The 2009 Audi Rs6 sedan is a vehicle that firmly plants itself in the annals of automotive legend. Born from Audi’s relentless pursuit of performance and luxury, this car takes the everyday sedan concept and injects it with a potent dose of supercar DNA. Following in the tire tracks of its acclaimed Avant sibling, the RS6 sedan emerged as a statement of power, sophistication, and exhilarating driving dynamics. It’s a machine designed for those who demand uncompromising performance without sacrificing daily usability – a true wolf in sheep’s clothing, or perhaps, a very aggressively styled wolf in equally aggressive wolf’s clothing.
The Heart of the Roar: A Twin-Turbo V10 Engine
At the core of the 09 Audi RS6 lies an engineering marvel: a 5.0-liter V10 engine force-fed by twin turbochargers. This isn’t just any engine; it’s a powerhouse derived from Audi’s racing pedigree, incorporating technologies honed on the track. Features like FSI direct fuel injection, dry-sump lubrication (typically found in racing cars for consistent oil supply under high G-forces), and those two prominent turbochargers work in concert to deliver breathtaking performance.
(Alt text: Aggressive front view of a 2009 Audi RS6 sedan, highlighting its single-frame grille, xenon headlights and RS-specific LED daytime running lights, emphasizing its high-performance design.)
These turbochargers, pushing up to 1.6 bar of boost pressure, are instrumental in generating a colossal 580 horsepower (426 kW) and a staggering 479 lb-ft (650 Nm) of torque. What’s truly remarkable is the torque curve – a flat plateau of peak torque available from a mere 1,500 rpm all the way to 6,250 rpm. This translates to relentless pulling power across virtually the entire rev range, ensuring instantaneous response and effortless acceleration in any gear. The peak horsepower arrives between 6,250 rpm and the engine’s redline at 6,700 rpm, creating a symphony of power and sound that is intoxicating for any driving enthusiast.
Supercar Performance in a Sedan Suit
The raw numbers translate to supercar-rivaling performance. With a power-to-weight ratio of just 3.4 kilograms per horsepower, the 09 Audi RS6 explodes off the line. Zero to 60 mph (100 km/h) is dispatched in a mere 4.5 seconds. While electronically limited to 155 mph (250 km/h), this limiter could be optionally raised to 174 mph (280 km/h) for those craving even higher speeds. However, straight-line speed is only part of the story. The V10 engine is incredibly responsive, reacting instantly to throttle inputs, and delivers its power with a refined smoothness that belies its ferocious capabilities. The accompanying engine roar is not just loud; it’s a deep, resonant growl that announces the arrival of serious performance.
Tiptronic and Quattro: Power Delivery Perfected
Channeling this immense power to the road is Audi’s six-speed tiptronic transmission, a dynamic iteration of their automatic gearbox technology. This transmission is engineered for speed and responsiveness, boasting reaction times reduced to a mere tenth of a second and shift times halved compared to previous generations. The gear ratios are also shorter, further enhancing acceleration and responsiveness. Drivers have the option to let the transmission handle gear changes automatically or take control themselves using either the gear lever or steering wheel-mounted paddles.
(Alt text: Interior detail of a 2009 Audi RS6, showcasing the RS leather multifunction sports steering wheel with paddle shifters, emphasizing driver-centric performance and control.)
The tiptronic transmission then feeds power to Audi’s legendary quattro permanent all-wheel-drive system. In the RS6, this system is tuned for a sporty, rear-biased power distribution, enhancing agility and cornering prowess while maintaining the sure-footed traction that quattro is renowned for. This combination ensures that the RS6 is not just about straight-line speed; it’s about confident and exhilarating performance in all driving conditions.
Precision Engineered Suspension and Brakes
To handle the immense power and deliver a truly engaging driving experience, the 09 Audi RS6 is equipped with a meticulously engineered high-tech suspension system. The front axle utilizes four lightweight aluminum control arms per wheel, with elastokinematics specifically tuned for sporty handling. The speed-dependent servotronic power steering is recalibrated for sharper responses, featuring a direct 12.5:1 steering ratio. The rear suspension kinematics are also modified to complement the overall sporty setup.
