The new performance versions of Audi’s RS 6 Avant and RS 7 follow a familiar formula — more power, less weight.
Few folks are going to accuse Audi’s RS 6 Avant and RS 7 of being underpowered. But as the old saying goes, there’s no kill like overkill. So for the 2024 model year, Ingolstadt is sharpening up its lovely longroof and sexy Sportback with new performance versions. First, there’s more power on tap. In each model, the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 has been stoked to 621 horsepower and 627 lb-ft of twist, which is up 30 ponies over the standard models. Audi says the additional poke shaves 2/10ths off the zero-to-62 sprint.
An eight-speed gearbox is still on the menu, but it’s been tweaked for faster shifting, and it now pumps power to a new self-locking center differential. In standard conditions, the mechanical diff has a slight rear bias, with 60 percent of power going to the back tires and 40 percent to the front. If the system detects slippage, however, it can flip the script, and send 70 percent to the front, and 85 percent to the back. To improve steering feel, the new unit is both lighter and smaller than the standard model’s.
Plus, the new performance versions also come with Audi’s RS Dynamic Package as standard. That means four-wheel steering and a quattro sport differential are included, and the top speed has been raised to 180 mph. Drivers looking for even more top end can opt for the RS Dynamics Package plus, which bumps max velocity to 190 mph. This upgrade also adds ceramic brakes to the mix, and along with fade-free stopping power, they’re a whopping 75 pounds lighter than their steel counterparts. For visual pop, the calipers can be finished in gray, red, or blue.
Of course, there have been some visual tweaks too. In comparison to standard models, the mirrors, front spoiler, front side flaps, side sill inserts, roof rails, window trim, and rear diffuser are finished in matte gray. An available optics package swaps the matte gray roof rails and window trim for black versions, and Audi’s famous Four Rings logo can be rendered in either chrome or black. Metallic and matte Ascari Blue and matte Dew Silver are new additions to the exterior finish options, which makes for a total of 16 choices.
Additionally, the cabins of the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 performance models get some unique options. Along with the standard RS red and gray, buyers can also opt for Mercato blue accents on the floor mats, center console, and gear selector. This option also comes with blue seat belts and like the gray and red packages, the color will also be used behind the perforation on the seats, to give the interior a cohesive feel. Look for the performance trims to arrive in American Audi showrooms sometime next year.
Photos: Audi
Click HERE to join the AudiWorld forums
AudiWorld Driven series. Once again, we rounded up the hottest Audi news, reviews, videos, and AudiWorld forum discussions from the past week just for you. This week incudes a look back at the game changing 
HERE.
HERE.
HERE.
HERE.