Suspension

On the new Audi RS 6 Avant (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 11.7–11.5 (20.1–20.5 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 268–263 (431.3–423.3 g/mi)), the front and rear axles use a five-link design to handle the induced longitudinal and transverse forces separately. The linkages and the subframes are made largely of aluminum. The track width is 1,668 millimeters (5.5 ft) at the front and 1,650 millimeters (5.4 ft) at the rear.

The standard RS adaptive air suspension with controlled damping has been tuned specifically to suit the RS and now allows the new RS 6 Avant to reach a top speed of 305 km/h (189.5 mph) thanks to a new air spring module with a spring rate 50% higher (with the dynamic plus package). It can be set to several modes and includes automatic level control. The electronic chassis platform (ECP) acts as the central control mechanism that regulates the way in which the dampers work to suit the road condition, the driver’s personal driving style and the Audi drive select mode currently enabled. The air suspension also includes automatic level control.

In the normal position in auto, comfort and efficiency modes, the body of the new RS 6 Avant** sits 20 millimeters (0.8 in) lower with both types of suspension than an A6 Avant with standard suspension. At speeds of 120 km/h (74.6 mph) and above, the air suspension lowers itself by another 10 millimeters (0.4 in) in the three modes specified above. In dynamic mode, the body remains at this low ride height permanently. On poor road surfaces, the RS adaptive air suspension offers a lift that can raise the RS 6 Avant by 20 millimeters (0.8 in) above its normal level at low speeds. The very wide spread of the RS adaptive air suspension offers the driver a free choice between long-distance comfort and maximum performance.

The RS sport suspension plus with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) is available as an alternative. It lets the RS 6 Avant hug the road even more tightly and further improves handling. Dynamic Ride Control offers integrated pitch and roll stabilization consisting of steel springs and three-way adjustable dampers that counteract the movements of the vehicle body with no delay, without the use of electronics. When the vehicle is turning into and traveling around a bend, the damper response is altered so that the vehicle’s movements around the longitudinal axis (roll) and around the transverse axis (pitch) are significantly reduced. The dampers are each connected diagonally to a central valve via two separate oil lines. The valves provide the necessary compensating volume via internal pistons with the gas-filled compartment behind them. When the vehicle is steering into and traveling around a bend, an oil flow is generated between the diagonally opposite dampers via the central valve, thereby creating additional damping force. When one side is cushioned, the damping characteristics are altered such that roll and pitch movements are eliminated almost entirely. As a result, this highly responsive damper system ensures that the high-performance Avant is particularly precise when negotiating bends.

The new damper generation with integrated valve has a more compact design, is lighter and reduces pitch and rolling movements even more effectively. In addition, they enable the damping forces to be spread even more widely between the comfort, auto and dynamic modes as well as more precise suspension adjustment for high damping forces, which occur during cornering at speed. The result: In comfort mode, the RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) ensures amazing ride comfort. In the dynamic program, it delivers extraordinary driving precision even when cornering at high speed. With the aid of the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, the driver can influence the damper characteristics and thereby personalize the driving experience.

The RS 6 Avant (combined fuel consumption in l/100 km: 11.7–11.5* (20.1–20.5 US mpg); combined CO₂ emissions in g/km: 268–263* (431.3–423.3 g/mi)) is fitted with progressive steering with a sporty and direct ratio. Its specially designed gear rack varies the ratio depending on the steering angle in a range from 12.6:1 to 15.8:1. As steering wheel turn increases, the ratio decreases and steering becomes more direct. This reduces steering effort in urban traffic and when maneuvering; in tight curves the car is even more agile. Here, progressive steering provides for sporty handling. It also adjusts the power assistance level as a function of driving speed. It is increased at low speeds for easier maneuverability. The character of the power steering can be varied via the modes of the Audi drive select dynamic handling system.

The new RS 6 Avant** can be equipped with dynamic all-wheel steering as an option. It combines direct, sporty steering response with unshakable stability, resolving an age-old conflict of objectives. At the front axle, dynamic steering features strain wave gearing with a ratio that changes depending on the situation. The combination of dynamic steering and rear-axle steering changes the overall steering ratio within a range of 9.5 to 17.0 – from very direct at low speeds to extremely stable at high speeds. This steering system also ensures that the rear wheels turn a few degrees in the same or opposite direction relative to the front wheels depending on the vehicle’s speed. At low speeds, the rear wheels turn as much as five degrees in the opposite direction relative to the front wheels. This reduces the turning circle by up to one meter (3.3 ft) and further improves the agility of the RS 6 Avant in curves. At intermediate and high speeds above around 100 km/h (62.1 mph), the rear wheels follow the movement of the front wheels by up to two degrees. The RS 6 Avant thereby gains more stability, dynamism and driving safety.

“RS MODE”: a button for vehicle dynamics

With the Audi drive select dynamic handling system, the driver can influence the characteristics of both steering variants as well as other aspects of the RS 6 Avant. There are six profiles available: efficiency, comfort, auto, dynamic, as well as two new customizable RS-specific “RS1” and “RS2” modes. Once these have been set to suit the driver’s personal preferences and stored in the MMI touch response, they can be enabled directly via quick access to the RS MODE button on the steering wheel. Consequently, the driver can easily switch between the RS1, RS2 and last selected drive select modes without having to operate the MMI touch response again.

The Audi drive select system influences the engine and transmission management, the power steering, the suspension, the dynamic all-wheel steering, the quattro sport differential, the engine sound and the way in which the automatic air conditioning works. In “RS2” mode, customers can also switch the Electronic Stabilization Control (ESC) to sport mode at the touch of a button and save this setting permanently. If the driver presses the ESP button for more than three seconds, the Electronic Stabilization Control is deactivated completely.

The new RS 6 Avant is fitted as standard with 21-inch cast aluminum wheels in 10-spoke star design, which are shod with 275/35 size tires. Audi Sport GmbH is offering an RS-specific wheel in 22-inch 5-V-spoke trapezoid design with 285/30 tires as an option, in a choice of silver, matt titanium look and gloss anthracite black.

At the front axle of the high-performance Avant, a ten-piston fixed-caliper brake system delivers outstanding performance and high stability. The calipers of the standard RS brake system with internally ventilated and perforated discs (measuring 420 millimeters (16.5 in) at the front and 370 millimeters (14.6 in) at the rear) are painted black, with red available upon request. On the optional and completely new RS ceramic brake system, the calipers can be gray, red or blue. The discs measure 440 millimeters (17.3 in) at the front and 370 millimeters (14.6 in) at the rear. The anthracite gray ceramic discs are extremely stable, powerful and long-lasting. Two air deflector elements attached to the front axle on each side quickly dissipate the heat and improve fading stability. The RS ceramic brake system weighs 34 kilograms (75 lb) less than its steel counterpart. This reduces the unsprung masses and represents a further advantage in terms of light-footed handling.

* Fuel/power consumption and CO₂ emission figures given in ranges depend on the tires/wheels used as well as the selected equipment 
** The collective fuel consumption values of all models named and available on the German market can be found in the list provided at the end of this press information.

All terms marked in the text are explained in detail in the technology lexicon at www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/technology-lexicon.

The equipment, data and prices specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.