Audi powers up

摘要

Fast estates are something of a hallmark for Audi. The 1994 RS2 created the blueprint of a four-wheel drive coupled to a potent turbocharged engine - practicality allied to sportscar-humbling pace. Now comes the high-powered latest version of the RS6.rnNiche performance models are good for a carmaker's image and profit margins. They also make ideal launch platforms for new technologies but aren't best suited to factory production. BMW has M division, Mercedes has AMG. Audi has Quattro.rnStephan Reil has been Quattro's head of technology development since 1998. He believes that, although legislation on carbon dioxide emissions will change the market, there will still be demand for hot estates.rn"We've seen massive growth in the last 10 years," Reil says. "It's hard to forecast the outcome out of the environmental discussion because there has always been a market for such cars in the past, but I'm sure there will be a market in the future."rnThe five-cylinder turbo RS2 was followed by RS models with twin-turbo V6 and V8 engines, naturally-aspirated V8s, and now a twin-turbo V10 in the latest version of the RS6. Displacement and output have steadily increased, but fuel consumption in this RS6 is 15 per cent better than in the previous version.