A prototype of the new Audi RS6 Avant has been
spotted for the first time. Despite the heavy use of camouflage wrap, it’s
clear that this test mule features a wider body, more heavy-duty disc brakes,
and the iconic twin oval exhaust tips.
Up front, one will notice a new pair of LED
headlights, matched to a more aggressive front bumper that looks similar to the
R8‘s, as well as huge 20-, possibly 21-inch wheels shod with low profile
rubbers. Hidden within the wheels are beefier cross drilled rotors, whereas the
tailgate gets a darkened chrome strip. Expect some exterior trims such as the
front lip and rear diffuser to be made out of carbon-fibre.
The new RS6 Avant is rumoured to
share the same 4.0 litre TFSI twin-turbo V8 as the RS7, and the eight-cylinder
engine will supposedly be tuned to produce over 600 hp, with sources quoting as
much as 650 hp. The same engine is also found in the Porsche Panamera Turbo, it makes 542 hp and 770 Nm of torque. In terms of sheer output, that’s
18 hp less from the outgoing RS7’s 560-pony count, but it makes a full 70 Nm
more.
There are also rumours that Audi Sport will take its
RS model down the electrification route, meaning the RS6 and RS7 could
potentially share the same plug-in hybrid powertrain as the Panamera Turbo S
E-Hybrid. Just so you know, the top Panamera combines a 550 hp 4.0 litre V8
engine with an electric motor for a total system output of 680 hp and 850 Nm of
torque. The 0-100 km/h sprint is done in just 3.4 seconds, and onwards to a top
speed of 310 km/h.
As far as body styles go, the RS6 could exclusively
be offered in Avant form. It’s unclear if a sedan version will join the
line-up, though. The new RS6 could make its debut sometime this year, if not in
early 2020.
