Spy Shots: Audi RS6 on the 'Ring
by John Neff on Mar 29th 2007 at 3:04PM 
In a world full of AMG and M models, Audi can't be satisfied with fielding only the 436-hp, V10-powered S6. That's why it's working on returning the RS6 to the lineup. The new RS6 was caught by Brenda Priddy's spies doing laps on the Nurburgring in Germany. Wearing a migrane-inducing camo pattern, the RS6 is distinguished by fenders that push out wider to handle larger wheels and a rear diffuser that houses a pair of oval tailpipes. As the linked article indicates, while the S model sports four round tips, RS models stand out with these oval pipes. There was no mention of what may power the RS6, though it needs to be pretty hot motor to best the detuned V10 from the Lamborghini Gallardo that powers the S6. We've heard rumors of a twin-turbo version of the V10 producing between 500 and 550 horsepower, though other mills are being considered, too. Thanks for the tip, Zerin!
[Source: Speedsportlife.com]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
cdiddy67 3:27PM (3/29/2007)
its a great time to love cars...550 hp audis? 612 hp benz? Viper TT? Corvette SS? these HP numbers never seem to stop going up...unfortunately so does the price.
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Cheezedog 3:39PM (3/29/2007)
Is it me, or does that camo job makes the shape of the car easyer to read? I can easily make out creases for fender flairs, the usual rear bumper details for Audi's, and Some of the corner molding.
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DPC car videos 3:42PM (3/29/2007)
I think they will have a twin turbo V8 or a twin turbo V10 pushing 550hp. There is also a chance of having the tuned none turbo V10 currently in the Lamborghini Gallardo pushing 520hp. Whatever their choice maybe, the engine they choose will surely find its way into the Audi R8 the following year.
http://www.dpccars.com
DPCcars
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LGM 4:06PM (3/29/2007)
Why they camouflage him if every Audi has the same style?
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Tsunami Racer 4:32PM (3/29/2007)
mmmm.... fender flares. but i wonder if they're gonna give it a real stick like the RS4 or are we gonna be relegated to the DSG nonsense. unless you're in a fraternity or in a canoe, you have no business using paddles...
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Chris 5:14PM (3/29/2007)
DSG is faster to 60 then a stick. Kind of hard to shift in .2 of a second. And almost no power loss, I can see why you hate it so much.
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Jerem 8:43PM (3/29/2007)
DSG is not a possibility. The transmission can't handle more than 300hp.
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NoNameDenton 11:14PM (3/29/2007)
I would love to see a wagon version as well, to compete with the BMW M5 wagon (I love the idea of someone getting smoked by a 500+ hp wagon, it is entertaining). I just hope Audi gets rid of the CVT found more base models, I prefer 6 and 7 speed automatic transmissions.
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ObsessedAudiFan 11:44PM (3/29/2007)
Jerem, the last RS^ and RS^ plus had outputs of 450 and 475 hp and were the first with aa DSG. You should check your facts.
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ObsessedAudiFan 11:45PM (3/29/2007)
that's RS6 and RS6 plus
god it's late, sorry
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nagmashot 1:14AM (3/30/2007)
#11 the old RS6 and RS6 plus (480hp) had no DSG, they had the normaly tiptronic automatic tranny.
#8 The Veyron use a DSG tranny...the last time I checked it is powered with 1001hp. Porsche used PDK (Porsche Doppel Kupplungsgetriebe the real name of the orginal DSG) first time at LeMans at cars with more than 700hp, the first Audi with PDK (DSG) was the Audi S1 Rally Monster... Audi recived from Porsche a reworked PDK tranny.
HGP turned the Golf R32 DSG into the topspeed worldrecord hatchback, with 600hp they push the Golf to 202mph.
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chad.dawkins 1:38AM (3/30/2007)
It's kind of silly to count the transmissions used in a $1.3 Million dollar supercar and race cars in the same stance of those used in production vehicles. The one that VWAG uses in their regular cars cant handle all that power at this time. The engine also has to be mounted transversely if I'm not mistaken. As far as the car goes I wanna see some HP numbers. The engine that's going in this car should debut in the R8 though.
