2014 Audi RS6 hits the streets for the first time.

Engine
4.0cc biturbo V8, 552bhp from 5,700 to 6,600rpm

Performance
0-100 km/h in 3.9 seconds, top speed 305 km/h
Transmission: Eight-speed ZF auto (Tiptronic), four-wheel drive

Price
€107,900

Competitor

Mercedes E63 Estate.
Mercedes CLS 63 Shooting brake.

What's new? 

Lots. The last version was a V10 with two turbos, and this V8 bi-turbo is smaller, more fuel-efficient and cleverer, featuring COD ‘cylinder-on-demand' deactivation tech (it shuts down 2,3,5 and 8 under part-load, under 3,500rpm, say) and start/stop to make 30 per cent more mpg. It still only does 28mpg though, and less if you hit it. Much less. On our test we saw the fuel gauge drop like the proverbial rock. Though we weren't being shy...

The body is muscular with blistered arches and various jutting spoilers, though it's not too cariacatured, and also 20 per cent is aluminium (front wings, doors, bonnet, boot), meaning that new RS6 is roughly 100kg lighter than the old model. The translation? Even though the new car makes 28bhp less, the extra torque (37lb ft), equates to punchier in-gear times. From 1,750rpm – about twice idle – the RS6 produces maximum torque of 516lb ft – which is roughly similar to a big turbodiesel. So far, so useful. The big news is that the RS6 continues to produce maximum torque all the way to 5,500rpm, the point where most diesels have run out of lung, at which point it starts to produce its maximum power of 552bhp at 5,600rpm, which it makes until redline at 6,600rpm. This is real-world stuff – and makes the RS6 a bit of a rocket.