Modern Classic: Audi RS6 V10 Avant
The the Audi RS6 second-generation had the Lamborghini V10 engine. Photos: Supplied
Rapid premium wagons began with the BMW M5 wagon and the Mercedes-Benz E63, but one that I still think is amazing is the Audi RS6 second-generation with the Lamborghini V10 engine.
Debuting in 2002, the RS6 estate (called Avant by Audi) made a ripple amongst the luxe wagon set.
Audi had arrived with a V8 but the ultimate statement was the V10 packaged from Lamborghini which came in the second generation. This really caused BMW, Mercedes-Benz and even Porsche to up their game on the rapid ‘dog carrier plus three kids’ solution.
The Audi RS6 V10 had a six-speed automatic transmission.
The RS6 second generation launched at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September 2007 with 8000 made between 2008 and 2011. Of those 6500 were Avants.
The 5-litre V10 put out 426kW and 650Nm of torque, blasting to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds and an unrestricted top speed of 273km/h (if the speed limiter unlock box was ticked on the options list).
The V10 engine ended up also in the Audi R8, S6, and S8 and was the first all-aluminum alloy engine in the world, and was driven by a twin-turbo. It was accompanied by a six-speed automatic transmission, and, of course, driven through Audi’s Quattro system.
The 5.-litre V10 put out 426kW and 650Nm of torque, blasting to 100km/h in 4.6 seconds.
The first two generations of the Audi RS6 had the option of a sedan and wagon, but this would fall away to Avant only for the third and fourth generations (as we are currently at today).
Visually the second generation of the RS6, over and above the standard S6, sported fatter front and rear wheel arches, adaptive headlights, and different LED daylight running lights. Seven radiators and four electric cooling fans are needed to manage the RS6 engine.
The Audi RS6 V10 Avant ran off 20 inch rims.
Most RS6’s ran off 20-inch rims and many had the optional ceramic brakes. Some editions even had a solar sunroof that could keep the car cool when the air conditioning was switched off.
The V10 Audi RS6 was a special car and while the third and fourth generations drive better, there is something about the craziness of a “V10 wagon” that also matches with the weirdness of VW also producing a W12 Phaeton and even a W12 Touareg. We won’t ever see a V10 wagon again and that in itself makes it one of the ultimate Modern Classics in my view.