by New Audi RS6 Avant: Expected Changes
Despite competition from the BMW M5 Touring, Audi Sport is actively working on updating its iconic RS6 Avant. It was initially planned to rename the model to RS7 Avant, but it was decided to keep the traditional name. A prototype of the near-production version was recently spotted during testing in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
In 2023, Audi announced a new naming system, where ICE models were to receive odd numbers, and electric cars even numbers. However, the company abandoned this idea, so the updated version will remain under the name RS6 Avant, while the electric variant will likely receive the e-tron badge.
Design and Technical Features
The front of the prototype looks aggressive, with large air intakes and a massive radiator grille. Also noticeable are ventilation holes on the front fenders, roof rails, and large wheels with powerful brake mechanisms.
The rear is likely to become the most recognizable design element. It features LED taillights, similar to the updated A6, with a full-width light strip. The oval exhaust pipes, characteristic of the previous generation, are now positioned closer to the center of the bumper.
The new RS6 will abandon the 4.0-liter biturbo V8 in favor of a hybrid V6 version that will also be installed in the RS5. Despite the fewer cylinders, the system will receive an electric motor, allowing it to achieve over 725 hp.
Interestingly, the hybrid version of the RS6 could compete with the new BMW M5, which also received a V8-based plug-in hybrid. Photos of the test prototypes were sent to Carscoops by reader Carlos Garcia.
The update of the RS6 Avant reflects the general trend of reducing engine displacement while simultaneously increasing power through electrification. This allows companies to comply with environmental regulations without sacrificing dynamic performance. In parallel, Audi is preparing a fully electric version, which could become a new benchmark in its class.
