Falling into the driver's right hand is a shift lever that controls a 5-speed
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| A 5-speed automatic is the only type of transmission available in the RS 6. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
automatic transmission, the only type available in the RS 6. This smooth shifting autobox features a "Sport" mode which holds each gear longer and swaps the cogs with greater gusto. Should there be a desire to replace the transmission's electronically controlled shift logic with human controlled shift logic, a manual-mode can be engaged by placing the shift lever into an adjoining gate in the metal shift plate. In the manual mode, cogs can be swapped using either the shift lever or the F1-modelled steering wheel paddles located at "3" and "9" on the clock.
The RS 6 is definitely designed for those who enjoy driving and appreciate performance thresholds that push the passenger car envelope beyond inspiring, to somewhere in the
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| Power delivery is hard-hitting from the moment the tachometer leaves its idle position. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
realm of thrilling. The core of this experience is delivered by Audi's sophisticated 4.2-liter, DOHC, 32-valve V8, featuring two turbochargers attached. This lightweight yet potent powerplant is partially composed of an aluminum block and aluminum heads. It also benefits from variable intake-valve timing, which ensures that maximum output is continuously derived from the forced-air apparatus. Running up to its 6,700 rpm redline is never a time consuming event, thanks to the engine's specific output of 107.9 horsepower per liter. Power delivery is hard-hitting from the moment the tachometer leaves its idle position, although it does take a moment for the turbos to fully spool up. Throughout the rev band, a very un-Audi-like, deep, throaty exhaust note dominates the auditory senses, allowing only a hint of turbo-whine to shine through.
