The power produced by the 4.0 TFSI is delivered via the standard eight-speed tiptronic transmission with optimized gear changing to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.
A purely mechanical center differential distributes the forces to the front axle and rear axle at a ratio of 40:60. In the event of slip, more drive torque automatically goes to the axle with the better traction. Up to 70 percent can be directed to the front wheels, or up to 85 percent to the rear wheels.
The agile and reliable handling of the new RS 6 Avant is optimized by the wheel-selective torque control, which applies slight braking pressure to the wheels on the inside of the curve before they slip. This guides the torque to the wheel on the opposite side. In the optional RS dynamic package and RS dynamic package plus, Audi combines wheel-selective torque control with the quattro sport differential. The software of the sport differential calculates the ideal distribution of torque at the rear axle in terms of the vehicle dynamics continuously and thereby increases vehicle dynamics, traction and stability. The sport differential features a conventional rear differential on both sides supplemented by a superimposed stage. It comprises two sun gears and an internal gear and rotates roughly ten percent faster than the drive shaft.
A multi-plate clutch in an oil bath and operated by an electrohydraulic actuator provides the power connection between the shaft and the superimposed stage. When the clutch engages, it variably imposes a higher speed on the transmission stage for the relevant wheel. When it is forced to turn faster, the extra torque required for this is taken – via the differential – from the wheel across from it on the inside of the curve. Nearly the entire torque could be directed to one wheel in this way. The sport differential can distribute the torque between the left and right rear wheels in all operating states, including in overrun. When turning or accelerating in a curve, they are predominantly steered toward the wheel on the outside of the curve – the car is literally pressed into the curve, counteracting even any hint of understeer. In case of oversteer, the sport differential stabilizes the vehicle by shifting torque to the wheel on the inside of the curve.
In 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)), all suspension components are actuated via the electronic chassis platform. The electronic chassis platform (ECP), which is installed in many Audi models with a longitudinal engine, is the central control unit for the suspension. To do this, it takes into account the speed, yaw rate, lateral acceleration, roll and pitching movements of the vehicle, the steering angle, coefficient of friction of the road surface, the current driving conditions, such as understeer or oversteer, as well as the data from the suspension systems involved. On the basis of this data, it calculates the optimum adjustment of these components. The benefits for the customer include more precise cornering behavior, increased vehicle dynamics and a high level of ride comfort. Networking with Audi drive select allows the driver to influence how the system works.
* 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 in blue in the text are explained in detail in the technology lexicon at www.audi-mediacenter.com/en/technology-lexicon.
The specified equipment, data and prices relate to the model range on offer in Germany. Subject to changes and errors. Figures on the fuel consumption and the CO2-emissions (found from page 2 onwards) vary in case of given ranges depending on the used combination of wheels/tires.