| New Performance Model | Frankfurt Motor Show | Audi RS6 Estate |

It was no secret that Audi was planning a twin-turbocharged version of its V10 engine for the RS6. But what is surprising is just how much more power the RS6 develops over its obvious German rivals - 572bhp to be exact, some 50-60bhp more than its AMG E63 and BMW M5 wagon alternatives. Unlike that pair, the RS6 should be able to use its prodigious grunt more often, even in less than perfect conditions. That's due to the RS6's quattro four-wheel drive drivetrain. So while the AMG Mercedes and BMW M5 Touring drivers wrestle their cars off the line with more smoke and flashing lights than a mobile disco, the RS6 should be on its way to recording its 0-62mph time of 4.6 seconds.

Keep that right hand pedal buried to the floor and the RS6 will blast up to 124mph in just 14.9 seconds, its relentless quest for the horizon only halted when the electronics stop play at 155mph. Helping achieve that incredible performance is a recalibrated transmission, the six-speed Tiptronic featuring faster shifts and revised ratios. Although the RS6 features four-wheel drive, the torque is split 40/60 front to rear, Audi proving with its recent R8 and RS4 models that it's quite capable of making enjoyable drivers' cars.

To ensure the RS6 not only outguns, but out drives its rivals Audi has made a number of enhancements. There's a lightweight aluminium bonnet and front wings to aid weight distribution, bigger brakes, completely revised suspension with adjustable damping and a recalibrated ESP that intervenes later to maximise driver involvement. The ESP system can also be fully deactivated, and should you find the standard brakes wanting, Audi offers a ceramic brake option. Choose those enhanced stoppers and you'll need the bigger 20-inch alloy wheels in place of the standard 19-inch rims, too.

Even without the optional 20-inchers the RS6 makes little attempt to hide its added muscle. There's a deeper front bumper sliced by a menacing grille and bigger air apertures, deeper side skirts, a diffuser style rear bumper with large oval exhaust pipes and blistered wheel arches. Those wheel arches are styled in a manner to evoke the look of the iconic Ur-quattro, the car that pioneered Audi's use of four-wheel drive back in 1980. Inside, the RS6 gains a mix of Alcantara, leather, aluminium and carbon fibre, sports seats and a chunky steering wheel with paddle-shifters. Available to order in November for early 2008 delivery, the RS6 will initially be offered in Avant (estate) guise, with a saloon to follow. Prices have yet to be confirmed, but Audi UK is suggesting a figure of around £75,000 for the Avant.

Kyle Fortune - 5 Sep 2007