Audi Ends Production of its Ultimate RS6 Super Sedan

The RS6 also marked the entry of quattro GmbH to North America, being that Audi Canada never imported the RS2 and RS4. The RS6

The RS6 seemed to be a hit around the world, placing Audi at the top of many collectors' lists. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

seemed to be a hit around the world, placing Audi at the top of many collectors' lists with demand severely outstripping supply.

Production of the RS6 began in May, 2002. The transformation of a standard A6 sedan or Avant (5-door wagon) into the RS6 was a simple but highly labor-intensive process, which took place at quattro GmbH's Neckarsulm assembly halls whereupon a handful of vehicles were produced each day. Originally, Audi intended to produce 6,000 examples at a steady pace before

Transforming a standard A6 sedan into the RS6 monster was said to be a simple but highly labor-intensive process. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

shutting down production, but in the high-speed world of top-performing supercars, to leave a vehicle alone without continually developing it means that it will soon be surpassed.

As production neared the two-year mark, Audi announced that it had plans to end the production of the RS6. At this point in time, it had already exceeded the original production mark for quite awhile, but the Volkswagen-owned brand wanted the RS6 to go out with a bang. In April, 2004 Audi began production of the RS6 Plus, what was considered to be the ultimate RS6, and the ultimate RS car. Packing an additional 30 horsepower and a tuned suspension, the RS6 plus edged out the current champ, Benz's supercharged E55.