AUDI'S BIG DADDY, THE RS 6 TURNS 20. HERE'S A COOL 'DID YOU KNOW' ON THE OLD MAN...
It’s an odd thing seeing all these anniversaries of iconic car models this year. We initially thought there was some kind of horsepower challenge a while back, but the anniversaries have too much of a gap, some are 50 years old while others are younger, like the Audi RS 6. Even with the gaps of plenty years it’s almost like there’s a season for automakers to release their performance models. Whatever it may be, right here, right now it’s the 20th anniversary of the now iconic Audi RS 6 - the big daddy cruiser of the Audi range that was and is available in an estate/wagon/longroof version. As you should be aware by now, especially if you’re browsing around here on SXdrv, anything with an RS badge from the Audi stable isn’t just a range-topper in terms of specification and features, but amazing performance too.
Over the last 20 years there have been four generations of the RS 6, and with the car being at the top of the model ladder, it was always given the best of the best systems and features and a lot of the technology created for the car models is usually industry-leading stuff too. When awesome systems are created for the RS 6, you’re also sure to see that trickle down into the smaller RS models too. The RS 6 is basically the real-world test mule for all the cool tech we see on things like the RS3. There’s actually been so much awesomeness around the RS 6 that Audi has created a great “Did you Know?” list of facts about the car which we’re happy to share with you. How many of these Audi RS6 facts did you already know?
DID YOU KNOW THAT...
... going back to the first generation, the RS 6 was the first and only RS model that consistently implemented the double-flow RS exhaust system with oval tailpipes that are today’s standard?
... all RS 6 generations have a quattro drive?
... the flat LED headlights of the C8 generation come from the Audi A7 of the same era? Consequently, the RS 6 is visually very different from the other A6 models and the only model within the A6 family that can be ordered with laser light.
... because of the large units and technologies like additional cooling, the auxiliary heater planned at the start of the C6 and C7 generations had to be replaced? This special feature, popular with customers, has only been available since the C8 generation due to better space. It emphasizes the vehicle’s suitability for everyday use
... the C8 generation is the first Audi model to feature completely black-painted alloy wheels as standard equipment for the winter season?
... the car has been a member of the “high-speed club” of cars that can drive over 300 km/h (186 mph) since the RS 6 plus of the C6 generation?
... the aluminum matte look package is only available on RS models and has been used since the first generation? Today, in addition to aluminum matte, there are optical packages in black and carbon.
... the wide construction used since the C5 generation is unique in the competitive environment? It offers space for larger wheel diameters, creates a muscular look, and enables sportier handling.
... one of the most popular Audi exclusive interior colors, Cognac Brown, was used in the limited-edition RS 6 plus (C5) model in 2004? Today, this color is an option for the RS 6 as an homage to the first generation.
... the market launch of the first RS 6 took place at the Nürburgring? For the maiden journey, 30 Audi dealers entered their demonstration cars as part of the 24-hour race at the Nürburgring in front of 194,000 spectators.
... the RS 6 Avant matured from a European car to a global success model and consistently tapped into important growth markets? It has been available in China since the C7 generation and the United States of America and Canada since the C8 generation.
... the first RS 6 generation was used for racing in North America, namely in the Speed GT class of the American Le Mans Series (ALMS) program? Randy Pobst was the champion in the first season. His teammate Michael Galati came in second.
... the “Pirelli Noise Canceling System” (PNCS) was used for the first time in the C7 generation? These special tires produce low rolling noise because of a polyurethane sponge integrated into the tire body. The system absorbs most of the vibrations, ensuring significantly less noise pollution.
... half of all RS 6 customers in Europe now order a towing hitch. They are taking advantage of the RS 6's DNA and its suitability for everyday use.