by Return of a Legend
Audi is preparing for a direct confrontation with the BMW M5, as the RS6 sedan is gearing up for a triumphant return. The last two generations of this model were available only in the Avant station wagon body, leaving fans of the classic four-door sedan out in the cold. To find the previous RS6 sedan, one has to go back to the era of the C7 model, which rolled off the assembly line in 2011.
Aggressive Prototype
This situation is about to change, as a heavily camouflaged prototype was recently spotted near the Nürburgring, clearly not playing games. This is evident at first glance: the model features a unique radiator grille with a diamond mesh and huge air intakes. These are complemented by a splitter, as well as recognizable front headlights.
The designers didn’t stop there. The model received vertical ventilation openings on the front fenders, as well as sporty side skirts. They are accompanied by massive wheels and a high-performance braking system with ventilated discs.
Distinctive Rear End
A massive dual exhaust system shapes the rear of the car and instantly identifies it as an RS variant. A new spoiler and a sportier bumper can also be seen.
Spy photographers have not yet managed to peek inside, but it can be expected that screens will be in focus, as the regular model has an 11.9-inch digital instrument cluster, a 14.5-inch multimedia system, and an optional 10.9-inch display for the front passenger. These will likely be accompanied by a flat-bottom steering wheel, carbon fiber trim, leather sport seats, and upholstery in Alcantara or Dinamica microfiber.
Powertrain Puzzle
The powertrain raises the most questions, and the absence of an S6 with an internal combustion engine certainly doesn’t help solve the puzzle. Nevertheless, the company recently introduced the RS5, and this provides some possible clues about what to expect.
The high-performance model has a hybrid powertrain consisting of a bi-turbo 2.9-liter V6 engine, a 25.9 kWh battery, and an eight-speed automatic transmission with an integrated electric motor. This gives the RS5 a combined output of 630 hp and 825 Nm of torque.
Such solid figures allow the car to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 3.6 seconds and reach a top speed of up to 285 km/h. Furthermore, drivers can travel up to 84 kilometers on electric power alone.
Drive and Control Technologies
Quattro all-wheel drive is obviously part of the package, but the RS5 introduced a new electromechanical torque vectoring system. Audi is particularly proud of it and previously described it as “an invisible maestro conducting the orchestra of performance.” It would hardly be surprising if this system carries over to the RS6, and it will likely be accompanied by unique axles, sport suspension, and a revised steering system.
Expected Power
Of course, the RS6 will be more powerful than the RS5. How much more remains the key question, but rumors suggest power around 720 hp. However, these reports indicated that the car would use a hybrid system based on a bi-turbo 4.0-liter V8 engine, so only time will tell for sure.
The return of the RS6 sedan after a long hiatus indicates that Audi sees demand for high-performance four-door cars in this segment dominated by the BMW M5. The emphasis on hybrid technology in the prototype clearly fits into the brand’s overall electrification strategy, even for high-performance models. The success of this model may largely depend on how successfully it manages to combine the legendary RS dynamics with modern demands for efficiency and environmental friendliness, without losing the spirit of a true sports sedan.
