The Audi RS 6 Avant is one of the most desirable wagons in the world, combining a spacious and luxurious interior with a powerful and agile performance. But Audi has decided to take the RS 6 Avant to the next level with a special edition that pays homage to one of its most iconic race cars: the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO.
The Audi RS 6 Avant GT is a limited-edition model that will be produced in only 660 units worldwide, of which only 85 will be available in the United States. The RS 6 Avant GT is based on the RS 6 Avant performance, which already delivers an impressive 621 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque from its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. However, the RS 6 Avant GT adds some exclusive features and details that make it stand out from the rest of the RS 6 Avant lineup.
A Tribute to the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO
The inspiration for the Audi RS 6 Avant GT comes from the RS 6 GTO concept, which was created by 12 Audi apprentices in 2020 with the support of Audi Design. The RS 6 GTO concept was a tribute to the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO, a legendary race car that competed in the IMSA GT Championship in 1989. The Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO was powered by a 2.2-liter turbocharged five-cylinder engine that produced over 700 horsepower and featured a distinctive white, red, and gray livery with the number 4.
The RS 6 Avant GT incorporates many design elements from the RS 6 GTO concept and the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO, such as the carbon-fiber hood and fenders, the high-gloss black grille and air intakes, the vertical blades in the front bumper, the large rear wing, and the heritage decals on the sides and the rear. The RS 6 Avant GT also comes with exclusive 22-inch wheels in a six-spoke design that resembles the ones used by the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO. The RS 6 Avant GT is available in five exterior colors, but the U.S. market will only get the Arkona White color with the Heritage package and white wheels, as seen in the official photos.
The interior of the RS 6 Avant GT also features some unique touches, such as the bucket seats with honeycomb stitching and RS 6 GT logos on the headrests, the black microfiber upholstery with copper accents and red stitching, the illuminated door sills and puddle lights with the RS 6 GT logos, and the individual serial number on the center console. The RS 6 Avant GT also comes with a full-width digital display with a special RS mode showing the performance data and the G-force meter.
A Super Wagon That Delivers on the Road
The RS 6 Avant GT is a stunning tribute to a racing legend and a super wagon that delivers on the road. The RS 6 Avant GT shares the same engine and transmission as the RS 6 Avant performance, which means it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.3 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 mph. The RS 6 Avant GT also benefits from the quattro all-wheel-drive system, which distributes the power between the front and rear axles and can send up to 85 percent of the torque to the rear wheels for more agility and traction.
The RS 6 Avant GT also features some enhancements to the suspension and the brakes that improve the handling and stability of the wagon. The RS 6 Avant GT comes with a manually adjustable coil-over suspension that lowers the ride height by 10 millimeters and allows the driver to customize the damping and the camber settings. The RS 6 Avant GT also comes with high-performance tires from Continental that are specially designed for the GT model and offer better grip and wet performance. The RS 6 Avant GT also features carbon-ceramic brakes that reduce the weight by 33 pounds and provide more stopping power and resistance to fade.
A Rare and Expensive Collector’s Item
The RS 6 Avant GT is not only a super wagon that honors a racing legend, but also a rare and expensive collector’s item. The RS 6 Avant GT will be produced in a limited run of 660 units worldwide, which makes it one of the most exclusive Audi models ever made. The RS 6 Avant GT will also be very expensive, with a starting price of $240,000 in the U.S. market, which is almost twice as much as the regular RS 6 Avant. The RS 6 Avant GT will be delivered to the customers in the second quarter of 2024, and it is expected to sell out quickly.
The RS 6 Avant GT is a special edition that showcases the best of Audi’s performance and design capabilities. The RS 6 Avant GT is a tribute to the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO, a legendary race car that marked Audi’s dominance in the IMSA GT Championship in 1989. The RS 6 Avant GT is also a super wagon that delivers an impressive performance and a stunning appearance on the road. The RS 6 Avant GT is also a rare and expensive collector’s item that will appeal to the most passionate and wealthy Audi fans. The RS 6 Avant GT is the ultimate RS 6 Avant, and it is a fitting farewell to the current generation of the model.
How the RS 6 Avant GT Compares to Its Competitors
The RS 6 Avant GT is a unique model that has few direct competitors in the market. However, some other high-performance wagons can offer a similar level of performance and luxury, albeit with a different style and character. Here is a comparison table that shows how the RS 6 Avant GT stacks up against some of its rivals:
| Model | Engine | Power | Torque | 0-60 mph | Top speed | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi RS 6 Avant GT | 4.0L twin-turbo V-8 | 621 hp | 627 lb-ft | 3.3 s | 190 mph | $240,000 |
| Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon | 4.0L twin-turbo V-8 | 603 hp | 627 lb-ft | 3.4 s | 180 mph | $113,500 |
| Porsche Panamera Turbo S Sport Turismo | 4.0L twin-turbo V-8 | 620 hp | 604 lb-ft | 3.0 s | 196 mph | $181,700 |
| BMW M5 CS | 4.4L twin-turbo V-8 | 627 hp | 553 lb-ft | 2.9 s | 190 mph | $142,000 |
As the table shows, the RS 6 Avant GT is the most expensive and exclusive model among its competitors. However, it also offers the most distinctive design and homage to Audi’s racing heritage. The Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon is the closest rival to the RS 6 Avant GT in terms of power and torque, but it has a lower top speed and a more conventional appearance. The Porsche Panamera Turbo S Sport Turismo is the fastest and the most agile model among the competitors, but it has a lower torque and a less spacious interior. The BMW M5 CS is not a wagon but a sedan, but it offers the highest power and the quickest acceleration among the competitors. However, it has a lower torque and a less practical trunk.
