► Limited-edition Audi RS6 Avant GT revealed
► Lighter, more aggressive and adjustable
► 660 to be made, 60 for the UK at £177k each
Audi has pushed its RS6 Avant to the bleeding edge with this: the limited-edition GT. The new, ‘ultimate’ RS6 features some extra performance kit and some heritage links to the Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO rocket ship from the late 80s.
A lot of it is familiar territory for the RS6. It uses the same variant of the twin-turbo V8 as the RS6 Performance model (so that’s 621bhp and 627lb ft of torque), for example , and it’s still all-wheel drive. With the GT, Audi says a 0-62mph time can be dealt with in 3.3 seconds, with a top speed of 190mph possible (compared to 3.4sec and 174mph with the RS6 Performance).
But Audi’s engineers have introduced some more aggressive performance engineering to help make this still-over-two-tonne estate car dance with a little more finesse through the corners.
For example, adjustable coilover suspension is standard, which Audi says includes triple adjustable dampers as well as 30 per cent/80 per cent stiffer stabilisers front/rear – designed to kill body roll. New Continental Sport Contact 7 tyres, specific GT tuning for the rear diff, the latest version of Audi’s centre locking diff and as-standard carbon ceramic brakes further boost the GT’s athleticism.
The most obvious part, however, is its looks. As well as a carbonfibre bonnet and carbon wheelarches that feature air outlets behind the front wheels, a taller rear spoiler features. Arguably the tastiest bit of the exterior upgrades has to be the new, Avus concept-inspired 22-inch wheels – either available in white if you choose your RS6 GT in white or, if you go for the grey or black paintjob, the wheels are black. Bespoke bucket seats upholstered in leather and suede-like microfibre with stitched RS6 GT lettering also feature, as does a plaque on the centre console.
For the full monte, though, Audi also offers the decal set pictured as an option – inspired by the Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO racer and the RS6 GTO Concept. Perfect for the wealthy car influencer type.
Want one? It’s just a limited edition, with 660 examples being made. The UK has currently been allocated 60 of those – each costing a pretty potent £176,975.