Chassis no. WUA1CBF27MN901040

Virtually every German car manufacturer has either an entire division or simply a moniker in its model line designating ultra high performance…and Audi is no exception. Since 1994, the simple and subtle addition of “RS” (“Rennsport”, motorsport) badging to the grille and tailgate of its passenger cars signified near-supercar levels of acceleration, handling, stopping power, and top speed. Of course, “RS” Audis also thrive on the brand's world-class “Quattro” all-wheel drive system, which was born in the World Rally Championship of the 1980s, and when paired with Audi's legendary turbocharged engines, makes for an otherworldly driving experience.

The genesis of the “RS” story is the RS2 Avant, a high-performance Audi wagon of the early 1990s, immediately distinguishable for its unique blue paint, Porsche-style cup wheels, and subtle body kit. Indeed, much of the car's engineering and build was conducted by Porsche in Stuttgart. Twenty-five years and several RS models later (RS4, RS6, even a TT-RS), Audi celebrated this silver anniversary in September 2020 with the arrival of its latest RS6 Avant for model year 2021. Heralding this new model was the “RS6 Tribute Edition,” with unique trim and detailing paying homage to the RS2 of 1994—specifically, the iconic Nogaro Blue finish returned to great fanfare. Also notable were the black treatments to the grille, side blades, rear diffuser, and roof rails, as well as body-colored sideview mirrors, 22-inch cast aluminum wheels, and red-painted brake calipers. The interior was treated to carbon trim, “Valcona S Sport” seating with denim blue stitching, a perforated steering wheel, and RS badging.

This particular RS6 Avant Tribute Edition is one of the merely 25 examples built and it is offered on behalf of its second owner.. The original window sticker indicates not only the “Tribute Edition” package, at a cost of $17,650 alone, but also several features that were made standard on these fully-equipped cars—a Bang & Olufsen sound system, Executive Package, and Driver Assistance Package, which collectively include extended leather, soft-close doors, heated seating, and cruise- and lane-assist. All told, the full specification accounts for a nearly 30% price increase over the base RS6 Avant, to about $138,000.

Like all RS6s of this generation, the engine is a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, putting out an enormous 591 bhp at 590 lb-ft of torque, capable of zero-to-sixty runs in about 3 ½ seconds…faster than the Porsche 911 3.6 Turbo available when the original RS2 came out! This particular car, however, is even faster as the owner opted for the installation of an ABT Sportsline performance tuning kit at a cost of nearly $4,700, which brings the output to well over 700 bhp. ABT of course is well known as the preeminent tuner for Audi, forging their reputation over many years in German DTM racing. The car remains in outstanding condition, not only because of its low 3,267 original miles but also because it is film coated to protect the paint and finishes.

With over 700 bhp on tap, driving a tuned RS6 Avant is an astounding experience. Even with full luggage and groceries in back, the wail of the sport exhaust can't help but make you feel like five-time Le Mans winner Frank Biela, whose wins in the French Touring Car Championship inspired the Nogaro Blue color. In that regard, this car is pure “RS”...all-out motorsport for the road.

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