A grille or grill is an opening of several slits side by side in a wall or metal sheet or other barrier, usually to let air or water enter and/or leave but keep larger objects including people and animals in or out.-Spelling:In the United States, "grille" is used to differentiate the automotive...
, exterior window trims, tailgate lower trim, roof rails, and exhaust tailpipes. It quickly sold out once it was released (999 units total). The last three digits of the Vehicle Identification Number
Vehicle identification number
A Vehicle Identification Number, commonly abbreviated to VIN, is a unique serial number used by the automotive industry to identify individual motor vehicles. VINs were first used in 1954...
(VIN) are reproduced on a plaque inside the car, displayed on the centre console
Center console (automobile)
The center console in an automobile refers to the control-bearing surfaces in the center of the front of the vehicle interior...
.
C5 RS6 in auto racing
SPEED World Challenge
The Pirelli World Challenge is a North American auto racing series that is sanctioned by the Sports Car Club of America . Founded in 1985, it consists of four classes: grand touring, touring car, a "GTS" class since 2010, and a "touring car B-spec" since 2012...
GT Series of auto racing
Auto racing
Auto racing is a motorsport involving the racing of cars for competition. It is one of the world's most watched televised sports.-The beginning of racing:...
for three years - 2002 to 2004, claiming the manufacturers' championship victory successively in all three years. Once again, the special race derivative of the twin-turbo V8 engine was developed and manufactured in the UK by Cosworth Technology
Cosworth
Cosworth is a high performance engineering company founded in London in 1958, specialising in engines and electronics for automobile racing , mainstream automotive and defence industries...
(now known as MAHLE Powertrain
MAHLE Powertrain
MAHLE Powertrain Ltd is the wholly owned engineering services division of MAHLE GmbH. With its headquarters in Northampton, UK and sister company in Novi, Michigan, USA the company specialises in the design, development, testing and production of internal combustion engines and provides a broad...
). However, the 2005 season proved difficult due to performance restrictions imposed on Champion Audi Racing
Champion Racing
Champion Racing is a sports car racing team based in Pompano Beach, Florida, USA. Founded in 1994 by Dave Maraj as the motorsport wing of the Champion Motors car dealership, the team has campaigned various Porsches and Audis in North American road racing series...
by the Sports Car Club of America
Sports Car Club of America
The Sports Car Club of America is a club and sanctioning body supporting road racing, rallying, and autocross in the United States. Formed in 1944, it runs many programs for both amateur and professional racers.-History:...
(SCCA), with Champion deciding to run a different roadwheel
Wheel
A wheel is a device that allows heavy objects to be moved easily through rotating on an axle through its center, facilitating movement or transportation while supporting a load, or performing labor in machines. Common examples found in transport applications. A wheel, together with an axle,...
diameter, and the trade off was reducing boost pressure.
The RS6 was challenged by a factory-backed Cadillac CTS-V, but was still victorious. Champion Audi Racing decided to pull the RS6 from the series, citing unfair rules and regulations that targeted the dominant Audis.
C6 (Typ 4F, 2008–2010)
Automobile platform
An automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques...
, was launched in September 2007 at the Frankfurt Motor Show. With factory production
Automotive engineering
Modern automotive engineering, along with aerospace engineering and marine engineering, is a branch of vehicle engineering, incorporating elements of mechanical, electrical, electronic, software and safety engineering as applied to the design, manufacture and operation of motorcycles, automobiles,...
starting in April 2008, it became immediately available in Europe from the same date, and began being exported outside of there in 2009. The total production run of the C6 RS6 was 8,000 units, with 6,500 of these being Avants and the remainder in saloon form. The RS6 was not available in North America, leaving the S6 as the top performing trim in that region. The unpopularity of wagons there made it unlikely that the RS6 Avant would have been exported. It has been rumored that the RS6 saloon/sedan would be offered in the United States, however nothing came of this as the RS6 importer could not clear US regulations. Production of the C6 RS6 ended in third quarter of 2010.
