First Audi RS6 Avant to be featured on Avantturous and it’s a well-known Sebring Black Crystal example from Southern California! Being active on social media means the owner; Andrew is also heavily involved in the Audi car scene in Los Angeles. I must admit that when the C8 RS6 first came out, I thought it looked comical with angular body lines and big grilles all around. Many years had passed since its release and this platform has grown on me. This specific Avant model has so much road presence every time I see them on my morning commute.
Being fast and attractive looking from the factory, normal people would suggest that the Audi RS line-ups need nothing else. But Andrew isn’t your typical normal folks. He got busy as soon as he took delivery of his RS6 Avant. Starting it off with CETE lowering module; in which he praised a lot for providing dual personalities that he seeks (comfort in stock height when his family is in the car and the ability to go lower & aggressive when going to the local canyons). HRE became Andrew’s wheel brand of choice for the RS6. Believing that having options is always good, this RS6 has two sets of HRE: the S101SC and the P111SC. For the photoshoot with Avantturous, the RS6 is rolling on the later set. And let’s not forget those big Audi Ceramic Brakes and big dark blue calipers that hide behind the HRE wheels! Akrapovic exhaust was also added to provide more grunts to the powerful twin-turbo V8 engine.
All in all, I think Andrew has created a tastefully modified RS6 that deserves many thumbs ups. And I am glad that I got the chance to do a photo session with this awesome wagon; especially after many hiccups in the initial planning (business trips, vacation, holidays and family time) Anyhow, let’s get to it!
Introduce Yourself:
My name is Andrew and I live in Southern California.
WHY A WAGON?
I’ve always loved wagons and thought they were cool from an early age. My perception of wagons being cool was vehemently reaffirmed when I saw the opening scene of the 2004 film Layer Cake. Daniel Craig (before his first stint as Bond) and his merry band of gangsters hop into a C5 RS6 Avant, fire up the glorious 4.2L biturbo V8, and speed off toward their unsavory adventures as She Sells Sanctuary by The Cult blares in the background. It was in that moment I knew I had to have an RS6 Avant. It took Audi decades, but when the first RS6 Avant finally became available in the US, I had to fulfill that dream.
Did you consider a different WAGON instead of this one?
I’ve wanted a B8 All-Road as a daily but never got around to buying one. I also considered the E63S wagon but it was always a proxy for the RS6 for me. Thankfully, my patience paid off.
What was your original objective with your car and has that objective changed?
The C8 RS6 came out after my two kids were born so my original objective was to have my cake and eat it too – own the dream wagon I’ve always wanted yet have the extra utility that I’ll need in a family hauler. The C8 RS6 is an incredible car that fits my needs to a T and I feel like I didn’t have to make any compromises. The air suspension is buttery smooth in comfort mode and with the addition of the CETE module, I can keep my suspension at stock height when my family is in the car. But when I go on a spirited drive, I can lower the car to the desired ride height with a few taps the app.
What style would you say best describes your car?
Gentleman driver’s utility car that’s one level above OEM+.
Who assisted in the planning/building/modding of your car?
There’s an incredible RS6 owner’s community on IG and an owner’s chat on WhatsApp that’s been a valuable source of information. Martin from Nemesis, who has an Ara Blue RS6, a friend since his BMW F31 days, helped me learn a lot about the car and provided a lot of my mods. Tyler from Pacific German, who I’d describe as the nation’s preeminent RS6 tech guru, did most of the work on my car. His shop is far from where I live but absolutely worth the drive.
What do you feel makes your car unique / special in your eyes?
The fact that it may be the first and only I.C.E. RS6 Avant to come stateside makes it very special in my eyes. Also, I’ve had my fair share of thumbs up from the most unassuming people on the road. Definitely makes me smile. I don’t think I’m overstepping when I say wagons are becoming cooler stateside.
What is your favorite part/feature/function of the car?
There are a few. First, I’d have to say the looks. The styling is so mean and aggressive and it has so much presence. And it’s hella wide with its flared fenders. The second is the stock air suspension with the CETE module. And the last thing is the rear wheel steer. The RS6 is a big car but it handles like a much smaller car because of the rear wheel steer and that makes driving it much more fun. Oh and the fact that it’s a TT V8.
If you could pick one thing you aren’t satisfied with about your car, what would it be?
I wish there was less insulation so that I could hear the exhaust better but this year’s performance version helps with that though, which is very nice.
What has been the biggest obstacle you’ve faced while building this car?
Probably the ceramic brake retrofit but Tyler at PG was able to install it as if from factory.
What one word best describes your car?
My friend James said my car looks like Darth Vader’s chariot. Sorry, that was more than one word.
What is your final goal with this car?
To enjoy the car with my kids. Oh and the Audi wagon community in southern California is strong. I hope to continue to go to local meet-ups and cruises and make new friends in the process.