A standout feature is the Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) system. This innovative, purely mechanical system reduces body roll and pitch without relying on complex electronics. Hydraulic lines and valves connect diagonally opposed shock absorbers. During cornering, fluid flow increases to the compressing outside front wheel’s damper, providing firmer support and minimizing body roll. When paired with the optional sports suspension plus, DRC offers three selectable damper settings – comfort, sport, and dynamic – adjustable via the Audi’s Multi Media Interface (MMI), allowing drivers to tailor the ride to their preferences and driving conditions.
The electronic stabilization program (ESP) is also performance-oriented, featuring a high activation threshold to allow for dynamic driving. It also includes a Sport mode and can be fully deactivated for track driving or when maximum driver involvement is desired.
Braking is equally crucial in a car of this caliber. The RS6 comes standard with 19-inch alloy wheels and 255/40 tires. Massive 390-millimeter front brake discs are clamped by six-piston fixed aluminum calipers, finished in black with RS badges. The rear features 365-millimeter discs with single-piston floating calipers. These steel discs are internally vented and cross-drilled for enhanced cooling and reduced weight.
For even greater braking performance, optional 20-inch wheels open the door to a ceramic brake system. These ceramic discs, measuring 420mm at the front and 356mm at the rear, save a significant 12.2 kilograms (26.90 lb) of weight compared to the standard steel brakes. The ceramic brake calipers, featuring eight pistons at the front, are finished in anthracite and proudly display “Audi ceramic” lettering.
Striking Design: Form Follows Function and Ferocity
The 09 Audi RS6 sedan’s design is a clear indication of its high-performance nature. While retaining the elegant lines of the A6 sedan, the RS6 adds a layer of aggression and visual muscle that sets it apart. The single-frame grille, a hallmark of Audi design, is more pronounced, flanked by large air intakes that feed the powerful engine and front brakes. Xenon plus headlights with adaptive light and RS6-specific LED daytime running lights provide both superior illumination and a distinctive visual signature.
(Alt text: Dynamic side view of a 2009 Audi RS6 sedan, showcasing its flared fenders, deep side skirts, and powerful stance, highlighting its sporty and muscular design elements.)
Flared fenders accommodate the wider track and larger wheels, while deep side skirts visually lower the car and enhance its sporty profile. At the rear, a diffuser integrated into the bumper and a subtle spoiler on the trunk lid contribute to aerodynamic efficiency and further underscore the car’s performance intentions. Completing the visual package are the signature RS oval exhaust pipes, a clear indication of the potent V10 lurking under the hood. The 4.93-meter (16.17 ft) body length provides ample interior space while maintaining a balanced and athletic stance.
Luxurious and Performance-Focused Interior
Inside the 09 Audi RS6, luxury and performance blend seamlessly. The cabin is adorned with premium materials including carbon fiber, aluminum, piano black lacquer, leather, and Alcantara, all crafted with Audi’s renowned attention to detail and quality.
Deeply sculpted sports seats provide excellent lateral support and comfort during spirited driving. Standard power-adjustable seats are upholstered in Silk Nappa leather, with leather/Alcantara and Valcona leather options available for further personalization. For those seeking maximum sporting focus, optional bucket seats are available for both the driver and front passenger.
Standard equipment includes dual-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning, front and rear parking assist, the RS leather multifunction sports steering wheel with a flat-bottomed rim, and a Bose surround sound system. A boost pressure indicator for the twin turbochargers is integrated into the driver information system, providing a constant reminder of the engine’s forced-induction power.
Cutting-Edge Technology for Enhanced Driving
The 09 Audi RS6 was also at the forefront of automotive technology for its time. Optional features like Audi lane assist, adaptive cruise control, and Audi side assist enhanced both safety and convenience. Audi lane assist helps keep the car within its lane markings, while adaptive cruise control maintains a set distance to the vehicle ahead. Audi side assist aids in safe lane changes by monitoring blind spots. The Audi Bluetooth car phone seamlessly integrates with compatible cell phones through the standard MMI operating system, which itself was a new generation for the RS6, offering advanced infotainment and vehicle control.
Market Launch and Legacy
The 2009 Audi RS6 sedan launched in the market in mid-October, with a starting price of €105,550 in Germany (including VAT). It quickly established itself as a benchmark in the high-performance sedan segment. The 09 Audi RS6 remains a highly sought-after vehicle by enthusiasts today, celebrated for its unique combination of a powerful twin-turbo V10 engine, quattro all-wheel drive, luxurious appointments, and understated yet aggressive styling. It is a testament to Audi’s engineering prowess and a true icon in the world of performance automobiles.
READ MORE
