More powerful Audi RS6 and RS7 confirmed for South Africa

Audi has pulled the covers off the new RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback Performance models.

These variants are uprated versions of already stupendously-fast cars, gaining more power, a unique look, and new features – while simultaneously shaving off weight.

Both the RS6 and RS7 are confirmed for a South African debut, with the vehicles to go on sale in the second half of 2023, Audi’s local subsidiary confirmed to TopAuto.

What’s new

The Performance models of the RS6 and RS7 generate a monumental 463kW and 850Nm from a 4.0-litre, V8, bi-turbocharged mill – 22kW and 50Nm more than the standard cars.

The heightened power levels were achieved through the use of larger turbochargers that lifts maximum boost pressure from 2.4 to 2.6 bar.

The increased grunt sees these Audis’ 0-100km/h sprint times lowered by 0.2 seconds to a rapid 3.4 seconds.

Top speed is pegged at 280km/h thanks to standard fitment of the RS Dynamic package, as opposed to the usual 250km/h, and it can be further increased to 305km/h should the optional RS Dynamics Package Plus be equipped.

The latter also brings carbon ceramic brake discs, which will lower the overall kerb weight by another 34kg.

Additionally, the RS6 and RS7 Performance are fitted with dynamic all-wheel steering and a new self-locking centre differential that distributes 40% of power to the rear axle and 60% to the front. If slippage occurs, up to 70% can be sent to the front and 85% to the back.

In the styling category, the Performance models roll off the line on model-specific 21-inch, 10-spoke aluminium wheels in burnished glossy metallic black, matte grey, matte black, or matte neodymium gold, wrapped in Continental Sport Contact 7 tyres.

Not only do these rims serve up a distinctive design, but they also assist in brake cooling and weigh around 20kg less than the ones found on the standard RS cars.

Moreover, the exterior mirrors, front spoiler, front side flaps, side sill inserts, roof rails, and trim on the side windows and rear diffuser are now in matte grey, and for the first time, the high-performance Audis can be painted in metallic and matte Ascari Blue or matte Dew Silver.

Continuing inside, the Alcantara steering wheel, Valcona leather seats, floor mats, centre console, and gear lever cuff now get Mercato Blue stitching, and the seatbelts are in Ocean Blue. Another Performance-only feature are puddle lights that project “RS Performance” onto the floor.

The software was slightly tweaked for the uprated Audis, too, now including a blinking shift indicator in manual mode that shows the driver the best times to change gears, as well as “traffic light icons” for the launch control function.

The carbon interior twill can also be had with optional blue accents, and buyers further have the choice to equip the RS design package in the three colour variants.

Reduced noise insulation then takes away a final 8kg, resulting in a total kerb weight of 2,090kg for the RS6 and 2,065kg for the RS7.

The base RS6 currently has a starting price of R2,254,600 in South Africa with the RS7 going for R2,366,400, and the Performance models will slot in above this.