It took to the curves with equal verve, due to its unique suspension dubbed Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). The setup is designed to counter body roll and pitch by incorporating diagonally-interconnected, single-tube shock absorbers. Whatever, it works without fault.
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| Thanks to a wonderfully sorted suspension system and quattro all-wheel drive, the RS 6 is not only fast but also glued to the road. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
Coming down the mountain, with more of the car's weight on the front wheels I was a bit more conservative, but still I didn't exactly poke along. Fortunately Audi equipped the RS 6 with brakes as formidable as the engine's thrust, bringing the car down in intensity immediately and without commotion. They feature a composite design with 365 mm front discs clamped down on by 8-piston fixed calipers, plus 335 mm rotors and a single-piston floating caliper in the rear.
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| The interior materials used, fit and finish and overall execution is about as good as this class gets. (Photo: Shawn Pisio, Canadian Auto Press) |
In the end the RS 6 can perform as well as many top-tier sports cars with the added comfort and convenience of four-doors and five-seats. What's more, the interior materials used, fit and finish and overall execution is about as good as this class gets. Where the M5 feels like a four-door racing car, the RS 6 goes about its duty in a more reflective but just as effective manner, not beating up its occupants in the process.
But is it worth $109,000? That question you'll have to answer with your own checkbook, but it is easily one of the best sports sedans in the world and worthy of M5 and E55 comparison. In the end only 90 will be coming to Canada, so at the very least it will be exclusive.
Specifications:
- Price Range (MSRP): $109,000 - $ 112,865
- Body Type: 4-door sedan
- Layout: front engine, AWD
- Engine: 450-hp, 415 lb-ft of torque, 4.2-L, 40-valve, DOHC twin-turbocharged V8
- Transmission: 5-spd auto with manual mode
- Acceleration (0 - 100 km/h): 4.7 seconds
- Top Speed: 250 km/h (155 mph)
- Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS with EDS
- Curb Weight: 1,840 kg (4,057 lbs)
- Seating Capacity: 5
- Cargo Volume (trunk): 436 L (15.4 cu ft)
- Fuel Economy (city/hwy): N/A
- Fuel Type: premium unleaded
- Warranty (mo/km): 48/80,000 comprehensive Competitive Vehicles: BMW M5 (2005), Jaguar S-Type R, Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG
- Web Site: www.audicanada.ca
Note: Additional larger photos available in photo album.
