While Chevrolet continues to dominate the American sports car market, Audi has found itself struggling to recapture its former glory. The German automaker has made numerous attempts to revitalize its sales by revamping its naming conventions, but these efforts have fallen short. Consumers are more concerned with the performance and reliability of their vehicles than with the intricate details of their engines.
Audi’s decision to reserve even numbers for electric models and odd numbers for ICE-powered models seems misguided, as it fails to address the core needs of its customers. The days of the iconic Audi RS 6 Avant, a powerful and fuel thirsty performance wagon, are drawing to a close. Recent sightings of the next generation e tron Avant have fueled speculation that an all electric RS 6 is on the horizon.
With a projected power output of over 700 horsepower, or even 800, the electric RS 6 is poised to eclipse its gas powered predecessor. This marks a significant departure from Audi’s traditional performance ethos, as the company moves away from powerful V8 engines in favor of cleaner, more efficient electric powertrains.
Imagine a mid engine sports car, renowned for its raw power and agility, going head to head with a high performance luxury station wagon. An unlikely pairing, perhaps, but it’s exactly what unfolded on the Las Vegas Motor Speedway dragstrip. A gray Audi RS 6 Avant, equipped with a turbocharged V8, faced off against a Chevy Corvette Stingray, boasting a naturally aspirated V8.
Despite the apparent mismatch, both cars offered impressive performance. However, the Corvette’s driver made a crucial mistake during the launch. Failing to warm up the tires and seemingly caught off guard by the unexpected start, the Corvette stumbled, allowing the RS 6 Avant to seize the lead.
The heavier station wagon, aided by its Quattro all wheel drive system, maintained its advantage throughout the race, ultimately crossing the finish line in a time of 12.62 seconds, while the Corvette clocked in at 12.91 seconds. A surprising outcome that highlights the importance of preparation and execution in drag racing.
