Shhhh! Audi RS6 may produce more than 600 HP
At one time Japanese regulations prohibited engines in that country producing more than 274hp, and oddly enough a wide array of different engines were all rated at that same level. Given the actual performance of the cars, it was clear that many manufacturers were sandbagging. Audi appears set to do the same with its uber-powerful RS6. The twin-turbo V10 is expected to carry an official rating of 571 hp, but the actual output could be as high as 610hp. Does anyone actually need this much power in a sedan or wagon? Of course not, but sign us up anyway.[Source: Motor Authority]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
EM 1:32PM (8/29/2007)
The other half of that title is "iiiitttttttt!!!!"
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B Montgomery 1:33PM (8/29/2007)
Insane, socially irresponsible!!!
Uhhh, so who do I need to talk to in order to buy one?
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FThorn 1:35PM (8/29/2007)
This will be a perfect, overpowered car for the likes of Hulk Hogan's offspring to wrap around unsuspecting (hopefully inanimate) objects.
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B Montgomery 1:37PM (8/29/2007)
good one!
man I really like Audi's way of doing things lately. I've always liked the new S6 with the standard V10 but with forced induction...
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ddm612 3:14PM (8/30/2007)
Audi seems to be unstoppable lately. The new TT's are much better cars than their predecessors, the R8 is amazing, and now this! If it's anything like it's little sister the RS4, I would sell myself to science to buy one. (That last comment was a joke, of course.)
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Ken 1:46PM (8/29/2007)
I think I need to buy one just to keep it out of other drivers hands!
Anyway, with the power loss of AWD and a automatic, its only like 500 HP, right?
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Brad 1:50PM (8/29/2007)
First off.....a V-10. TEN CYLINDER engine, then TWO Turbochargers! Then, put that in a sedan! I guess it's sort of like the S65 AMG.
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sean 2:04PM (8/29/2007)
Mighty impressive. But I do wish Audi would concentrate on making there cars more involving to drive instead of jacking up the headline power figure. They need to strike the right balance before they can compete with BMW.
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B Montgomery 2:16PM (8/29/2007)
They've already done that - they are called the R8 and the RS4.
They have also announced adjustable dynamic steering response in their new A5 and new A4 lines. Apparently you can set it to steer with the effort of a Cadilac or the effort of a Sportscar. It also automatically assists to keep the handling neutral by dialing out oversteer and understeer.
Audi drive select – up to four different cars in one
Those who drive the A4 hard and enthusiastically can choose between two sports suspension settings, or alternatively rely on an innovative technology – the innovative system known as Audi drive select. This is available in various stages, which influence an increasing number of technical components and functions on the car: accelerator pedal response, tiptronic shift points, power steering assistance, the steering ratio and the action of the electronically adjustable shock absorbers – another new feature.
The driver can select the comfort, auto or dynamic modes at switches on the centre console. If the A4 is equipped with the MMI control system, a fourth mode, “Individual”, is available; this enables an individual profile of 24 settings to be configured. Audi drive select transforms a single A4 into up to four different cars – a range of driving pleasure, dynamism and ride comfort that is unmatched in the midsize car category. Check it out from their 2008 A4 press release below:
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Audi drive select – up to four different cars in one
Those who drive the A4 hard and enthusiastically can choose between two sports suspension settings, or alternatively rely on an innovative technology – the innovative system known as Audi drive select. This is available in various stages, which influence an increasing number of technical components and functions on the car: accelerator pedal response, tiptronic shift points, power steering assistance, the steering ratio and the action of the electronically adjustable shock absorbers – another new feature.
The driver can select the comfort, auto or dynamic modes at switches on the centre console. If the A4 is equipped with the MMI control system, a fourth mode, “Individual”, is available; this enables an individual profile of 24 settings to be configured. Audi drive select transforms a single A4 into up to four different cars – a range of driving pleasure, dynamism and ride comfort that is unmatched in the midsize car category.
As fast as a professional rally driver –Audi dynamic steering
The new A4 features yet another pioneering technological development: Audi dynamic steering. Its key element is a superimposed gear system that alters the overall ratio according to road speed and the chosen Audi drive select setting. This concentric-shaft steering gear is extremely compact and light in weight; it has a precise action free from any slack. It was first developed for use in robots and for space travel applications; the expedition vehicles on which it was installed have already traversed the surface of the moon and Mars.
