Geneva Motor Show 2013: Audi
New RS6 is business as usual for Quattro GmbH; RS Q3 something new, and the first RS SUV
To be fair to the new RS6 it wasn't that hard to pick out. It was the one with black wheels. And it does look pretty damned mean, if not entirely dissimilar to the two previous RS6s. Surprise! Not sure about this new fashion for the Quattro script in the front valance - maybe that was the additional uberholprestige boss Rupert Stadler was on about at the preview night to set the RS apart from the hordes of S Line wannabes.
You can read the details of the tech spec in our earlier article here but the headlines are 560hp from the 'downsized' 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with a mighty 516lb ft of torque driving the already ubiquitous ZF eight-speeder. 0-62 is in 3.9 seconds and you can have the 155mph limiter raised to 174mph or 189mph. And it'll do nearly 30mpg thanks to cylinder cut-off.
Similar stats to the RS7 Sportback, which is making its European debut here too, as it happens. Another hot Sportback was also making its debut - this time the S3. It'll take an RS version to really offer a rival to the A45 AMG unveiled across the way at Mercedes but you can be sure Quattro GmbH will be looking closely at AMG's entry into the four-wheel drive premium mega hatch market.
Then there's the RS Q3 which, surprisingly, was in amongst the general ranks of Audi models. An RS-branded SUV? Well, few surprises there and it is what it is.
Moving swiftly on Audi also unveiled its new 2013 DTM RS5, which looks suitable mean and moody and was driven onto the stage by new Brit signing Jamie Green, poached from Mercedes. Enough to take on the winning BMW M3 this year? If looks could kill and all that..
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If I was speaking to an Audi engineer, however, I would have one question; Whats with the rubbish ride quality dude? Why can't your cars be better damped? They tend to crash and skip rather than flow. I'd like to understand why they build them this way. Recently tried the new RS4 and I really didnt like the ride.
Otherwise, lovely cars.
Shame. The Audi of the '80's and early '90's could have so easily have gone in a much better direction than it did.
Oli.
Shame. The Audi of the '80's and early '90's could have so easily have gone in a much better direction than it did.
Oli.
Shame. The Audi of the '80's and early '90's could have so easily have gone in a much better direction than it did.
Oli.
Remember, this isn't a slammed S-Line dagdag.
The aluminium spaceframe also gets help from carbon fibre ... the 402bhp, 2.5-litre turbocharged five-pot from the TT RS ...[/article]
The aluminium spaceframe also gets help from carbon fibre ... the 402bhp, 2.5-litre turbocharged five-pot from the TT RS ...[/article]
I can't afford an RS6 but like the extra bits you get with the S-Line package so have an A6 S-Line. Why does that make me a wannabee?
On a serious note, I had an S line A4 a while back and the ride was awful. That ( and the poor reliability ) put me off Audi for years.
I thought I would take a look at the new RS4 and the ride on that car is even worse. I have no idea what Audi are playing at.
A friend has an A7 and that rides nicely.
Maybe I am a Jag man, or getting old, but firm unyielding ride quality really bugs me. My business partner tried the TTRS the other day. Again, the ride was super stiff and unyielding , the whole car got thrown about on corners with poor surfaces, slowing progress right down..
Maybe other sporty Audis ride better. But in the main my experience of S line has been pretty negative.
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