Every Evolution of the Oft Elusive RS6 Avant
Since 2002, we have been missing out on the AWD wagon that we deserved. Audi is finally giving us the opportunity to prove that we, the measly Americans that like lazy long stoke V8’s and straight-line speed, can handle a wagon with a small displacement, turbo V8 with all-wheel-drive and *GASP* no woody sides. Can we handle what the Germans have to offer? Or are we still the good ‘ol boys they think we are? Time will only tell, but until that time comes, let’s take a trip down [what could have been] memory lane.
The Tale of the Wagon
The tale of U.S. wagons isn’t great. We started around 1717, with exactly one horsepower (15 horsepower if you want to get technical), wooden wheels, and a canvas cover. But it wasn’t until the late ‘70s and early ‘80s that we hit full-on wagon-fever. Think the SUV-craze is bad now? Think again. Wagons with rusted out floorboards and rear-facing seats were taking over city streets, and vinyl wood doors were peeling everywhere. We had a couple of saving grace wagons, with big honking V8’s that weren’t completely watered-down with emissions equipment, but not many. But then, like a knight in shining armor, the Europeans came to rescue us from our Buick Roadmasters and brought us wagons that could actually handle like a car. From those wagons, grew myths from across the sea of wagons with true power, wagons with V8’s and twin-turbos and AWD. And the RS6 was born. Only we never tasted her sweet nectar; the wagon that could have saved us all never crossed the Atlantic.
Photo Credit: Cars Evolution
Come to Me
Now, in the wake of what could have been, Audi has graced us with a chance to redeem ourselves. To prove that we are worthy to receive her heavenly performance into our lives, and embrace the wagon, as one of our own. To celebrate the coming of the infamous RS6, Cars Evolution has thrown together a video documenting every version of the forbidden fruit wagon up to the upcoming 2020 model year.
2004 Audi RS6 Avant Plus
For those that were unimpressed with the 444 hp of the standard RS6, the RS6 Plus was released. An updated ECU and an additional two side-mounted radiators brought the car up to 473 horses. For those of you that are jaded by today’s insane horsepower numbers, the 2004 Ferrari 360 came with a standard 400 horsepower. So yeah, 473 is a big number. The Plus was also equipped with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC), a quicker and tighter steering rack, upgraded brakes, and blacked-out chrome pieces. Unlike the earlier C5 RS6, this was only available as an Avant.
2008 Audi RS6 Avant
Now, in the wake of what could have been, Audi has graced us with a chance to redeem ourselves. To prove that we are worthy to receive her into our lives, and embrace the wagon, as one of our own. To celebrate the coming of the infamous RS6, Cars Evolution has thrown together a video documenting every version of the forbidden fruit wagon up to the upcoming 2020 model year.
2013 Audi RS6 Avant
2013 brought around the release of the C7 RS6. Back to eight-cylinders, the 4.0l twin-turbo V8 produced 552 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. The car is down on power from the previous generation but is lighter and capable of a faster 0-60 time. The ZF 8-peed trans replaced the 6-speed Tiptronic and the amazing honeycomb quilted leather starts to appear.
2015 Audi RS6 Avant
For 2015, Audi gives the C7 RS6 a slight nip tuck. New headlights and taillights (the beginning of the modern Audi lighting signature and sequential tail lights), along with some small changes to things like optional wheels, colors, and bumper inserts. The update was able to keep the C7 modern and at the forefront of design in a quickly adapting and evolving automotive design world.
2016 Audi RS6 Avant Performance
2016 brought the new “Performance” nomenclature, along with a whole host of upgrades to the new trim. Retuning the ECU brought out 45 more horses from the 4.0l TT V8. The extra power aided in dropping 0.2s off the 0-60 time and also bring out some more aggression from the signature oval pipes.
2018 Audi RS6 Avant Nogaro Edition
Quickly getting out of date, Audi released one last iteration of the C7 RS6 and was the best yet. The Nogaro Edition RS6 was a collaboration between Audi and specialty tuning company, ABT. The tuning brings the RS6 up to an insane 695 hp. With only 150 built, it is the rarest of the RS6 lineup, and is clearly, the most powerful. The tune also comes along with a titanium exhaust that blows your mind and carbon ceramics to help bring that power (and weight ) to a stop.
2020 Audi RS6 Avant
And that brings us to today. Last month, Audi released the newest version of the RS6 onto us all, and here in America, we will be lucky enough to finally have the wagon available. The new 4.0l twin-turbo V8, combined with a mild-hybrid 48-volt electric powertrain, produces 591 hp, a noticeable bump from the previous model (and the model before that which has more power). Massive 21 and 22 inch (!) wheels dominate the side profile of the car and the massively flared arches stick out like Arnold’s shoulders when looked at from the front. Rear steering and air suspension help to bring the immense 4,553 lbs around a bend.
Up To Date
So, there you have it, folks. The complete and utter lineup of Audi RS6s. The family has been around for nearly a decade now and we are finally able to join in the family fun. The high-powered family wagon is the fastest way to get you, and whatever the hell you want to carry with your 59.3 cubic feet, around town.
For help with your maintenance and repair projects, please check out our how-to section in AudiWorld.com.