2004 AUDI RS6 SALOON

The C5 RS6 went into bat against the world’s first true modern super-saloons, the M5 and E55 AMG. With stonking V8s, these cars moved into a new league in terms of power and speed. The Audi RS6 joined the party with a couple of aces up its sleeve – quattro AWD and a brace of turbos. Its 4.2-litre V8 was engineered by Cosworth and was ripe for further tuning. For this car, an MTM upgrade upon delivery saw the engine massaged to produce 520bhp and 720Nm, resulting in searing pace but also dynamic security.
Factory shipments brought just 50 cars to local shores and they were pre-sold in short order. Some made a bold statement with bright red paintwork but this car goes down the understated route, despite its power upgrade. It is well served by Atlas Grey (a special order paint colour) and ghosted grey 19-inch alloys.
The late-nineties saloon body shape was a winner with its clean flanks and nicely rounded rear. As is the norm with fast Audis, the RS6 Avant comfortably outsold the saloon and was the world’s fastest wagon at the time. A five-speed auto was the only RS6 transmission option and, although it has Tiptronic functions, it works best when left to do its own thing.

Owned one? Driven one? Share your C5 RS6 experience: keepers@kiwigarage.co.nz