South Africa will get only one Audi RS6 Avant GT

The Audi RS6 Avant infuses a new spirit into estate segment cars and will add to some very established models' tough competition. The limited-edition RS6 Avant GT draws its design cues from the Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO which are then artistically amalgamated with characteristic RS6 styling. The effect of the nostalgic appeal might not be to everyone’s liking but the strikingly modern looks will surely turn heads out on the roads and the track. 

The front features a wider stance further accentuated by a redesigned intake grille and splitter. Like many limited-edition performance-oriented cars, there is no dearth of visible carbon-fibre components. The bonnet, fenders and side mirror caps all showcase their naked carbon fibre goodness which adds more to the looks than performance.

The overall white theme extends from the giant 22-inch wheels to the massive double rear wing at the rear. Additional revised components at the rear include a slightly tweaked tailgate and unlike many other diffusers of today, a diffuser that serves a purpose.

The Audi RS Design Package Plus is heavily adorned with red and copper stitching in areas such as the steering wheel, centre console and armrest. The RS Design Package goodness envelops even the floor mats that are in sync with the overall interior design theme. The RS6 Avant GT makes use of carbon fibre bucket seats that firmly hug the occupants, particularly the driver, on twisty turns and bends. Aside from the special edition touches, the whole styling remains loyal to the original RS6 which still looks contemporary to this day. 

At the heart of the RS6 GT Avant is the tried and tested 4.0L TFSI V8 engine that produces a familiar 463 kW (621 hp) and 850 NM of torque. Now this isn’t a letdown in any way, shape or form since the same powerplant has proven its mettle countless times. The eight-speed transmission together with the refined Quattro all-wheel drive system for the Avant GT provides a driving setup that is ready to take off on every kind of surface and is customizable to your heart’s content. 

For added context, the RS6 GT Avant does 0-60mph in 3.3 seconds and the rear drive-biased system is a dream setup for drivers who tend to oversteer. Unlike the engine setup that is largely the same, the suspension features stiffer stabilisers, higher spring rates and adjustable coil-over dampers that can be lowered by almost half an inch for manoeuvring capabilities. 

Aside from all the performance-oriented features and the looks, the Audi RS6 Avant GT retains all the safety features and tech goodies that have allowed the German sporty estate car to be loved by seasoned reviewers and car guys alike. Perhaps the most fascinating aspect of the RS6 Avant GT is its capability to accommodate five adults comfortably despite being engineered for sharp handling characteristics. 

The limited-edition Avant GT will be quite hard to get your hands on. Even in markets like the U.S., only a total of 85 units of these rare Audis will be shipped. The number is astonishingly low for a country like South Africa as only a single example will be shipped to the country by the German automaker. 

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