, the RS6 was Audi's single most powerful car ever to be produced by the marque, and positioned the car ahead of its closest competitors, the BMW M5
BMW M5
The first BMW M5, based on the E28 5 Series, made its debut at Amsterdam Motor Show in February 1984. It was the product of demand for an automobile with the carrying capacity of a saloon , but the overall performance of a sports car. It utilized the 535i chassis and an evolution of the engine from...
and the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG in terms of engine output, both of whom have naturally aspirated engines. The RS6's 5.0L V10 biturbo engine produced a maximum motive
Motive power
In thermodynamics, motive power is an agency, as water or steam, used to impart motion. Generally, motive power is defined as a natural agent, as water, steam, wind, electricity, etc., used to impart motion to machinery; a motor; a mover. The term may also define something, as a locomotive or a...
power
Power (physics)
In physics, power is the rate at which energy is transferred, used, or transformed. For example, the rate at which a light bulb transforms electrical energy into heat and light is measured in watts—the more wattage, the more power, or equivalently the more electrical energy is used per unit...
output of 426 kW at 6,250 to 6,700 rpm
Revolutions per minute
Revolutions per minute is a measure of the frequency of a rotation. It annotates the number of full rotations completed in one minute around a fixed axis...
, and generated 650 newton metres (479 ft·lbf) of torque
Torque
Torque, moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....
from 1,500 to 6,250 rpm, 52 kW and 150 N·m (111 ft·lbf) more than BMW's 5.0L V10 engine. However the estimated price of the RS6 sedan in 2010 was $160,000 USD in 2010 (another source quotes $126,000 USD in 2009, likely making the RS6 perhaps too expensive for the United States market) which set it apart from other executive car performance variants, compared to the BMW M5's MRSP of $85,700 USD, the Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG's $87,700 USD, and the Audi S6's price of $78,025 USD.
Official performance figures for the Avant: 4.6 seconds for the 0-100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) sprint, 12.7 seconds 0-200 km/h (124.3 mph), and top speed is electronically limited to 250 km/h (155.3 mph), with a factory option to de-restrict the top speed to 274 km/h (170.3 mph). In standard form, CO2
Carbon dioxide
Carbon dioxide is a naturally occurring chemical compound composed of two oxygen atoms covalently bonded to a single carbon atom...
emissions are rated at 333 g/km. The saloon reaches 0-100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.5 seconds.
C6 bodywork and styling
The five-doorVehicle door
A vehicle door is a partition, typically hinged, but sometimes attached by other mechanisms such as tracks, in front of an opening which is used for entering and exiting a vehicle. A vehicle door can be opened to provide access to the opening, or closed to secure it. These doors are similar to...
Avant (estate/wagon
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
) version of the C6 RS6 was launched in April 2008, and the four-door saloon/sedan was available from August 2008. Constructed from steel in a monocoque
Monocoque
Monocoque is a construction technique that supports structural load by using an object's external skin, as opposed to using an internal frame or truss that is then covered with a non-load-bearing skin or coachwork...
(unibody) design, the RS6 uses lightweight aluminium
Aluminium
Aluminium or aluminum is a silvery white member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has the symbol Al, and its atomic number is 13. It is not soluble in water under normal circumstances....
for its front wings
Fender (vehicle)
Fender is the US English term for the part of an automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle body that frames a wheel well . Its primary purpose is to prevent sand, mud, rocks, liquids, and other road spray from being thrown into the air by the rotating tire. Fenders are typically rigid and can be...
(fenders) and bonnet
Hood (vehicle)
The hood or bonnet is the hinged cover over the engine of motor vehicles that allows access to the engine compartment for maintenance and repair. In British terminology, hood refers to a fabric cover over the passenger compartment of the car...
(hood).
Visually, the RS6 differed from its related Audi S6
Audi S6
The Audi S6 is a high-performance version of the Audi A6, an executive car produced by German automaker Audi. It went on sale in 1994, shortly after the "A6" designation was introduced, replacing the "100" nameplate...
, having flared front and rear wheel arches (fenders)
Fender (vehicle)
Fender is the US English term for the part of an automobile, motorcycle or other vehicle body that frames a wheel well . Its primary purpose is to prevent sand, mud, rocks, liquids, and other road spray from being thrown into the air by the rotating tire. Fenders are typically rigid and can be...
, harking back to the original Audi Quattro
Audi Quattro
The Audi Quattro is a road and rally car, produced by the German automobile manufacturer Audi, now part of the Volkswagen Group. It was first shown at the 1980 Geneva Motor Show on 3 March.The word quattro is derived from the Italian word for "four"...
