Audi’s RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback already deliver plenty of performance right out of the box, but like many things in this world, power is addictive and the urge to add more is hard to ignore. .
Audi understands this and is targeting RS 6 and RS 7 buyers who crave some extra juice with a new Performance grade. Unveiled on Monday, the grade adds 30 hp and 37 lb-ft of torque, boosting output from the vehicles’ 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engines to 621 hp and 627 lb-ft.
2024 Audi RS 7 performance
With the added oomph, Audi estimates a 0-100 km/h acceleration in 3.4 seconds, down from 3.6 seconds previously. Top speed is 174 mph thanks to the standard RS Dynamics Pack. Available is the RS Dynamics Package Plus, which adds carbon-ceramic brake rotors, among other things, and raises the top speed to 190 mph.
2024 Audi RS 7 performance
Carbon brakes also save about 75 pounds over standard steel brakes. However, even without the RS Dynamics Package Plus option, the Performance level helps the RS 6 and RS 7 shed 17 pounds thanks to reduced insulation material. The standard weight of the RS 6 Avant Performance is 4,607 pounds, while the RS 7 Sportback Performance weighs 4,552 pounds.
Other performance upgrades include improved handling thanks to changes to the self-locking center differential, Audi said, and a new look thanks to an available lightweight 22-inch wheel design. The wheels are wrapped in Continental Sport Contact 7 tires, measuring 285/30. According to Audi, the new rubber reduces the distance required to stop from 62 mph by about 6.5 feet.
The standard wheels are 21 inches and are wrapped in 273/35 size tires. Other design details on the vehicles include matte accents, such as on the side mirrors and some of the aerodynamic elements.
2024 Audi RS 7 performance
2024 Audi RS 7 performance
2024 Audi RS 7 performance
Inside, there are blue accents, along with a mix of Alcantara and microfiber trim. There is also a gearshift indicator in the digital instrument cluster. When the 8-speed auto is in manual mode, the RPM display changes from green to yellow to red and also flashes to indicate the optimal time to change gears. Selecting Launch Control also signals the perfect time to speed off the line, via new traffic light icons.
Audi has confirmed that Performance versions of the RS 6 Avant and RS 7 Sportback will reach the US as 2024 models. Pricing information will be announced closer to market launch.