In their standard form, the Audi RS6 Avant and RS7 are two of the most exciting performance luxury vehicles on sale today. Now, Americans will finally get a taste of their most powerful guise thanks to the arrival of the Performance trims for the 2024 model year.
Set to go on sale this fall, the package adds larger turbochargers to the upgraded 4.0-liter V8 engine, that give the cars an extra 30 hp (22 kW / 30 PS) and 37 lb-ft (50 Nm) of torque. With the upgrade, the RS6 Avant and RS7 Performance have a maximum output of 621 hp (463 kW / 630 PS) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) of torque.
That helps them live up to their package’s name, and allows the cars to reach 60 mph (96 km/h) in just 3.3 seconds, or 0.5 seconds faster than the standard models. Thanks to the extra power, the cars can also reach a top speed of 155 mph (249 km/h), or 174 mph (280 km/h) if buyers opt for the Bronze package.
To further help performance, Audi engineers updated the fully mechanical self-locking diff, making it smaller and lighter. In addition, the transmission is now tuned to provide faster shifts, and there is less insulation between the passenger compartment and the engine to make provide occupants with an even better soundtrack.
The RS6 Avant and RS7 Performance will be available in eight exterior colors, including Grenadier Red metallic and Ascari Blue metallic, which are new to the lineup. In addition to the standard 21-inch cast aluminum wheels, buyers can also choose a selection of 22-inch wheels that are 11 lbs (5 kg) lighter and wrapped in Continental “Sport Contact 7” tires that help cut braking distances by just over 6.5 feet (2 meters).
The Bronze edition gets special matte neodymium gold 22-inch 5-Y-spoke wheels that are exclusive to it. They are inspired by motorsports, and play against the Sebring Black crystal effect paint that is also only available with the package.
Limited to just 125 units (75 RS6 Avant Performance and 50 RS7 Performance models), the Bronze edition also comes with black painted brake calipers, a gloss carbon exterior package, bronze stitching inside, a dynamic ride control suspension, a Bang & Olufsen Advanced sound system, and the higher top speed.
Slated to arrive this fall, the 2024 RS6 Avant Performance starts at $126,895 (all prices include $1,095 destination charge) while the 2024 RS7 Performance starts at $128,895.