Meet the Audi RS6 Avant GT, an extreme new special edition of Ingolstadt’s high-performance wagon. So, is it coming to South Africa? Yes, but we’ll receive just a single unit…
The new Audi RS6 Avant GT has been revealed, sporting bold exterior styling, an upgraded cabin, adjustable coilover suspension and a revised rear differential.
The Ingolstadt-based firm’s local division has already confirmed that the GT-badged special edition is indeed destined for South Africa – though just a single example from the 660-unit production run has been set aside for our market. Keep your eyes open from the 2nd quarter of 2024, when this lone unit is due to make local landfall.
Billed as the “pinnacle of the model series”, the new RS6 Avant GT interestingly employs the same engine tune as the RS6 Avant Performance, which means its twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 engine sends an unchanged 463 kW and 850 Nm to all 4 corners via an 8-speed automatic transmission.
However, thanks to some fettling from the clever folks at Audi Sport (including some neat weight savings), the claimed 0-100 kph time falls from 3.4 to 3.3 seconds, with 200 kph achieved in a stated 11.5 seconds. In addition, the GT’s top speed increases from that standard 250 kph (or optionally 280 kph) to a heady 305 kph.
So, what else set the RS6 Avant GT apart? Well, the limited-edition model ships standard with the RS ceramic brake system as well as new high-performance Continental Sport Contact 7 tyres (285/30 R22). Moreover, the sport differential sited on the rear axle has been “specially tuned” to place a greater focus on “agility and rear bias” in the angriest driving mode.
Meanwhile, the adjustable coilover suspension lowers the ride height by 10 mm (though buyers can alternatively order the RS sport suspension plus with dynamic ride control or the RS adaptive air suspension). Thanks to a higher spring rate, triple-adjustable dampers and stiffer stabilisers (30% fore and 80% aft), Audi promises the new coilover set-up reduces body roll.
Wondering about that bold exterior makeover? Well, Audi reckons the apprentice project RS6 GTO concept (which itself had the 1989 Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO racer as its muse) from 2020 served as the inspiration. So, up front, you’ll find grille and air intakes finished in high-gloss black, along with vertical blades in the front apron, a new intake grille and a revised front splitter.
The bonnet and the fenders, meanwhile, have been fashioned from carbon fibre, while air outlets have been positioned behind the 22-inch alloy wheels. In profile, you’ll notice inserts in the side skirts, glossy carbon side-mirror caps and the aforementioned wheels in a model-specific 6-spoke design. Round back, there’s the requisite “RS6 GT” badging in black, along with a “functional” diffuser (with a vertically centred reflector) and a double wing. Interestingly, the roof rails have been entirely removed.
Buyers have the option to choose decals in 2 colours. The first combines Audi Sport’s traditional colours (black, grey and red) with an Arkona White paint finish and high-gloss white wheels. Alternatively, customers can order the decals in black and grey tones, in combination with either Nardo Grey or Mythos Black paint (and wheels in high-gloss black or matte black).
The RS Design Package Plus is standard, with the black interior gaining accents in red and copper. There’s also plenty of “RS6 GT” badging in the cabin (along with the car’s serial number on the centre console), plus new RS bucket seats finished a leather-Dinamica combination. The armrests, dashboard and centre console are upholstered in Dinamica black microfibre.
After visiting the body construction works and painting shop in Neckarsulm, the RS6 Avant GT heads to Böllinger Höfe (where the R8, e-tron GT quattro and RS e-tron GT are produced) for final assembly by 7 “experienced employees” at 3 dedicated stations. The German firm says all GT-specific features are “fitted by hand”.
Is the RS6 Avant GT a swansong of sorts for the C8-generation model? Well, though Audi hasn’t said as much, rumours suggest this nameplate may well go fully electric in the relatively near future…
Why not check out our Audi RS6 Avant listings?
