This past Thursday, 7 November 2024, Audi auctioned off one unit of the bespoke RS6 Avant GT at an exclusive event in Cape Town.
Only 660 examples of the sports wagon have been made available for the entire globe, and just one was secured for the African continent, vehicle number 74, making it a true collector’s item for die-hard enthusiasts of the Four Rings.
After a fierce round of bidding by the excited participants, the hammer finally fell on a whopping R4.5 million – almost twice the cost of the standard RS6 Avant Performance.
A portion of these proceeds will be donated to the Kutlwanong Centre for Maths, Science, and Technology, a non-profit organisation dedicated to enhancing the quality of mathematics and physical science education among South African youth, particularly in township schools and rural areas to enable them to pursue STEM-related careers.
Since its establishment in 2005, Kutlwanong has assisted more than 40,000 township-based youth to achieve solid passes (50% and above) in mathematics and physical science plus 12,000 township Grade 12 youth to achieve maths and science distinctions (80% and above).
“Our support for Kutlwanong aligns perfectly with Audi’s commitment to progress,” said Sascha Sauer, Head of Audi South Africa.
“By investing in the next generation of inventors, scientists, and engineers, we ensure that the legacy of innovation continues.”
The pinnacle of sports estates
The RS6 Avant GT is inspired by the legendary 1989 Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO race car, carrying unique graphics, features, and mechanical enhancements to distinguish itself from the Performance derivative.
The GT boasts a carbon fibre bonnet, wing mirrors, and fenders to reduce weight; gloss black air intakes; new vertical blades in the front apron; a redesigned grille, front splitter, and rear diffuser; and integrated air outlets behind the wheels that help to improve brake cooling and reduce air pressure build-up.
Additionally, it wears new side skirts complemented by a set of six-spoke 22-inch alloy rims wrapped in high-performance Continental Sport Contact 7 tyres.
Distinctive GT badging is also included, as well as a decal pack that brings Audi Racing Sport’s signature black, grey, and red decals.
The treatment extends to the cabin with the fitment of RS Design Package, which adds red and copper accents to the upholstery and console components.
Sporty RS bucket seats wrapped in leather/micro-suede upholstery with honeycomb-pattern needlework are fitted, too, as are red seatbelts.
The centre console features the same micro-suede material, alongside an engraving of the car’s production number – 74 in the case of South Africa.
The single model in Mzansi has also been equipped with several optional extras, including RS ceramic brakes with red calipers, a 19-speaker 3D Bang & Olufsen stereo, and a heads-up display.
Propelling the athletic estate car is a turbocharged 4.0-litre petrol engine pumping out a generous 463kW and 850Nm, with the 0-100km/h dash dispensed in just 3.3 seconds.
It can also rocket to 200km/h in 11.5 seconds, and the South African unit comes with the RS Dynamic Package as standard that raises its top speed to a whopping 305km/h.
Keeping the Audi planted on the tarmac is a permanent all-wheel-drive system with adjustable coilover suspension, which lowers the ride height by 10mm for better handling.
This is paired with an eight-speed automatic gearbox with a locking differential that distributes power to the front and rear axles at a ratio of 40:60, ensuring better traction in the corners with less understeer.
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