The flagship model of the Audi A6 range has finally
begun stretching its wheels and judging by this recently-spotted test mule,
it’s going to look wide, planted and aggressive.
Here’s the cherry on top in the form of
the all-new 2020 RS6, hiding behind the widened exterior of a 55 TFSI Avant.
One reason for applying the finalized or at least near-production ready version
of a bumper to a test mule, is to make sure the power train has everything it
needs to feed you the valuable information you’re looking for during testing.
This is a high performance car, and both its engine
as well as its brakes need air, which is where those massive vents come in. If
Audi does decide to apply this particular bumper to the final product, we’ll
have to admit that it will give the car a more angular look than what’s already
been portrayed in past renderings.
As for other noteworthy exterior features, we count
the improvised wheel arch extensions, which tell us that the all-new RS6 will
indeed be wider than regular A6 versions (including the S6), but also the large
oval exhaust tips, a trademark for Audi Sport models, and the blacked-out
grille surround (also typical for RS cars).
If we were to look at what the difference is between
current S6 and RS6 models as far as their interior is concerned, we could
conclude that the upcoming RS6 could feature the following: a fully perforated
leather steering wheel, different-looking shifter, darker carbon fiber trim,
more pronounced contrast stitching and of course, RS6 logos.
Speaking of which, the two siblings will share the
same engine and transmission too, and if you like thinking happy thoughts, know
that it could very well turn out to be a new twin turbo V8 unit, putting down
some 650 PS. Another possibility is the adoption of the Panamera Turbo S
E-Hybrid’s 4.0-liter twin turbo V8, to go with the electric motor and 14.1 kWh
lithium-ion battery. That engine produces 680 PS and 850 Nm of torque, which would probably suit the RS6/RS7 duo just fine.
The all-new 2020 Audi RS6 won’t be
coming out to play until at least sometime next year. Once it does though,
expect it to put rivals such as the BMW M5 and Mercedes-AMG E 63 S Estate on
notice.