SPIED: Next-gen Audi RS4 Avant dons S4 suit for tests

Thanks to our European spy photographers, we can now provide you with the first look at the next-gen Audi RS4 Avant. Captured here in prototype form, the next uber estate from Audi appears to have donned an Audi S4 Avant suit in an attempt to confuse spy photographers. With prototypes spotted this early, we reckon that quattro GmbH boss, Heinz Hollerweger, wasn’t kidding when he said the new RS4 come “relatively early.”

With that said, there’s very little to go on about the looks the incoming Audi RS4 Avant but it’s safe to say that the fattened wheel arches seen on this prototype will feature on the finished article. However, the tiny brake discs equipped on this mule does signal to us that this is indeed one of the earlier prototypes – expect future mules to sport larger brake discs.

Of course, the more significant changes are expected to take place beneath the bodywork as Audi has earlier confirmed that the new RS4 Avant will arrive powered by a smaller, turbocharged engine as opposed to the 4.2 litre V8 behemoth currently serving in the outgoing RS4.

No word yet on the exact engine that will be employed this time round certain quarters have reported that the Audi RS4 Avant will be equipped with the same turbocharged 3.0 litre V6 engine serving in the latest B9-generation Audi S4. Said mill puts out a total of 354 PS and 500 Nm of torque from 1,300 to 4,500 rpm. Paired to an eight-speed tiptronic auto gearbox, the S4 rockets from nought to 100 km/h in just 4.7 seconds.

Also, the Audi RS4 Avant is hotly rumoured to include e-turbocharging technology under the bonnet. Combined with the various tweaks that Audi would no doubt make, the final power output is expected to tally up in the region of 480 PS, give or take. Keen on a sedan variant of the RS4? Good news as the German carmaker has confirmed both a sedan and estate wagon of the Audi RS4 will debut as early as 2017.