Audi RS6 Stock vs Stage 1 Dyno Results

Test Setup & Experiment

We wanted to find out exactly how much of a difference a Stage 1 software tune makes on a completely stock 2021 Audi RS6, no hardware changes, no supporting modifications, just the tune itself. The Audi C8 RS6 comes equipped with the EA825 motor, a 4.0T V8 Twin-Turbo engine with a factory claimed 591 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque at the crank. 

All runs were completed on a Dynojet dyno under consistent conditions. The vehicle was run completely stock for the baseline pulls, then flashed with the Jackal Motorsports Stage 1 tune with zero additional hardware modifications. Same car, same day, same conditions. Two runs in each configuration to confirm repeatability.

Test vehicle: 2021 Audi RS6 — EA825 4.0T V8 Twin-Turbo
Dyno: Dynojet
Fuel: 93 Octane Pump Gas
Hardware: 100% Stock — both baseline and Stage 1 runs
Tune: Jackal Motorsports Stage 1
Total runs: 4 (2 stock, 2 Stage 1)

Best Run Results

Full Dyno Data

Stage 1 run consistency was excellent, both runs landed within 3 WHP / 5 WTQ of each other, giving us high confidence in those numbers.  To add to that consistency, this lines up very closely to dyno testing we did on another RS6 on a Mustang dyno, which measured 552whp and 571wtq, showing that both the cars and the dynos were consistent with each other.  

What the Dyno Chart Actually Tells Us

The peak numbers tell part of the story. The shape of the curves tells the rest.

One of the first things that stands out on the dyno chart is just how early this engine builds torque. All four runs, stock and Stage 1, are already producing over 500 ft-lbs by 3,000 RPM. That’s a testament to the twin-turbo 4.0T architecture. The boost comes in fast and hard, and the Stage 1 tune takes full advantage of it.  Stage 1 hits 500wtq about 200rpm sooner than stock. 

Peak horsepower arrives earlier under Stage 1. The stock runs hit their maximum power figures at 6,180rpm, while The Stage 1 hit the same 556whp at 4,400rpm, a full 1,800rpm sooner.  The Stage 1 tune isn’t just adding power at the top, it’s pulling the power curve forward into a more usable part of the rev range where you actually spend time driving.

One notable observation: stock holds power cleanly all the way to the rev limiter, while the Stage 1 runs taper off noticeably above 6,500 RPM. This is most likely a built-in safety margin in the tune’s calibration.

Where You Actually Feel It

The peak numbers get the clicks, but the torque curve is where the RS6 becomes a different machine. Maximum torque gains hit at 4,400 RPM, squarely in the middle of the powerband where you’re making most of your real-world pulls. Horsepower gains peak later at roughly 5,150 RPM, and the Stage 1 tune delivers that power earlier in the rev range than stock. You’re not waiting for the engine to spin out to find the power, it arrives sooner and stays longer across nearly 2,500 RPM of flat torque output.

What This Means for Your RS6

This is a software-only result on completely stock hardware. No intercooler upgrade. No intake. No downpipe. Just a Jackal Motorsports Stage 1 tune on your factory components, and the car picked up 68 wheel horsepower and 77 wheel-torque, with a torque curve that’s wider and flatter than stock across the entire usable powerband.

For an RS6 owner looking to make the most impactful first move, this data speaks for itself. The platform clearly has headroom built in from the factory, and a proper tune unlocks it cleanly, consistently, and early in the rev range.

Next we’ll be testing how much an ARM RS6 Downpipe upgrade improves the output of EA825 on the Stage 1 tune.  If you’re looking to make your RS6/RS7 faster check out our EA825 upgrades!

— The ARM Team