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.
For performance, 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 – there, 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.
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