2002 Audi RS6 Pictures, Specifications, Information

The Audi RS6 is the only car of its kind in the world. Its immense power characteristic, quattro permanent four-wheel drive, high-performance brake system and innovative DRC suspension set new standards. It is available as both a saloon and an Avant.

This, the brand's most powerful model to date, was developed by quattro GmbH in conjunction with AUDI AG. The V8 biturbo engine of the Audi RS6 has an output of 331 kW (450 bhp) and offers the performance of a thoroughbred sports car. With its innovative Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) suspension system and 8-piston high-performance brake system, it opens up new dimensions of operating dynamics.

The design of the RS6, with its majestic appearance and no cheap showmanship, makes a clear statement.

Engine power from plentiful resources

The 4.2-litre V8 engine in the Audi RS6 reaches a peak output of 331 kW (450 bhp) between 5700 and 6400 rpm. The fact that its peak torque of 560 Nm is available across an extremely wide speed range of between 1950 and 5600 rpm is exceptional. The engine in the Audi RS6 has an aluminium block, five valves per cylinder with three inlet and two exhaust valves per cylinder unit. The efficiency of the two turbochargers is improved still further by intercoolers.

High-performance brake system In keeping with the car's high performance, quattro GmbH has developed a completely new brake system for the Audi RS6. Brake discs of a composite design derived from motorsport have been fitted on both the front and rear wheels.

An aluminium brake-disc chamber minimises weight and ensures a low unsprung mass. It is connected to a ventilated cast friction ring by 14 radial steel pins. This design ensures the decoupled thermal expansion of components.

The floating arrangement improves the stability of the brake discs, particularly when exposed to extreme loads and at high operating temperatures. The ventilated disc brakes have a diameter of 365 millimetres at the front, and 335 millimetres at the rear. 8-piston fixed callipers are used at the front, single-piston floating-calliper brakes with integral handbrake at the rear.

The parameters of the ABS and Electronic Brake-force Distribution systems have been adapted to the modified hydraulic conditions. The sporty control algorithms of the Anti-lock Brake System are clearly aimed at very short stopping distances and optimum regulating convenience.

Dynamic Ride Control to prevent rolling and pitching

The Audi RS6 is the first model to be equipped with the innovative suspension concept Dynamic Ride Control (DRC). This consists of a special damping system that counteracts rolling and pitching movements of the vehicle body without the use of electronics.

When steering into and around a corner, the damper characteristic is varied in such a way that movements around the longitudinal axis (rolling) are significantly reduced. DRC counteracts vehicle movements around the transverse axis (pitching) when accelerating or braking according to the same principle.