It's such a crying shame that too many people just don't get estates - sometimes, it's not about looking fast, but being fast, and it's no huge secret that wagons are often as fast as their sedan counterparts, with the added bonus of its proportions resulting in more progressive handling characteristics on the limit.
The RS 6 Avant (Avant is Audi-speak for estate/station-wagon) unleashes the full fury of its twin-turbocharged V10 on both road and track... with track in this case being the Sepang F1 Circuit in Malaysia, during the Audi Sportscar Experience.
The Audi Sportscar Experience certainly uproots the goal-posts and flings them far into the horizon. With many of Audi's rivals still content to offer basic exercises like 'brake-and-evade' and ABS tests in wet/dry conditions with maybe the possibility of a hot lap around the track with an instructor, Audi has raised the bar by giving media and prospective customers the opportunity to experience its 'S' models (S5, S3, TTS and of course the RS 6 Avant) in their natural environment - the race-track.
During the first half of the day (or before lunch, by my stomach's reckoning), the Sepang track is broken into 4 parts with the instructors leading (in 2 x R8s, 1 x RS4 Cabriolet, 1 x S8) 4 cars per group to assess skill levels and to point out cornering lines and braking points to the participants.
After lunch, the full track was open and the participants are allowed out in small groups of 4-5 cars. It was an eye-opening experience outside of an European event since the issue of the organisers 'warning' the participants to 'baby' the cars or to take it easy never arose. These performance cars were certainly flogged around the Sepang circuit as their makers intended them to!
At start-up, the RS 6 doesn't erupt to life as dramatically as its bigger S8 brother; instead very little clues you in to the swirling maelstrom of tarmac (and tyre) destruction that lurks a short flex of the gas pedal away. Immediately, the instructors recommend disabling the first stage of ESP (Sport) and the adjustable suspension is also set to the most 'hardcore' of its 3 settings (Comfort, Dynamic, Sport).
We take it easy on the first lap; even then it's remarkable how this 2000+kg kerbweight monster shifts its weight so easily. It may not feel fast, but a glance at the speedometer quickly apprises you to the rapidity at which the car is piling on the km/h.
(to be continued with more text and pix)
Fast Facts : Audi RS 6 Avant
Engine: 4991cc, 40-valves, V10, twin-turbocharged
Maximum power: 580bhp at 6250-6700rpm
Maximum torque: 650Nm at 1500-6250rpm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
0-100km/h: 4.6 seconds
Top speed: 250km/h (electronically limited)
LxBxH: 4928 x 1889 x 1460mm
Wheelbase: 2846mm
Kerbweight: 2025kg
Agent: Premium Automobiles, tel: +65-6566-1111