, to allow for a wider wheel track. It also had deleted front fog lights to allow for larger frontal air intakes (for the two side-mounted intercooler
Intercooler
An intercooler , or charge air cooler, is an air-to-air or air-to-liquid heat exchange device used on turbocharged and supercharged internal combustion engines to improve their volumetric efficiency by increasing intake air charge density through nearly isobaric cooling, which removes...
s (SMICs), and additional radiator
Radiator (engine cooling)
Radiators are used for cooling internal combustion engines, mainly in automobiles but also in piston-engined aircraft, railway locomotives, motorcycles, stationary generating plant or any similar use of such an engine....
s). The ten (per side) front light-emitting diode
Light-emitting diode
A light-emitting diode is a semiconductor light source. LEDs are used as indicator lamps in many devices and are increasingly used for other lighting...
(LED) daytime running lights
Daytime running lamp
A daytime running lamp is an automotive lighting device on the front of a roadgoing motor vehicle, installed in pairs, automatically switched on when the vehicle is moving forward, emitting white, yellow, or amber light to increase the conspicuity of the vehicle during daylight...
(DRLs) are located within the main headlamp housing on the RS6 in order to increase the size of the air intakes, whereas these LEDs (five per side) on the related Audi S6 are found adjacent to the fog lamps in the lower front bumper. LED lighting technology was also implemented in the rear lights. The RS6 also included adaptive headlights, which swivel around corners in conjunction with steering wheel
Steering wheel
A steering wheel is a type of steering control in vehicles and vessels ....
movements.
Luggage capacity, measured according to the VDA 'block method' in the Avant ranges from 565 litres (19.95 cu ft), to 1660 litres (58.62 cu ft).
C6 powertrain
For the powertrainPowertrain
In a motor vehicle, the term powertrain or powerplant refers to the group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, water, or air. This includes the engine, transmission, drive shafts, differentials, and the final drive...
detail of the RS6, the internal combustion engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
(parts code: 07L, identification code: BUH) was what Audi claimed the first all-aluminium alloy
Aluminium alloy
Aluminium alloys are alloys in which aluminium is the predominant metal. The typical alloying elements are copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon and zinc. There are two principal classifications, namely casting alloys and wrought alloys, both of which are further subdivided into the categories...
5.0 litre (4991 cc) 90° V10 twin-turbo
Twin-turbo
Twin-turbo refers to a turbocharged engine, in which two turbochargers compress the intake charge. There are two commonly used twin turbo configurations: parallel twin-turbo and sequential twin-turbo...
charged ("biturbo"), Fuel Stratified Injection
Gasoline direct injection
In internal combustion engines, gasoline direct injection , also known as petrol direct injection or direct petrol injection, is a variant of fuel injection employed in modern two-stroke and four-stroke gasoline engines...
(FSI), with a dry sump
Dry sump
A dry sump is a lubricating motor oil management method for four-stroke and large two-stroke piston internal combustion engines that uses external pumps and a secondary external reservoir for oil, as compared to a conventional wet sump system....
lubrication system. It has been speculated that an even more powerful version of this engine may go into the 2012 Audi S8, tuned to over 600 horsepower. This engine is related to the naturally aspirated V10 found in the Audi R8
Audi R8
Audi R8 can refer to*Audi R8 *Audi R8 *Audi R8R, a Le Mans prototype built by Audi for the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans*Audi R8C, a Le Mans prototype built by Audi for the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans...
, Audi S6
Audi S6
The Audi S6 is a high-performance version of the Audi A6, an executive car produced by German automaker Audi. It went on sale in 1994, shortly after the "A6" designation was introduced, replacing the "100" nameplate...
, Audi S8
Audi S8
The Audi S8 quattro is a high-performance version of the German luxury automaker Audi's flagship car, the full-size Audi A8. The S8 is produced at Audi's Neckarsulm 'aluminium plant', and it was introduced in September 1994...
, and Lamborghini Gallardo
Lamborghini Gallardo
The Lamborghini Gallardo is a sports car built by Lamborghini. The Gallardo is Lamborghini's most-produced model to date, with over 10,000 built in its first seven years of production...
, however the RS6's engine has around 400 unique parts.
The 5.0L V10 engine has four valves
Multi-valve
In automotive engineering a multi-valve or multivalve engine is one where each cylinder has more than two valves. A multi-valve engine has better breathing and can operate at higher revolutions per minute than a two-valve engine, delivering more power.- Multi-valve rationale :A multi-valve design...
per cylinder
Cylinder (engine)
A cylinder is the central working part of a reciprocating engine or pump, the space in which a piston travels. Multiple cylinders are commonly arranged side by side in a bank, or engine block, which is typically cast from aluminum or cast iron before receiving precision machine work...
