Future Audi RS 6 Avant Puts Power to the Test at Nürburgring

A few months ago, we spied the next generation Audi RS 6 Avant during cold weather testing. Now things are heating up as the RS 6 Avant test mule is spied again, but this time putting its prodigious power down at the Nürburgring.

We love the current Audi RS 6 Avant. With 621 horsepower on tap in a practical wagon body style, how could we not love it? But nothing lasts forever, and that includes high-performance German wagons. The good news is that we expect the next generation RS 6 Avant to be even more potent than the one we have now.

Audi RS 6 Avant Engine

The next-generation RS 6 is expected to lose the V8 engine and gain a plug-in hybrid V6. If you look at the spy shots closely you will notice a high-voltage sticker on the top passenger corner of the windshield. That would indicate that this is without a doubt an electrified model. But the fat, central mounted exhaust pipes confirm that this is not fully electric. Look closer that the exhaust and you can see one of the valves closed so it appears this car is fitted with the active exhaust.

There are no official horsepower estimates yet released for this car. But Audi is not going to make it less powerful than the current version. Figure between 650 and 725 horsepower being a safe bet. Getting home from the grocery store before the ice cream melts shouldn’t be a problem. Even in the middle of a Texas summer.

The test mule is still wearing heavy camouflage so we can’t pick up many styling details. Although it appears to have the same general muscular build as the current model. The wheels, brakes and exhaust outlets all seem to be oversized.

Seeing the car out testing on the Nürburgring is a great sign. It means we are one step closer to a formal reveal. And even more importantly, we are one step closer to getting to drive it.