Why Is The Audi RS6 Not US Bound?

Audi's latest round of wagon hotness, the RS6 Avant, bows next week at the Frankfurt auto show. And for those of you viewing from the U.S., you can put down the drool bibs-Audi doesn't plan to import a single copy here.

But that shouldn't prevent you from enjoying the RS6 Avant's astounding spec sheet, and the included digs at rival German wagons like the C63 AMG from Mercedes. Audi says in its press release that its RS models are the "ultimate in sportiness," with great design and perfect quality, and that the Avant is "clearly superior to all competitors in the top performance category." Ahem.

Backing up that claim is a twin-turbocharged V-10 engine, shared loosely with the existing S6 and S8 sedans. The engine throws off 580 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque, available across a wide chunk of the powerband. Coupled to Audi's six-speed Tiptronic, the RS6 Avant will run to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, and to a limited top speed of 155 mph.

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RS6Fiend - 9/6/2007 1:44:58 PM

+4 Boost

Hopefully Audi will think back to 2003 and the large US demand for the Euro only RS6 Avant. Although most Americans haven't caught on to luxo performance wagons, there is a growing group of enthusiasts waiting to drive them stateside.

LIKE ME!!

Neverfollow - 9/6/2007 5:52:17 PM

+4 Boost

You guys certainly make a lot of noise about not getting this or that station wagon here in the US. Right up to the time you get asked to get your checkbook out, then you can hear a pin drop!

S4cabriofoxone - 9/6/2007 4:56:19 PM

+4 Boost

When is the sedan coming? Because I'd be furious if they didn't bring any RS6 models at all here. The RS6 Avant is quite possibly the hottest wagon EVER- and I want to be in on the action!

RS6Fiend - 9/6/2007 5:25:50 PM

+5 Boost

Here, here!!

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 9/6/2007 5:32:28 PM

+2 Boost

I actually hope there will be no sedan. RS-models should be Avant only. I know it's not the case with the RS4 and the previous RS6 but Audi's history shows a special bond with Avants... remember the spectacular RS2?

Neverfollow - 9/6/2007 5:55:15 PM

+3 Boost

They simply do not sell in the US. Audi tried with the S6 Avant back in 2002-3. No one bought them. They lost money on every one and vowed to not repeat the mistake. Avants are for Europeans not Americans. Please refer to my blog above.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/6/2007 11:04:43 PM

+2 Boost

Sevor, that would eliminate the car's sale in the US! Like Neverfollow said, if they only made a wagon, we wouldn't get it! I NEED a sedan to be sold here!

Anyway, if they sold the RS6 Avant here I'd snap it up. And tell my friends to buy it. Hot Audi wagons are just so... cool. But I know they won't...

A close friend of mine has an S6 Avant, actually. He has some eclectic automotive choices.

chewy - 9/6/2007 8:11:49 PM

+3 Boost

I am quite sure that the sedan will come here. But it won't be cheap.

WickedRabbit - 9/7/2007 6:09:43 AM

+5 Boost

American's have gotten the shaft on all the sexy stuff from every manufacturer because - as a whole - we are viewed as being a pretty pathetic and risky crowd by the car market. Nearly every car that has ever been US bound that had a "wild" or "out there" design has not done too well in terms of sales and since then we were viewed as being a more "conversative" bunch of people.

Hell, look at how crap Ford is in US and then take a look at their Australian division. Same thing with Pontiac and their Holden Australian division. Or, just go take ANY manufacturer and look at the European counterparts. From little things like nicer design touches/options in global cars to a completely different model lineup in Europe entirely.

We've been given the middle finger by the auto industry.

The sad fact, is that they are probably right. If the A6 Avant came to US all people would do is drool over it's beauty for a few days, but no one would buy it. Why? I'm guessing it's close to $100k for starters and anyone in that price range is more than likely all ready a brand loyalist with someone.

We get big, square looking, boxy cars that seat 7 people but only one person drives the car because if you look at the sales figures, that's sadly what we're buying.

And until that changes, you can kiss anything sweet goodbye because it'll never hit our shores, much like this car.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 9/7/2007 12:41:23 PM

+1 Boost

Spot On

There are plenty of Real Auto Enthusiasts round the world who can afford the RS Models at prices that Audi would make healthy profits on, So why would they even waste time & resources trying to convince the yanks that the RS vehicles are special ?

I Like the attitude Audi has towards the North American market, No time to waste on idiots, for the few who know about their cars, lucky you, for those who dont, your loss.

Neverfollow - 9/7/2007 10:25:58 PM

+1 Boost

Wow,

Great post. You are right on the money.

S4cabriofoxone - 9/8/2007 12:58:13 AM

+1 Boost

"I Like the attitude Audi has towards the North American market, No time to waste on idiots, for the few who know about their cars, lucky you, for those who dont, your loss."

Thanks, thanks a lot. You really know how to make an intelligent American feel good.

The few who know about cars are the UNLUCKY ones! We don't get the best! We get the leftovers! I want an RS6 Avant! I want an M3 CSL! I want a Range Rover TDV8!

I could go on...

Neverfollow - 9/8/2007 1:20:49 PM

+1 Boost

The car I want the most over here is the A8L 4.2TDI. No other car in the world overdelivers on it's promise more than THAT car.

I95SPEEDINGTICKETS - 9/8/2007 3:20:19 PM

+1 Boost

S4cabrio........

So Sorry :-(

I guess you are right, the Unlucky ones are the ones who know about the Brilliance of Audi's Vehicles

You know the phrase " Knowledge Is Pain"

SevorbeupstryIsBack - 9/10/2007 5:05:52 AM

+1 Boost

You are absolutely right!

indoctrin8ed - 9/8/2007 9:16:19 PM

+1 Boost

It's pure and simple supply and demand. For the 4 people who would pay MSRP for this car in the US, wagons wont sell here.

Same reason the M5 Touring (Wagon) isn't coming either.