AUDI

2020 RS6 Avant is a 592-hp, 190-mph wagon that's coming to the US

Stigmatized as boring family haulers, the humble wagon has never enjoyed the respect here in the US that it enjoys elsewhere in the world. No surprise then that over the years we've missed out on most of the greatest European sport wagons, machines designed to be good at hauling a family as they are at, well, hauling. Lately, well-heeled Americans have been blessed with a few mighty options, like the Mercedes-AMG E63 S Wagon and the Porsche Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid Sport Tourism. Now, Audi stands ready to deliver what might be the most aggressive-looking longroof yet.
It's the 2020 Audi RS6 Avant, the fourth generation of this mighty wagon. This time it has a whopping 592 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque from Audi's 4.0-liter, twin-turbo mild-hybrid V8. That power, driven through an eight-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission and a Quattro all-wheel drive system, will launch this utilitarian supercar from 0 to 62 miles per hour in 3.6 seconds. Going from a standstill to 124 mph takes just 12 seconds.
Stopping all that force is a new set of steel brakes that measure an impressive 16.5 inches up front and 14.6 inches at the rear. Carbon ceramic brakes even offer more speed-scrubbing prowess, with huge, 17.3-inch front discs.

In normal conditions, which Quattro system sends 60 percent of the power to the rear wheels, but it can send up to 70 percent of the front in low-grip situations or, under hard acceleration on the dry, directs 85 percent to the rear. When cornering, the RS6 can brake the inside wheels to maximize handling, while the optional Quattro Sport differential can dynamically send more torque to the outside. The RS6 can also stop / start at speeds up to 13 mph, which is said to improve fuel economy.
Rear-wheel steering is another option that should make this uberwagon light on its toes, while the standard air suspension can lower the car almost to full inch at speed for better aerodynamics, or lift it up 1.6 inches from there to match the ride height of to standard A6 Avant. No worries about pesky speed bumps, then. Those looking for better handling will want the optional Dynamic Ride Control suspension, which swaps in a set of adaptive dampers that are linked corner to corner, not unlike the McLaren 720S.

Whichever suspension you choose, its stiffness is modulated through one of six driver modes along with other features like throttle response, engine power, differential behavior and exhaust note. Two of the modes are customizable, meaning you can dial in your perfect configuration, and Audi is quick to point out that the car's stability control system can be fully disabled. Yes, hooligans, this wagon will drift.

With a top speed of 190 mph (with the optional Dynamic Plus package), the new RS6 will be outrageously fast. To make sure it looks the part, the RS6 Avant wears an almost entirely bespoke suit, bodywork that shares only the front doors, roof and tailgate with the A6 Avant. The front of the car has also been decluttered somewhat, with a new frameless grille that looks larger yet simpler, especially if you opt for the black or carbon trim packs.

Filling the swollen arches are the standard 21-inch wheels, but as an option you can choose huge 22-inch rims.

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