Even though it has lost two-cylinders compared to its predecessor and a whole litre of cubic capacity, the new RS 6 is lighter, faster and 40% more economical plus around £800 cheaper than its predecessor – at £77,000.

Just in case there’s any doubt about the change from V10 to V8 engine, Audi has created a video to allay your concerns and provide all the evidence needed to show none of its supercar-slaying character has been lost in the transition.

The new RS 6 is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 TFSI engine with 552bhp and 516lb-ft (700Nm) of torque and accelerates from 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds – 0.7 faster than its slightly more powerful predecessor.

If let off the leash via the Dynamic plus package, the RS 6 will achieve 189mph and yet offers the quite astounding fuel economy of 28.8mpg, with CO2 emissions of 229 g/km.

Audi RS6 Avant 2013 G22T All new Audi RS 6 Avant storms in

Audi continue to claim that the reason why the RS 4 retains a normally-aspirated powerplant is to provide it with a more sporting character – instead they could have provided it with a detuned version of the twin-turbo engine powering its more expensive sibling.

I’ll leave you to judge whether that remains such a wise choice after listening to the far-from-unsporting RS 6 in the video above.

audi engine sound RS4 RS6