2003 Audi RS 6 Review

The 450-horsepower Audi RS 6 all-wheel-drive sedan is one of those rare upscale cars that goes blindingly fast with seemingly no effort. It's fun to drive at any speed because it responds with race-car-style precision.

The roomy, limited-production RS 6 is the fastest and most powerful production car Audi ever has made. It's right up there with the BMW M5, Jaguar S-Type R and Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG. All are the current high-performance sedan icons.

The $82,700 RS 6 is the first American-market model from quattro GmbH; that's the high performance arm of Germany's Audi AG--the parent company of Audi of America.

So it's not surprising that the RS 6 has such athletic moves--or that its twin-turbocharged 4.2-liter V-8 is inspired by the engine of Audi's R8 race car, which won the famous 24-hour Le Mans race in France.

The docile, smooth RS 6 engine has 40 valves, instead of the usual 16 in a conventional V-8. Its massive 415 pound-feet of torque is spread across a wide range of 1,950-5,600 rpm, which translates to instant response at all speeds. Curiously, the large twin exhausts emit the sound of a small, highly modified, potent Chevrolet V-8.

No manual gearbox is offered--or needed. The RS 6 has Audi's smooth, responsive Tiptronic five-speed automatic transmission. It works smoothly in "drive'' mode, but also can be shifted manually with steering-wheel paddles or by pressing the gear selector front or back in the shift gate.

A driver must pay attention to the speedometer because the RS 6 is so smooth and quiet that it's easy to find yourself moving much faster than you think. The 155-mph RS 6 hits 60 mph in a sizzling 4.5 seconds and 100 in just 10.7 seconds, although this is a fairly big, 4,024-pound car. The weight can be felt during quick maneuvers, but barely affects the car's agility.

However, all the power and weight is paid for by mediocre fuel economy: an estimated 15 mpg in the city and 22 on highways.

A sophisticated all-wheel-drive system seamlessly delivers power to the road without juvenile tire screeching. The system also provides remarkable adhesion, allowing the RS 6 to zip through corners and curves with no body lean. It helps make the car feel nailed to the road and allows it to be more user-friendly during Chicago area winter driving.

The all-wheel drive is backed up by Audi's advanced traction control system, which continually monitors vehicle stability and intervenes automatically if there's a risk of a skid. A brake-assist feature helps allow the big, powerful brakes to deliver short, sure stops. Brakes are painted black, with a unique red-and-silver RS 6 logo.

The RS 6 is a "stealth car'' because it looks nearly the same as a standard Audi A 6--a handsome but rather conservatively styled upscale sedan. My dark blue test RS 6 drew few second glances. But nearby drivers probably were surprised at how fast it pulled away after acceleration from an expressway entrance ramp to get a safe distance ahead.

A close second look reveals a small spoiler on the trunk and flared wheel wells to accommodate huge wheels and high-performance tires.

A low apron houses three air intake apertures behind diamond-patterned grilles below and in front of the aluminum fenders and hood. Flanked by fog lights, the two outboard intakes feed air to the engine's twin intercoolers, while the aluminum-trimmed center air intake is for engine cooling.

The rear also has a unique look; there's a black apron with a diamond-patterned lower grille that allows underbody airflow to reduce body lift and improve aerodynamics at higher speeds. Discreet body side sills add to the car's aggressive stance.

The red-and-silver "RS 6'' logos on the grille and trunk lid will mean nothing to average motorists, although big dual exhaust outlets should indicate that this is a serious high-performance car. Make that a very serious high-performance car. The RS 6 is nearly as fast as a $235,000, 460-horsepower Aston Martin Vanquish sports car.

The power steering is precise and very quick, with good steering feel. The RS 6 rides on a lowered suspension. And it's the first Audi to use the automaker's Dynamic Ride Control "active suspension,'' which virtually eliminates body sway, dive and squat during full throttle acceleration, hard cornering and emergency braking.

Safety features include front side air bags and head protecting curtain side air bags. Rear side air bags are $360 extra.

The ride is taut but generally comfortable, helped by a fairly long 108.6-inch wheelbase. Compared with the A 6, the RS 6 has a stiffer suspension, larger stabilizer bars and big 18-inch aluminum nine-spoke wheels with wide 40-series performance tires.

The well-equipped RS 6 is beautifully built, inside and out. The upscale interior is quiet, except for some tire noise. It has a rather somber look, despite leather upholstery and wood trim.

Gauges with red pointers can be quickly read, and seats are race-style supportive. The tilt-and-telescopic steering column is electrically adjustable, and sound system and climate controls are fairly large.

There's especially good rear-seat room in the RS 6. It comfortably handles four tall adults, or five in a pinch. All doors open wide for easy entry. A nifty touch is dual cupholders that snap out of the center of the rear seat cushion. But inside door handles and the twin outside power mirrors should be a little larger.

The fairly big trunk has a low, wide opening. Folding rear seatbacks enlarge the cargo area.

In the end, the RS 6 isn't a car bought to impress neighbors--unless you want to give them a ride to demonstrate its awesome performance.


AUDI RS 6
Price:
$82,700

Likes:
Blurringly fast. Race car feel. Roomy. All-wheel drive. High quality.

Dislikes:
Pricey. Middling fuel economy. Small inside door handles.