, with twin chain
Chain
A chain is a sequence of connected links.Chain may also refer to:Chain may refer to:* Necklace - a jewelry which is worn around the neck* Mail , a type of armor made of interlocking chain links...
-driven double overhead camshafts (2xDOHC), and variable valve timing
Variable valve timing
In internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine...
for both inlet and exhaust camshafts. Charged intake air is cooled with two side-mounted intercooler
Intercooler
An intercooler , or charge air cooler, is an air-to-air or air-to-liquid heat exchange device used on turbocharged and supercharged internal combustion engines to improve their volumetric efficiency by increasing intake air charge density through nearly isobaric cooling, which removes...
s (SMIC)s. Engine management is by way of two Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
DI-Motronic
Motronic
Motronic is the trade name given to a range of digital engine-management systems developed by Robert Bosch GmbH, commonly known as Bosch.-Motronic ML1.x:Motronic ML1.x was one of the first digital engine-management systems developed by Bosch...
ME 9.1.2 engine control unit
Engine control unit
An engine control unit is a type of electronic control unit that determines the amount of fuel, ignition timing and other parameters an internal combustion engine needs to keep running...
s, which act as "master" and "slave" concepts; two ECUs are required due to the high revs the engine can achieve. It also uses mapped direct ignition system
Ignition system
An ignition system is a system for igniting a fuel-air mixture. Ignition systems are well known in the field of internal combustion engines such as those used in petrol engines used to power the majority of motor vehicles, but they are also used in many other applications such as in oil-fired and...
with ten individual direct-acting spark coils
Ignition coil
An ignition coil is an induction coil in an automobile's ignition system which transforms the battery's 12 volts to the thousands of volts needed to create an electric spark in the spark plugs to ignite the fuel...
, an electronic drive by wire
Drive by wire
Drive-by-wire, DbW, by-wire, or x-by-wire technology in the automotive industry replaces the traditional mechanical control systems with electronic control systems using electromechanical actuators and human-machine interfaces such as pedal and steering feel emulators...
throttle (Bosch "E-Gas"), cylinder-selective knock
Engine knocking
Knocking in spark-ignition internal combustion engines occurs when combustion of the air/fuel mixture in the cylinder starts off correctly in response to ignition by the spark plug, but one or more pockets of air/fuel mixture explode outside the envelope of the normal combustion front.The...
control, and cylinder bank
Cylinder bank
Internal combustion piston engines are usually arranged so that the cylinders are in lines parallel to the crankshaft. Where they are in a single line, this is referred to as an inline or straight engine....
adaptive lambda
Lambda
Lambda is the 11th letter of the Greek alphabet. In the system of Greek numerals lambda has a value of 30. Lambda is related to the Phoenician letter Lamed . Letters in other alphabets that stemmed from lambda include the Roman L and the Cyrillic letter El...
control, utilising eight lambda sensors.
A total of seven radiator
Radiator
Radiators are heat exchangers used to transfer thermal energy from one medium to another for the purpose of cooling and heating. The majority of radiators are constructed to function in automobiles, buildings, and electronics...
s, and four electric cooling fans are needed to cool the engine
Radiator (engine cooling)
Radiators are used for cooling internal combustion engines, mainly in automobiles but also in piston-engined aircraft, railway locomotives, motorcycles, stationary generating plant or any similar use of such an engine....
, and related components under the aluminium
Aluminium
Aluminium or aluminum is a silvery white member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has the symbol Al, and its atomic number is 13. It is not soluble in water under normal circumstances....
bonnet of the RS6.
Drive output passes through a modified ZF
ZF Friedrichshafen
ZF Friedrichshafen AG, also known as ZF Group, and commonly abbreviated to ZF, is a German public company headquartered in Friedrichshafen, in the south-west German region of Baden-Württemberg....
