Audi South Africa has just introduced the RS6 Avant and RS7 Performance derivatives into the local market. These are more extreme versions of the top two models in Audi’s RS passenger car line-up. These are now the only versions of the RS6 and RS7 available locally.

Follow Double Apex on Instagram and Facebook where we share more car content.

Buy now and take advantage of free delivery in South Africa on orders over R349.

More Power

The RS6 Avant and RS7 Performance build on their namesakes but with a little more oomph added to proceedings. Both are powered by the firm’s well-known 4,0-litre V8. The twin-turbocharged engines have an additional 22 kW and 50 N.m. As a result they now produce 463 kW of power and peak torque of 850 Nm.

The increase in power comes from a rise in peak manifold pressure to a maximum of 2,6 bars, a 0,2 increase. Audi says the additional power drops the 0 to 100 km/h sprint time from 3,6 to 3,4 seconds. These figures are easily accessible by a standard launch control system that acts on the quattro all-wheel-drive system.

Click here to read our road driving review of the ‘regular’ RS6 Avant.

Less Mass

The two derivatives have also undertaken a bit of a diet shedding a few kilos in the process. There is less sound insulation, dropping 8 kg. Other mass-saving measures include lighter alloys (20 kg) in total and the option of carbon ceramic anchors reduces the overall mass further. However, these are a tiny percentage on cars that weigh in excess of two tons (RS6 Avant Performance 2 090 kg/RS7 Sportback Performance 2 065 kg).

Check out all the generations of Audi RS6 by clicking here.

Updated appearance

For the most part the RS6 Avant and RS7 maintain the appearance that we’ve become accustomed to. They have massive central air intakes, flare wheel arches and a hunkered down stance. The new alloys are part of a slightly updated appearance package for the RS6 Avant and RS7 Performance. The 22-inch rims are available in matte titanium grey, glossy black, matte black, or matte neodymium gold. 

Other exterior changes include matte grey used on the exterior mirrors, front spoiler, side sill inserts, roof rails, and the trim on the side windows and rear diffuser. There are also a few interior updates, but you’d really have to see the older and newer car side-by-side to work out what’s changed.

Learn some interesting facts about the development of Quattro at this link.

Hitting The Track

Audi SA introduced us to the new heavy hitters at the Kyalami Grand Prix Circuit. It is the new home of the revitalised Audi Driving Experience. We were given a truncated version of the course that owners/buyers/fans can undertake. 

The course is pretty in-depth and usually runs a full day. Activities include a full theory session, vehicle dynamics, driver interface and hot lapping. Audi has its full range of RS vehicles, from the RS3 to the RS Q8, employed at the high-performance driving course. 

Quick As You Like

Audi tends to get a bit overshadowed by its German rivals when it comes to performance motoring. We tend to overlook or just forget about the RS cars when we are talking about Porsches, M cars or AMGs. There is no reason this should be the case.

The RS6 Avant and RS7 Performance have an indecent level of pace. I’d be hard pressed to say I felt the extra power from the engine. Despite the twin blowers, there is still a power loss up at altitude. Either way, these cars dispatch with Kyalami’s straights as fast as any car with five doors and five seats can. 

One can’t quite fight physics when the car you are piloting weighs over two tons, so these cars do exhibit a fair deal of body lean and favour a smooth driving style. The AWD system is pretty handy to apply as much power as you dare on corner exit. Handily the system moves power to the rear axle, which makes for really quick progress.

Audi RS6 Avant and RS7 Performance Pricing

RS6 Avant Performance: R2 332 700
Audi RS7 Sportback Performance: R2 444 500