Unmasking the 2014 ABT Audi RS6: A Supercar in an Estate's Attire
Once upon a time, estate cars were mere workhorses, transporting artisans' paraphernalia hither and yon. Fast forward to the present day, and the humble estate has evolved into something far more alluring—bridging the gap between practicality, aesthetic elegance, and sporting prowess. Enter the 2014 ABT Audi RS6, a machine which—in the words of Hans-Jürgen Abt, CEO of the well-respected tuning firm ABT Sportsline—is "striking without being overbearing" and effortlessly "sets technical standards."
Engineering Marvel: Boosting Power and Performance
It's impossible not to discuss the 2014 ABT Audi RS6 without bringing attention to its enhanced power. Using the impressive ABT POWER S and decades of motorsports know-how, ABT Sportsline has tuned this unassuming estate into a dynamic speed machine. Its refined powerplant, a result of slight engine management modifications, the innovative ABT engine control unit, and a potent ABT exhaust system, dishes out an astounding 700 hp (515 kW)—a 25% increase over the original 560 hp (412 kW). This dramatic leap in power enables the ABT RS6 to attain a top speed of 320 kph, with the sprint to 100 kph taking a mere 3.4 seconds. The torque has also seen a notable increase to 880 Nm, revealing the estate's not-so-hidden racing DNA.
Aesthetics and Sporty Appeal: Not Just Skin Deep
The 2014 ABT Audi RS6 isn't all about mechanical prowess; it sports a dynamic yet discreet look that truly embodies its nature—a sporty estate. The mirror caps, constructed from exposed carbon, subtly hint at the vehicle's sporty credentials. The stainless-steel exhaust silencer system and its two pronounced tailpipes, coupled with the estate's suspension springs, contribute to its dynamic appearance. The ABT RS6 sits comfortably on weight-optimised ABT ER-C design wheels, available in 9.5 x 20 or 10 x 22 inches, with their five double spokes seemingly reflecting the car's forward thrust—even when it's stationary.
The Sum of Its Parts: Defining the ABT RS6
The 2014 ABT Audi RS6 isn't just a highly tuned estate car—it's the embodiment of ABT Sportsline's vision of what an estate can be. Combining high-performance characteristics with day-to-day practicality, the ABT RS6 is undoubtedly a sports car, a comfortable travel companion, and a powerful workhorse all rolled into one package. As Hans-Jürgen Abt succinctly put it, this vehicle is a "wolf in sheep's clothing," donned in a "bespoke suit."
Final Verdict: An Omnipotent Estate?
In an era where the boundaries between different car categories are increasingly blurred, the 2014 ABT Audi RS6 exemplifies this trend perfectly. It is, without a doubt, a compelling blend of sportiness, elegance, and utility. However, in a market teeming with strong contenders, only time will reveal whether this suped-up estate car can transcend its niche and achieve the iconic status its creators aspire for it. What's certain is that it won't be for a lack of trying—the 2014 ABT Audi RS6 is an ambitious attempt to redefine what an estate car can truly be.
-Ed
2014 ABT Audi RS6