6HP26A six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
(parts code: 09E, identification code: KZQ or KZH) (gear ratio
Gear ratio
The gear ratio of a gear train is the ratio of the angular velocity of the input gear to the angular velocity of the output gear, also known as the speed ratio of the gear train. The gear ratio can be computed directly from the numbers of teeth of the various gears that engage to form the gear...
s - 1st: 4.171, 2nd: 2.340, 3rd: 1.521, 4th: 1.143, 5th: 0.867, 6th: 0.691), with shortened shift time
Shift time
Shift time refers to the time interval between gear changes in a transmission during which power delivery is interrupted. This is usually in reference to motor vehicles but can apply to any gearbox. Reducing shift time is important in performance vehicles or race cars because during shifting the...
s, with "Dynamic Shift Programme" (DSP) and "Sport" mode. It has paddle-shifts mounted behind the flat-bottomed steering wheel
Steering wheel
A steering wheel is a type of steering control in vehicles and vessels ....
, similar in design to the Audi B7 RS4. The gearbox is set by default, in conventional automatic mode, to delay up-changes during acceleration, and change down earlier to maximise engine braking
Engine braking
Engine braking is where the retarding forces within an engine are used to slow a vehicle down, as opposed to using an external braking mechanism, for example friction brakes or magnetic brakes....
. Downchanges in all modes of operation include the Powertrain Control Module
Powertrain Control Module
A Powertrain Control Module, abbreviated PCM, is an automotive component, an electronic control unit , used on motor vehicles. It is generally a combined control unit, consisting of the engine control unit and the transmission control unit. It commonly controls more than 5 factors in the car or...
electronic control unit
Electronic control unit
In automotive electronics, electronic control unit is a generic term for any embedded system that controls one or more of the electrical systems or subsystems in a motor vehicle....
(ECU) "blipping" the Bosch "E-Gas" drive by wire
Drive by wire
Drive-by-wire, DbW, by-wire, or x-by-wire technology in the automotive industry replaces the traditional mechanical control systems with electronic control systems using electromechanical actuators and human-machine interfaces such as pedal and steering feel emulators...
throttle, for smoother shift changes. The hydraulic torque converter
Torque converter
In modern usage, a torque converter is generally a type of hydrodynamic fluid coupling that is used to transfer rotating power from a prime mover, such as an internal combustion engine or electric motor, to a rotating driven load...
includes a lock-up function in all forward gears, and is able to completely disconnect when the vehicle is stationary, thus saving fuel.
Like all Audi "RS" models, the RS6 is fitted with Audi's 'trademark' quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
as standard; with this version of the RS6 using the latest asymmetric dynamic 40:60 front-to-rear default torque distribution from the Torsen
Torsen
Torsen is a type of differential used in automobiles. It was invented by American Vernon Gleasman and manufactured by the Gleason Corporation. Torsen is a contraction of Torque-Sensing...
T-3 'automatic torque biasing' (ATB) centre differential. This latest incarnation of the Torsen quattro, first seen in the B7 RS4, can automatically dynamically apportion up to a maximum 100% torque to the rear axle, or up to 80% to the front, dependent on traction conditions.
The front and rear axle
Axle
An axle is a central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear. On wheeled vehicles, the axle may be fixed to the wheels, rotating with them, or fixed to its surroundings, with the wheels rotating around the axle. In the former case, bearings or bushings are provided at the mounting points where the axle...
final drives are conventional "open" differentials (ratio 3.317), and use the Audi "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL). EDL is a part, or "function" of the Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
, which also includes "Anti-Slip Regulation" (ASR) traction control system
Traction control system
A traction control system , also known as anti-slip regulation , is typically a secondary function of the anti-lock braking system on production motor vehicles, designed to prevent loss of traction of driven road wheels...
. EDL does not 'lock' the differential in a traditional sense, but uses electronics to monitor individual roadwheel speeds across an axle, and merely applies the brake to just one wheel on that axle which is sensed to have lost traction (by rotating faster than the opposite wheel, beyond normal accepted deviations). This braked wheel has the effect of transferring the torque across the axle to the wheel which is deemed to still have traction.
C6 steering and suspension
Like the previous RS6, and the B7 RS4; this generation RS6 includes Audi's "Dynamic Ride Control" (DRC) Sports suspensionSuspension (vehicle)
Suspension is the term given to the system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. Suspension systems serve a dual purpose — contributing to the car's roadholding/handling and braking for good active safety and driving pleasure, and keeping vehicle occupants...
system. The system is mainly mechanical; using a pump to provide additional pressure in the diagonally linked dampers
Shock absorber
A shock absorber is a mechanical device designed to smooth out or damp shock impulse, and dissipate kinetic energy. It is a type of dashpot.-Nomenclature:...