Audi dynamic steering makes the steering ratio more direct at low speeds, with a higher level of power assistance. This renders the steering extremely light when manoeuvring, and only two turns of the wheel are needed from lock to lock. As the car’s speed increases, however, the steering ratio becomes gradually less direct and in parallel with this the amount of power assistance is reduced. At high motorway speeds the A4 can therefore be driven smoothly and has excellent straight-line stability.
Audi’s high-tech steering can do even more. It is closely networked with the ESP and therefore receives precise information about the car’s attitude as the handling limit is approached. If the A4 threatens to oversteer, for instance after an abrupt avoidance manoeuvre, the steering performs slight corrective impulses in the direction needed to reduce this tendency. Such corrective action takes place faster than even an experienced rally driver could react. This rapid response means that brake applications are often not needed, so that the car continues its journey more smoothly and dynamically.
The system also takes action if the car understeers: it selects a more indirect steering ratio for a short time, the aim being to prevent the driver from turning the steering beyond the point at which the tyres still have plenty of road grip. With these capabilities, Audi dynamic steering represents leading-edge technology in this car market segment.
The optional-extra damping control permits individual suspension settings to be chosen. These are based on the lowered sports suspension. Continuously adjustable hydraulic shock absorbers permit the damping characteristic to be varied individually at each wheel. This means optimal contact between the tyre and the road in almost every situation, for greater safety and more dynamic road behaviour.
Logik 6:36PM (8/29/2007)
@B Monty
Wow! Quite a read. I feel sleepy now.
Is all that stuff necessary? I mean, I just wanna really drive the car--myself.
nagmashot 5:24AM (8/30/2007)
just a history class for you... Audi played around with 500hp and more cars able to go 270mph and faster as BMW was all new to car bussines building licens copys..
Kevin 2:21PM (8/29/2007)
I think this is awesome. Not because I'd ever own or buy the car (and I'll do my damnedest to talk my father out of trading his E55 in on one, should he get the desire to do so), but because it will prompt a reaction from MB and BMW.
A supercharger slapped on top of the 6.3L AMG engine, perhaps... Or maybe a twin turbo M5. *drool*
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CoffeeJones 3:12PM (8/29/2007)
On this very site:
http://www.autoblog.com/2007/02/23/currencys-810-hp-twin-turbo-m5/
Not like it's stock with a warranty of course, but....
Kevin 3:29PM (8/29/2007)
Very nice. Not a big fan of the interior from what I can see, and it looks like it has SMG, but I'd drive it. If it was coming out of my pocket though, and I had to choose one 4 door car to drop that kind of cash on it would be a Renntech-modified S65.
Dan 4:46PM (8/29/2007)
Audi has also made great efforts to improve handling and sporting balance of the upcoming A5/S5 and A4 by moving the engines further back in the vehicle. This will push the front/rear weight ratio closer to 50/50. In the past this has been one of the main reasons that Audis have tended to understeer. I look forward to trying them out!
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Aetius 2:26PM (8/29/2007)
So while the American car makers are now committed towards following Japan's lead in fuel-efficient vehicles, the Germans are making cars where 300HP seems to the base engine! Havn't the manufacturers heard of the upcoming EU CO2 regulations?
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Ben H. 2:50PM (8/29/2007)
Just because a car is higher-powered, it doesn't means it spits out more emissions. Porsche is a testament to that. It looks like the "big/small three" haven't figured that out yet.
info 3:01PM (8/29/2007)
Do you actually ever look what is availbale on the German market? The US manufacturers have a long way to go before they can even come close the the fuel efficiency of at least 50% of the cars on the road in Germany and in Europe for that matter.
Aetius 3:15PM (8/29/2007)
Agreed. But I don't see those Renaults and Ford Kas on our roads, do you? All we have from Europe are high-HP cars. Don't get me wrong. I'm a car guy and even seeing a AMG or a M, let alone a RS 4 on the road gets me going, but 600HP + seems excessive in today's world and the Germans seem to be making a whole bunch of them lately. And I don't appreciate the way those cars are getting heavier and bigger either. The 125i is a step in the right direction.
Dondonel 4:14PM (8/29/2007)
@Aetius
The 1 series is only 40-50 kg lighter than the 3 series using the same engine. That's hardly an improvement. Building overweight cars is a longstanding German tradition.