Latest news with #AudiRS6Avant
Auto Blog
12-08-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Audi RS6 Avant Is Having Its Best Sales Year Ever
Widely considered the best M5 manual transmission model, the E39 M5 wasn't the most powerful, but it was the most engaging. The 2025 Hyundai Elantra is a handsome, fuel-efficient, roomy, and safe compact sedan. While it might not sell in the same numbers as the Civic or the Corolla, it's worthy of consideration because it offers so much for so little. Buyers Still Love A Fast Wagon They may set car enthusiasts' hearts aflutter, but performance cars are often niche models that struggle to justify their existence with sales. But the Audi RS6 Avant isn't one of those unfortunate cases. Audi says the high-performance wagon is having its best sales year ever. And that's despite the current generation being close to retirement. The RS6 Avant enjoyed record half-year sales, which were also up 41% over the same period in 2024, Alina Seysen, Audi spokesperson for sales and marketing, said in a recent interview with German business newspaper Automobilwoche. Seysen was referring to global sales, and Audi doesn't break out United States sales of the RS6 Avant from the broader A6 lineup. Defying Age Source: Audi The current-generation C8 RS6 Avant was introduced six years ago, meaning it's nearing the end of its lifecycle. A redesigned version of the A6 Avant is already on sale in Europe, in fact, with the same updates the U.S. will see on the next-generation A6 sedan when it arrives Stateside this fall. Sales usually decline as a given vehicle ages, so the resurgence of interest in the C8 RS6 Avant is impressive. Granted, Audi has been steadily upgrading the C8 since its launch. It arrived in the U.S. as a 2021 model with a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 (with mild-hybrid assist) making 591 horsepower and 590 pound-feet of torque, but a Performance version was introduced for 2024 with 621 hp and 627 lb-ft. For 2025, Audi introduced a limited-edition RS6 Avant GT with additional performance upgrades like adjustable coil-over suspension, a re-tuned rear differential, and carbon-fiber components that helped shave 88 pounds for the curb weight. Perhaps more importantly though, the GT wears a livery inspired by Audi's IMSA GTO race cars of the 1980s. Production is limited to 660 units globally (including 85 for the U.S.). Not The Last Of The V8s Source: Audi In addition to Audi doing things to keep earning attention for the RS6 Avant, the automaker may be in a better position to cater to performance-wagon fans than its rivals. As Motor1 points out, Mercedes hasn't introduced a new AMG E63 wagon yet, and the RS6 Avant is arguably a purer experience than the plug-in hybrid BMW M5 Touring. The next RS6 Avant may go the same route as its Bavarian rival, though. While Audi is expected to keep the V8, a plug-in hybrid system might be part of the plan. And the automaker's performance future won't be all about wagons. Next month, Audi will unveil a sports car concept that it's billing as its 'TT Moment 2.0.' About the Author Stephen Edelstein View Profile
Auto Blog
04-08-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Why Canada's Roads Are Getting Safer While U.S. Traffic Deaths Rise
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has released a new report showing that the United States is struggling to curb road deaths — while Canada is steadily pulling ahead. The study, done in collaboration with Canada's Traffic Injury Research Foundation, reveals a 33% increase in U.S. traffic fatalities from 2011 to 2021. Over the same period, Canadian fatalities dropped by 18%, despite having more drivers and vehicle miles travelled. This gap has led the IIHS to push its '30×30' initiative — a national campaign aiming to cut roadway deaths by 30% before the end of the decade. The group says Canada's safety record proves it's possible, if the U.S. is willing to adopt proven policies and enforce them consistently. 0:04 / 0:09 Meet the ultimate Audi RS 6 Avant: Only 85 are coming to the U.S. Watch More The Policy Divide One of the clearest differences between the two countries lies in the application of safety laws. Canadian provinces have rolled out broad distracted driving bans, comprehensive seat belt requirements (including for rear passengers), and lower legal blood alcohol limits. Speed cameras and red-light enforcement are also more common and better maintained across Canada than in many U.S. states. These measures may seem minor, but they add up. The IIHS found that vulnerable road users — like cyclists and pedestrians — saw a 17% decline in deaths in Canada, while U.S. fatalities in those categories jumped by 64%. Truck-involved deaths rose 54% in the U.S. but fell 24% north of the border. Among young drivers, Canada posted a 52% drop in fatalities, compared to a 17% increase in the U.S. By providing your email address, you agree that it may be used pursuant to Arena Group's Privacy Policy. Cars Still Matter Alongside stronger enforcement, the IIHS is also pointing to the importance of vehicle safety itself. As recent IIHS crash tests have shown, brands like Volvo and Tesla continue to lead in real-world safety, while more rugged, body-on-frame SUVs and pickups from Jeep and GM struggled to meet top-tier standards. The Institute argues that smarter policy needs to go hand in hand with safer vehicles — especially as large SUVs remain popular with American buyers. Even buyers with tight budgets can prioritize crash protection. Earlier this year, the IIHS published a list of smart choices for families shopping on a budget, outlining safe, affordable cars recommended for teen drivers. The goal is to remove barriers for entry-level buyers, making safety accessible even in used markets. Learning From The North The cultural differences between the U.S. and Canada are relatively minor, the IIHS notes, which makes Canada's success even more compelling. The organization says the U.S. doesn't need to invent new strategies — just implement and enforce the ones that already work. Some automakers are doing their part. According to recent safety rankings, a surprising brand topped the charts for 2025, reminding buyers that crash protection doesn't always come with a luxury badge. Still, the IIHS says manufacturers alone can't reverse the trend. It will take stronger laws, smarter enforcement, and real policy change — not just five-star marketing. About the Author Max Taylor View Profile