(shock absorber) during cornering, to counteract rolling and pitching. The system can dynamically adjust the stiffness at each damper constantly to maintain both a comfortable ride and high grip. On this version, it has a three-way level control, selectable from the Multi Media Interface
Multi Media Interface
The Audi MMI system, is an in-car user interface media system developed by Audi, and implemented in most of its latest series of cars/automobiles since 2004.-Concept:...
controls.
The steering
Steering
Steering is the term applied to the collection of components, linkages, etc. which will allow a vessel or vehicle to follow the desired course...
system includes rack and pinion
Rack and pinion
A rack and pinion is a type of linear actuator that comprises a pair of gears which convert rotational motion into linear motion. A circular gear called "the pinion" engages teeth on a linear "gear" bar called "the rack"; rotational motion applied to the pinion causes the rack to move, thereby...
speed-dependent "servotronic" power steering
Power steering
Power steering helps drivers steer vehicles by augmenting steering effort of the steering wheel.Hydraulic or electric actuators add controlled energy to the steering mechanism, so the driver needs to provide only modest effort regardless of conditions. Power steering helps considerably when a...
, with a ratio of 12.5, and a turning circle
Turning radius
The turning radius or turning circle of a vehicle is the size of the smallest circular turn that the vehicle is capable of making. The term turning radius is actually a misnomer, since the size of a circle is actually its diameter, not its radius. The less ambiguous term turning circle is preferred...
of 12.2 metres.
C6 brakes, wheels and tyres
Standard brakeBrake
A brake is a mechanical device which inhibits motion. Its opposite component is a clutch. The rest of this article is dedicated to various types of vehicular brakes....
s on the RS6 consist of cross-drilled, radially vented and floating iron discs
Disc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
, the front discs sized at 390 millimetres (15.35 in) in diameter by 36 mm (1.417 in) thick, and the rears at 356 mm (14.02 in) diameter by 28 mm (1.102 in). The front discs are clamped by gloss black six-piston fixed Brembo
Brembo
Brembo S.p.A. is a manufacturer of automotive brake systems, especially for high-performance cars and motorcycles. It was established in Bergamo, Italy in 1961. Soon after the company was formed, it specialised in disc brakes, which were exclusively imported from the United Kingdom at the time...
monoblock alloy calipers incorporating the "RS" logo
Logo
A logo is a graphic mark or emblem commonly used by commercial enterprises, organizations and even individuals to aid and promote instant public recognition...
, and black single-piston floating calipers, with integrated electro-mechanical parking brake
Hand brake
In cars, the hand brake is a latching brake usually used to keep the car stationary, and in manual transmission vehicles, as an aid to starting the vehicle from stopped when going up an incline - with one foot on the clutch , the other on the accelerator In cars, the hand brake (emergency brake,...
linkage actuating on the rear discs. This electro-mechanical parking brake serves another purpose, it doubles as a full emergency brake whilst the car is in motion, by applying maximum braking effort to all four wheels, resulting in activating the Anti-lock Braking System
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
(ABS).
Optional "Audi ceramic" Carbon fibre-reinforced Silicon Carbide (C/SiC) composite front brakes are available, only with 20 inch roadwheels
Wheel
A wheel is a device that allows heavy objects to be moved easily through rotating on an axle through its center, facilitating movement or transportation while supporting a load, or performing labor in machines. Common examples found in transport applications. A wheel, together with an axle,...
, which use 420 mm (16.54 in) diameter by 40 mm (1.575 in) thick drilled, vented, and floating SGL Carbon
SGL Carbon
SGL Carbon is one of the world's leading manufacturers of products from carbon. The company portfolio ranges from carbon and graphite materials to carbon fibers and composites...
composite discs, with grey painted eight-piston fixed Alcon monobloc alloy calipers with the "Audi ceramic" logo.
Irrespective of the type of disc construction, all brake discs are mounted via high strength steel mounting pins which connect the 'working' surface of the disc to lightweight alloy disc hubs.
A specifically 'tuned' "sport-biased" Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
is standard, and includes Anti-lock Braking System
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
(ABS) and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution ', Electronic brakeforce limitation ' is an automobile brake technology that automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle's brakes, based on road conditions, speed, loading, etc...
