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Audi Ends Production of its Ultimate RS6 Super Sedan

RS6 Reigned Supreme until Mercedes-Benz and BMW Raised their Game

After just two and a half years and 8,081 units, Audi has ended production of its RS6 super sedan, the most powerful Audi to ever enter production. Developed by quattro GmbH, Audis tuning firm, with help from motor specialist Cosworth, the RS6 brought an entirely new definition of what a supercar could be to market. It is luxurious and comfortable, while providing mind-warping performance.

Like the RS2 and RS4 before it, the RS6 carried supercar-pummeling power wrapped in a visually inconspicuous cloak. At the time of its introduction,

After a two year run, Audi has announced it is ending production of its RS6 super sedan. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

the RS6 played into the same game of stealth as its arch nemesis BMW with its 400 horsepower M5, and Mercedes-Benzs leather-laden E55 AMG. Audi one-upped the competition by offering an unheard of 450 twin-turbocharged horsepower together with the unshakable traction of its Torsen-based permanent all wheel drive system.

With the introduction of

Audi shook the competition when it unveiled the 450-hp twin-turbocharged all wheel drive super sedan. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

the RS6, a host of changes were ushered in. For the first time Audi offered its European clientele an RS car in two body styles, the traditional five-door Avant (wagon) as well as a four-door sedan. Another critical difference between the Porsche-developed RS2 and RS4 of years prior was that the RS6 was based on Audis larger, plusher midsize chassis as opposed to their more agile and lightweight compact platform. The RS6 would also represent the first time that Audi offered an RS car with an automatic transmission,

The RS6 seemed to be a hit around the world, placing Audi at the top of many collectors lists. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

claiming that the power of the twin-turbo V8 exceeded any transmission the brand had in house. Such seemingly minute details did little to deter enthusiasts, who were eager for the next dose of additive power, traction and performance, automatic or not.

The RS6 also marked the entry of quattro GmbH to North America, being that Audi never exported the RS2 and RS4 to the U.S. The RS6 seemed to be a hit around the world, placing Audi at the top of many collectors lists with demand severely outstripping supply.

Production of the RS6 began in May, 2002. The transformation of a standard A6 sedan or Avant

Transforming a standard A6 sedan into the RS6 monster was said to be a simple but highly labor-intensive process. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

(5-door wagon) into the RS6 was a simple but highly labor-intensive process, which took place at quattro GmbHs Neckarsulm assembly halls whereupon a handful of vehicles were produced each day. Originally, Audi intended to produce 6,000 examples at a steady pace before shutting down production, but in the high-speed world of top-performing supercars, to leave a vehicle alone without continually developing it means that it will soon be surpassed.

As production neared the two-year mark, Audi announced that it had plans to end the production of the RS6. At this point in time, it had already exceeded the original production mark for quite awhile, but the Volkswagen-owned brand wanted the RS6 to go out with a bang. In April, 2004 Audi began production of the RS6 Plus, what was considered

By the end of this October 2004, 8,081 RS6 quattros will have been produced. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

to be the ultimate RS6, and the ultimate RS car. Packing an additional 30 horsepower and a tuned suspension, the RS6 plus edged out the current champ, Benzs supercharged E55.

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