The razor's edge handling in the RS 6 comes with more than a financial price tag, as there is also a ride-comfort price tag -
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| Unfortunately, the refined, well-composed ride-quality of the A6 does not carryover to the racecar-like RS 6. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
and unlike the sticker price this fee is never settled. Unfortunately, the refined, well-composed ride-quality of the A6 does not carryover, nor should it, I suppose, given the performance thresholds Audi set for its racecar-like sedan. On most road surfaces the ride is firm, but by no means cruel. However, when encountering potholes or broken pavement the RS 6 hammers through degradation rather than absorbing it, which transmits quite a shock to the first-class cabin. Adapting driver adjustable shock settings to the RS 6 underpinnings would go a long way toward alleviating the tiresome jostling, without eliminating the ability to achieve roller-coaster-like cornering forces.
And just like all roller coasters, the RS 6 must come to a complete stop on occasion. When it does, nothing is left to doubt. Reeling-in the RS 6 in short order is a massive set of vented, antilock Brembo disc brakes front and rear. Motor Trend testing froze the RS 6 to the pavement from 60 mph in just 113
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| The RS 6 is one exclusive automobile with mind-blowing acceleration and rewarding handling, too bad they are already sold out. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, American Auto Press) |
feet. During my full-on brake test, the RS 6 felt completely stable. Pedal effort was on the light side, but brake force was easily modulated. After wiping my face print from the windscreen, I repeated the test without encountering a hint of brake fade. The antilock system aboard the RS 6 did just what it was asked to do by only cutting-in when I intended it to, and never before. In addition to ABS, the RS 6 brakes are augmented by an Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) system. If the car gets sideways during an overenthusiastic jaunt, Electronic Stability Program will take over - just remember that there are limits to any technology. Passive safety features include dual front and side airbags, plus Audi's Sideguard head airbag technology, which grants a pillowy landing to heads sitting outboard front and rear.
