The Audi RS 6 Avant GT: A Tribute to a Legend

The Audi RS 6 Avant GT is not just another wagon. It’s a homage to one of the most iconic race cars in history: the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO. With a carbon hood, fenders, and roof, a massive rear spoiler, and a 630-horsepower twin-turbo V8, the RS 6 Avant GT is a beast that can take on any challenge. But how does it compare to the original legend? And is it worth the hefty price tag of $240,000? Let’s find out.

The Inspiration: The Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO

The Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO was a race car that competed in the IMSA GT Championship in 1989. It was based on the Audi 90 sedan but with a heavily modified body and engine. The car had a wide-body kit, a large rear wing, and a five-cylinder turbocharged engine that produced over 700 horsepower. The car was driven by legends like Hans-Joachim Stuck, Walter Röhrl, and Hurley Haywood and won seven races out of 13. It was also one of the first cars to use Audi’s famous quattro all-wheel-drive system, which gave it an edge over the competition.

The Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO was a fan favorite thanks to its distinctive look and sound. It was also a pioneer in aerodynamics, technology, and performance. It inspired generations of Audi fans and racers and became a symbol of Audi’s motorsport heritage.

The Tribute: The Audi RS 6 Avant GT

The Audi RS 6 Avant GT is a special edition of the RS 6 Avant, a high-performance wagon that combines luxury, practicality, and speed. The RS 6 Avant GT is limited to only 660 units worldwide and features exclusive details that pay tribute to the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO.

The Exterior: Carbon and Heritage

The most noticeable feature of the RS 6 Avant GT is the carbon hood, which has a unique finish that reveals the carbon fiber weave. The hood also has air outlets that reduce air pressure and improve brake cooling. The fenders and the roof are also made of carbon, which reduces weight and lowers the center of gravity. The car also has 22-inch wheels in a distinctive design, a pass-through roof edge spoiler, and a redefined diffuser. The car is available in four colors: Nardo Gray, Glacier White, Mythos Black, and Tango Red. The car also has heritage decals that mimic the ones on the Audi 90 quattro IMSA GTO, with the number 90 and the Audi Sport logo.

The Interior: Quality and Individuality

The interior of the RS 6 Avant GT is also packed with exclusive details. The car has high-quality bucket seats, a fresh color combination of black and red, and individual numbering in the center console. The car also has a flat-bottomed steering wheel, a digital instrument cluster, and a touchscreen infotainment system. The car also has a premium sound system, a panoramic sunroof, and a wireless charging pad.

The Performance: Power and Control

The RS 6 Avant GT is not just about looks, though. It also has a powerful engine and a refined suspension. The car is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produces 630 horsepower and 627 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a Quattro all-wheel-drive system. The car can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 3.2 seconds and reach a top speed of 190 mph. The car also has a cylinder deactivation system, which shuts off four cylinders when not needed to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

The sports car also has a lightweight adjustable coilover suspension, which allows the driver to adjust the ride height, damping, and camber. The car also has a reworked quattro sport differential on the rear axle, which distributes torque between the rear wheels to enhance traction and handling. The car also has a dynamic steering system, which adapts the steering ratio and feedback to the speed and driving mode. The car also has a carbon-ceramic brake system, which provides superior stopping power and durability.

The Comparison: The Audi RS 6 Avant GT vs. The Competition

The Audi RS 6 Avant GT is a unique car that blends performance, style, and heritage. But how does it stack up against the competition? Here’s a comparison table with some of the closest rivals in the market:

Car	Engine	Power	Torque	0-60 mph	Top Speed	Price
Audi RS 6 Avant GT	4.0L twin-turbo V8	630 hp	627 lb-ft	3.2 s	190 mph	$240,000
Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon	4.0L twin-turbo V8	603 hp	627 lb-ft	3.4 s	180 mph	$113,500
Porsche Panamera Turbo S Sport Turismo	4.0L twin-turbo V8	620 hp	604 lb-ft	3.0 s	196 mph	$181,700
BMW M5 CS	4.4L twin-turbo V8	627 hp	553 lb-ft	2.9 s	190 mph	$142,000

As you can see, the Audi RS 6 Avant GT is the most expensive car in the group, but also the most powerful and the most exclusive. It also has the most distinctive design and the most heritage. The Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Wagon is the closest competitor in terms of power, torque, and practicality, but it lacks the carbon elements and the heritage decals of the Audi. The Porsche Panamera Turbo S Sport Turismo is the fastest car in the group, but it’s not a true wagon, and it’s also less spacious and less versatile. The BMW M5 CS is the lightest and the quickest car in the group, but it’s not a wagon at all, and it’s also less comfortable and less luxurious.

The Verdict: The Audi RS 6 Avant GT is a Masterpiece

The Audi RS 6 Avant GT is a masterpiece of engineering, design, and heritage. It’s a car that honors the past while embracing the present and the future. It’s a car that combines performance, style, and practicality in a way that few cars can. It’s a car that appeals to both enthusiasts and collectors, as well as families and professionals. It’s a car worth every penny if you can get your hands on one. The Audi RS 6 Avant GT is a car that’s hard to beat and hard to forget. It’s a car that’s a tribute to a legend.