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dubber4life 8:22AM (3/30/2007)
Tsunami Racer: Just because it can shift faster than you will ever be able to is no reason to put out F.U.D about a superior technology.
chad.dawkins: The DSG was never limited to 300HP or any amount of HP period. The limitation stems from the amount of torque it can handle. While VAG suggest the max amount of torque the DSG (in the GTI/GLI) can handle is 268ft/lb; HPA has DSG equipped cars putting out a lot more torque and not failing. The "weak" spot of the DSG are the clutches. HPA is coming out with an upgrade kit that can take a lot more abuse. So if an aftermarker tuner can get the DSG to handle massive amounts of power, who says VAG can't or won't put out a stronger version of the DSG?
http://hpamotorsports.com/projects_current_Mk5_R32.htm
"And if you are worried about the DSG, don’t be. HPA already offers twin turbo systems for the A3 and TT that utilize the direct shift gearbox. Our embrace of this technology has lead to the development of a turbo solution that will allow owners to fully maximize the potential of their systems unrelenting power. The DSG will never miss a shift, you only need to pull the trigger and hold on to the bullet."
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Mattlach 9:30AM (3/30/2007)
Noname Denton:
Why do you prefer traditional automatics over CVT's?
All else being equal, a car equipped with a CVT will accelerate faster and use less fuel. Seems like a no-brainer to me. the only reason I can think of (aside from technical difficulty in making CVT's strong enough for high output cars) to prefer a traditional automatic over a CVT is that you don't get the macho shift point sounds out of the engine, but then again, you don't really get them out of a traditional auto either :p
Tsunami Racer:
As far as the DSG goes I think it has a very real place in high end cars. I am a faithful driver of a manual, but I have to admit that technology has gotten to the point that it can shift better and faster than a human with a clutch pedal and a stick.
On a very high output car, this is warranted as you get to th epoint that your losses in acceleration due to shifting time wind up being larger than those due to differences in engine power. DSG style transmissions that overcome the power losses of traditional auto-boxes are perfect for these applications.
If I had the money to afford an RS6 i'd expect it to have a DSG. I would sorely miss my clutch and stick though!
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Tsunami Racer 1:52PM (3/30/2007)
not to turn this into a DSG/SMG/F1 vs real manual argument, but my whole view is that Audi should offer a DSG trans for the masses, but don't be offended when purists like me won't even consider the car if that's the only transmission offered. DSG should be an option (just like all "automatics") in addition to a real manual in any performance oriented car.
my personal opinion is to use the foot clutch or leave it in "D" and be happy with your "automatic". despite the technical significance of a clutchelss sequential shifter, in concept and everyday application, DSG/SMG equals nothing more than a really fast shifting automatic with tiptronic.
so if the RS6 will be offered only with DSG, in my mind, it's only available with an "automatic". which means i'll be keeping my foot clutch actuated manual RS4 for a while longer...
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Mattlach 4:37PM (3/30/2007)
Tsunami Racer:
I feel your appreciation of the "real" manual transmissions. It's currently all I drive if I have the choice (I hate getting stuck in rentals with automatics)
The truth is though (and I've had to reluctantly admit this) that high end DSG type transmissions perform better than even the most experienced driver with a real manual these days due to their shorter shifting times.
As much as I hate saying it, the only reasons to drive a "real" manual on todays 500+ hp super cars are 1. Cost (but this really isnt an issue when you are spending $100k+ on a car) or 2. an overabundance of machismo/testosterone...
I love manuals, but I am willing to accept the fact that they are slowly becoming obsolete.
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Tsunami Racer 5:37PM (3/30/2007)
NEVER!! it will be a cold day in hell before i give up my clutch pedal, my motorola brick phone, porsche design sunglasses and members only jacket!!!
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