Audi reveals hotter 2023 RS6, RS7 Performance with 630 PS

As we all know, most car manufacturers are now well on their way to replacing their combustion-powered models with fully-electric ones. However, that doesn't mean they have stopped developing the good 'ol internal combustion engine.

Audi has released a hotter Performance variant for their RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback models, boosting the potent 4.0-liter V8 Biturbo TFSI engine to 630 PS and 850 Nm of torque. The German manufacturer achieved the power gains by putting larger turbochargers into the V8 unit, increasing boost pressure from 2.4 to 2.6 bar.

Faster shifting times have been achieved with the model's 8-speed Tiptronic transmission to put the power down better on all four wheels. Add that to the new center locking differential, the Performance model can catapult itself from 0 to 100 km/h time of 3.4 seconds. This makes the Performance variant the fastest and most powerful RS6 and RS7 models to date.

In addition, both models have been put on a diet thanks to reduced sound insulation, knocking off 8 kg on the weighing scale. Fitted as standard on the Performance models are 21-inch cast aluminum wheels, but there are optional 22-inch lightweight wheels that reduce unsprung weight, improving the Performance models' throttle response.

For the Performance variants, the RS Dynamic Package comes standard in both RS6 and RS7 models. This increases top speed to 280 km/h, with better dynamic all-wheel-steering. In case that's not enough, the optional RS Dynamic Package plus is also available, further increasing the top speed to 305 km/h and shedding 34 kg through the replacement of standard steel brakes with ceramic units.

Meanwhile, there are very subtle cosmetic and interior trim changes on the Performance models compared to the standard RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback models, and the only way to distinguish the Performance variants from their standard counterparts, Audi decided to paint parts like the front spoiler, flaps, mirror caps and diffuser in matte gray.

According to Audi, the RS6 and RS7 Performance models will be on sale in the UK market this December, with other markets expected to follow before the models start to roll out in dealerships by April 2023.