What's the news?

Audi has launched its latest incarnation of the RS 6 Avant. The new model looks to follow the classic RS recipe; though this time with a smaller power plant under the bonnet.

Exterior

To give the car a more muscular stance, Audi has replaced almost every body panel. The front and rear bumpers and wings have all been changed; the wheel arches are now flared; and there is a spoiler on the roof. A diffuser sits in between the two large exhaust pipes and a splitter has been fitted to the front. Eight colour choices are available, including an exclusive matte grey finish. Standard alloy wheels come in the form of 20-inch seven twin-spoke items; however, three styles of 21-inch rims can be specified.

Interior

In the RS 6, the standard seats have been replaced by embossed, leather sports items and the rear bench has been removed to make room for two single seats. White-on-black dials and a flat-bottomed RS steering wheel are familiar, but new for the 2013 model is the inclusion of a shift light. The system illuminates green bars as the revs rise, which then change to red and start to flash as the engine nears the limiter.

Illuminated door sills, four-zone climate control, MMI navigation, a Bose sound system and a DAB radio are just some of the standard toys. Optional equipment includes a head-up display, a 1,200-Watt Bang & Olufsen stereo and Audi Connect - giving the car Internet connectivity.

Mechanicals

The loss of 1,000cc and two cylinders from the old car doesn't mean the new one has lost any power. The twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 TFSI unit still manages to send 560hp and 700Nm of torque to all four wheels via an eight-speed paddle-shift automatic gearbox; rocketing the practical estate from 0-62mph in 3.9 seconds and onto a limited top speed of 155mph. This top speed is variable however, as the Dynamic Plus package raises the limiter to 189mph. The new engine also includes cylinder deactivation, shutting down four cylinders under light loads to improve fuel economy.

Air suspension also features for the first time, although sports suspension with Dynamic Ride Control can be had as an option; as can ceramic brakes.

Anything else?

The new Audi RS 6 Avant will hit the shops early next year, with prices starting from £77,000.