Auto Blog
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Auto Blog
Lucid Claims New EV Range Record with a Gravity Assist
By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Lucid's Luxury Electric Sedan Is the Undisputed Range King The Lucid Air Grand Touring has long held the reputation as one of the most efficient and longest-range electric vehicles on sale today, and now it has a Guinness World Records title to back it up. Certified recently, Lucid's luxury sedan completed a staggering 749-mile drive on a single charge, surpassing the previous record by nearly 100 miles. 0:09 / 0:09 Meet the ultimate Audi RS 6 Avant: Only 85 are coming to the U.S. Watch More That said, the Lucid Air Grand Touring now holds the Guinness World Records title for the longest journey by an electric car on a single charge. The Air Grand Touring has an official WLTP range of 596 miles (512 miles based on EPA standards), efficiency of around 4.6 miles per kWh, and 824 horsepower on tap. It also supports ultra-fast charging, adding up to 249 miles in just 16 minutes. Lucid has been a technological leader in the EV space with its proprietary drive units, 924-volt electrical architecture, and class-leading battery management. Clearly, Lucid's engineering pays off – at least when conditions are right. Covering 749 Miles In One Charge The record-setting drive took place between St. Moritz, Switzerland, and Munich, Germany. The 749-mile journey, completed without taking a break to charge, tackled various thoroughfares, including alpine passes, highways, and secondary roads. The run was organized in partnership with Umit Sabanci, a London-based entrepreneur who also drove a Lucid Air Grand Touring through nine countries on a single charge in 2024. That feat earned a separate record – most countries visited on a single charge – and this latest achievement is the second Guinness title for the pairing of Sabanci and Lucid Motors. Autoblog Newsletter Autoblog brings you car news; expert reviews and exciting pictures and video. Research and compare vehicles, too. Sign up or sign in with Google Facebook Microsoft Apple By signing up I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe from email communication at anytime. 'When I completed the nine-country journey in 2024, it was just the beginning,' said Sabanci. 'This new achievement takes that journey even further. I'm proud to be part of a movement that proves electric mobility isn't just the future; it's already redefining what's possible today.' Source: Lucid But Take It with a Pinch of Salt Still, it's important to look closely at how this record was achieved. The drive began in St. Moritz – an alpine resort town sitting at nearly 6,000 feet above sea level – and ended in Munich, which sits at just 1,600 feet. That's a total descent of over 4,300 feet, giving the Lucid an enormous advantage in regenerative braking. While the drive included mixed road types, it also leveraged a favorable topography that's hard to overlook. So yes, the Lucid Air Grand Touring can go 749 miles on a single charge, but not on just any route. In real-world conditions, like on a straight path without elevation changes, your mileage will quite literally vary. Source: Lucid About the Author Jacob Oliva View Profile
Motor 1
08-07-2025
- Automotive
- Motor 1
What Engine Is This Audi RS6 Avant Prototype Hiding?
There's a new Audi RS6 Avant on the horizon following the debut of the latest A6 and S6 models. It'll be a few months still before we see the newest performance wagon in production, but a spy video from Spain captured a prototype testing on the road. The question is: What's under the hood? A video from NCars on YouTube captured the new RS6 Avant in what appears to be its final production form. Given the generous amount of camouflage, though, it's impossible to tell. That said, the front fascia does look very similar to the latest A6, and the light fixtures are virtually ripped straight from the sedan. Also, peep the "gas" caps on either side of the car, all but confirming the plug-in powertrain. The video also shows the new RS6 Avant in action, testing on public roads alongside other camouflaged prototypes—one of which appears to be a Q5 or Q7. Unfortunately, the RS6 doesn't make a ton of noise. Could it be because of the low speeds? Or is the wagon down two cylinders from last year? It's impossible to say. The videographer also captures the performance car seemingly running in pure EV mode. Some rumors suggest that the new RS6 Avant could downgrade from its current twin-turbo V-8 setup to a smaller V-6 PHEV. Other reports, though, indicate that the RS6 Avant will keep its V-8 with an added plug-in hybrid unit. Either way, it should be even more powerful than ever. The new RS6 Avant will well exceed the current model's 621 horsepower with an estimated 730 horsepower, according to Autocar . Riding atop Volkswagen Group's versatile Premium Platform Electric (PPE), the gas RS6 Avant could be sold alongside an even more powerful electric E-Tron version, as well. There's still plenty to learn about the next Audi RS6 Avant before it reaches production, which is expected sometime next year. For now, enjoy these early glimpses of the performance wagon on the road. The Latest From Audi Audi Is Dead Last In New Initial Quality Study The 2025 Audi Q5 Adds More Screens, More Power: Review Share this Story Facebook X LinkedIn Flipboard Reddit WhatsApp E-Mail Got a tip for us? Email: tips@ Join the conversation ( )