(EBD), and Brake Assist
Brake assist
Brake Assist is a generic term for an automobile braking technology that increases braking pressure in an emergency situation. The first application was developed jointly by Daimler-Benz and TRW/LucasVarity...
(BA). This ESP system has three user-selectable settings: "ESP-on" - the standard default full protection mode, "ESP-sportmode" (which turns off the ASR and EDL traction functions), and "ESP-off" (which fully disables all 'stability' and 'traction' related functions).
Standard roadwheels
Wheel
A wheel is a device that allows heavy objects to be moved easily through rotating on an axle through its center, facilitating movement or transportation while supporting a load, or performing labor in machines. Common examples found in transport applications. A wheel, together with an axle,...
(in the UK) are 9.5Jx20 inch '5-segment-spoke' design alloy wheel
Alloy wheel
Alloy wheels are automobile wheels which are made from an alloy of aluminium or magnesium. They are typically lighter for the same strength...
s running on (eXtra Load) tyres
Tire
A tire or tyre is a ring-shaped covering that fits around a wheel rim to protect it and enable better vehicle performance by providing a flexible cushion that absorbs shock while keeping the wheel in close contact with the ground...
(rated at 850 kilograms (1,874 lb) per tyre), with official supplies being either Pirelli
Pirelli
Pirelli & C. SpA is a diverse multinational company based in Milan, Italy. The company, the world’s fifth largest tyre manufacturer, is present in over 160 countries, has 20 manufacturing sites around the world and a network of around 10,000 distributors and retailers.Founded in Milan in 1872,...
P-Zero Rosso or Dunlop
Dunlop Tyres
Dunlop Tyres is a British company owned 75% by Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company and 25% by Sumitomo Rubber Industries, which bought the right to sell Dunlop-branded road tyres....
SP SportMaxx GT. A no-cost optional 9.5Jx20 '7-arm double spoke' design (identical style to B7 RS4), or 9Jx19 inch '10-spoke' design alloys with Michelin
Michelin
Michelin is a tyre manufacturer based in Clermont-Ferrand in the Auvergne région of France. It is one of the two largest tyre manufacturers in the world along with Bridgestone. In addition to the Michelin brand, it also owns the BFGoodrich, Kleber, Riken, Kormoran and Uniroyal tyre brands...
Pilot Sport PS2 tyres.
C6 other notable features
- Digital Audio BroadcastingDigital audio broadcastingDigital Audio Broadcasting is a digital radio technology for broadcasting radio stations, used in several countries, particularly in Europe. As of 2006, approximately 1,000 stations worldwide broadcast in the DAB format....
(DAB) digital radio tuner with DVDDVDA DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
-based satellite navigation and Multi Media InterfaceMulti Media InterfaceThe Audi MMI system, is an in-car user interface media system developed by Audi, and implemented in most of its latest series of cars/automobiles since 2004.-Concept:...
(MMI), with optional hybrid digital/analogue TV tuner.
See also
- quattro GmbHQuattro GmbHquattro GmbH is a wholly owned private subsidiary of the German automobile manufacturer AUDI AG, part of the Volkswagen Group.Founded in October 1983, it primarily specialises in producing high performance Audi cars and components, along with purchaser specified customisations...
- Audi S and RS modelsAudi S and RS modelsAudi S and RS models are a range of high performance cars of certain model ranges from the German automotive company AUDI AG. These cars are original equipment manufacturer factory "upgraded" versions of specific cars, from within Audi's standard range of vehicles, primarily focusing in enhanced...
- Audi A6Audi A6The Audi A6 is an executive car marketed by the German automaker Audi AG, now in its fourth generation. As the successor to the Audi 100, the A6 is manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany – and is available in saloon, and wagon configurations, the latter marketed by Audi as the Avant.All generations...
- Audi S6Audi S6The Audi S6 is a high-performance version of the Audi A6, an executive car produced by German automaker Audi. It went on sale in 1994, shortly after the "A6" designation was introduced, replacing the "100" nameplate...
- Audi S4Audi S4The Audi S4 is the high performance variant of Audi's compact executive car A4. The original Audi S4, built from 1991 until 1994, was a performance-oriented version of Audi's 100 saloon/sedan...
- Audi RS4Audi RS4The Audi RS4 quattro is the top tier and highest performing version of some specific generations of the Audi A4 range of automobiles. It is a sports-focused compact executive car , produced by Audi's high-performance private subsidiary quattro GmbH, in limited numbers, for German car manufacturer...