03-05-2025
- Automotive
'Cult following': Why automakers are still making wagons in the SUV era
Think your giant sport-utility vehicle is cooler than the middling station wagon? Think again. German automaker BMW recently entered the U.S. "super wagon" category with its high performance M5 Touring, a ludicrously fast family hauler (starting price $121,500) that can smoke a two-seater sports car on a racetrack -- again and again. This is the wagon you wish your parents drove. The wagon's turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 packs 717 horsepower and BMW claims a 0 to 60 mph sprint in 3.5 seconds. Bonus: the M5 Touring is a plug-in hybrid and gets about 25 miles of pure electric range, allowing owners to cruise through town (almost) unnoticed. "We're seeing lots of customer demand for the M5 Touring ... customers don't want to sacrifice utility and performance," Juliana Ochs, a manager of business development for BMW Luxury Class and M, told ABC News. "The Touring is the new kid on the block. There was a strong ask for it here in the U.S. and we listened to our customers." The M5 Touring, which has been on sale in Europe, is just starting to arrive at U.S. dealerships. Few enthusiasts have ever seen one in person. "People are definitely calling in about the M5 Touring," Jordan Bray, a sales adviser at BMW of Latham, New York, told ABC News. "There's a cult following when it comes to wagons -- not just BMW, but all manufacturers. We're super excited to see it." Bray said interested buyers may have trouble getting access to one. "I don't know how many dealers want to give up allocations for that car," he said. Tyson Jominy, vice president of data and analytics at J.D. Power, said wagons, like the forgotten minivan, have been unfairly maligned by U.S. motorists. "There are excellent minivans out there and excellent wagons," he told ABC News. "They both have a stigma that is long out of date in my opinion. Wagons are a sleeper agent -- you can probably get away with a lot of stuff that may be frowned upon by your local police." Jominy noted that the market for premium, six-figure wagons like the M5 Touring and Audi RS6 Avant caters to a very niche customer -- one who may also have a Ferrari parked in the garage. "A 'super wagon' is fan service to your most loyal owners," he said. "Your most loyal owners know about your global portfolio and the forbidden fruit that exists out there. And one of the secrets in the auto industry is that wagon buyers spend real money. Premium luxury wagon buyers typically get zero incentives." Plus, there are many other reasons to own a wagon, Jominy argued. "They will drive better because they're lower to the ground and keep their center of gravity," he noted. "They're better handling vehicles and drivers should get better fuel economy than an SUV." When Audi introduced enthusiasts to its RS6 Avant in 2019 (starting price $126,600), the wait time to get one was two to three years, according to Mark Dahnke, an Audi spokesperson. The automaker sells about 1,000 units in the U.S. and interest is still strong -- including with families. Like the M5 Touring, the RS6 Avant's performance credentials match or exceed sports cars that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars more: 621 hp, 627 lb.-ft. of torque, 0-60 mph in 3.3 seconds. And unlike low-slung, compact sports cars, the menacing RS6 doubles as a stylish people mover that can go just about anywhere and perform capably on dirt trails and and slippery roads. "It is a very special car for which its buyers receive applause from every fellow enthusiast," Dahnke told ABC News. "Everyone from Bugatti to R8 owners applaud your decision to buy an RS6 Avant Performance." Mercedes-Benz recently said the 2026 E53 Hybrid wagon heads to U.S. dealers later this year. The company's last high-performance wagon, the E63 S, immediately won over wealthy enthusiasts' hearts and wallets. Mercedes is expecting a similar reaction to this model, which makes 577 hp from a turbocharged 3.0-liter inline-six and an electric motor. "As a performance plug-in hybrid, it combines the best of both worlds: exhilarating driving dynamics and performance with the efficiency of all-electric driving for daily commutes," a Mercedes spokesperson told ABC News. "The wagon also benefits from the numerous advancements introduced with this new generation E-Class, including all-new electronic architecture, third-generation MBUX infotainment, greater connectivity and expanded comfort features." The U.S. wagon market has been shrinking, however. Volvo recently ended production of its well-liked V60 Polestar Engineered plug-in wagon. The new Subaru Outback, which was unveiled at the New York International Auto Show in April, looks more like, well, an SUV. But Tony Quiroga, editor-in-chief of Car and Driver, said the options available for this niche segment are "pretty cool." "I think the RS6 Avant sort of proved that there is a market and BMW wants to tap into that," he told ABC News. "The M5 Touring is a halo car ... it's for the enthusiasts who maybe are disappointed that BMW built so many SUVs. A wagon works just as well as an SUV in so many cases. And it's more fun to drive." Patrick Lalewicz, a product manager at BMW, acknowledged that BMW owners can get a thrill from other M vehicles on the market, like the M5 Sedan and X5M SUV. The M5 Touring, however, grabs all the attention.
