The official details for the new Audi A6 aren't even cold yet and already we are hearing ripples of rumors about different versions of the luxury sedan. It's only natural that the company will follow the A6 with an S and RS (Renn Sport) version for it, so these rumors are more fact than fiction. However, while the RS version won't be unveiled until about another two years, many people are too geeked up about it to wait that long, and this fresh rendering is proof of that.
Besides receiving an impressive exterior update inspired by the latest A7 Sportback and an even sportier interior with higher quality materials, the Audi RS6 sports sedan will also be built on the new MLP platform (structured to provide better weight distribution) that will help reduce the total weight by aprox. 220 lbs.
Also, the new RS6 will drop the current V10 engine in favor of a new twin turbo 4-liter V8 engine that will deliver the same performance numbers as the engine it replaces.
UPDATE 02/15/2011: Ask and you shall receive. Since people already began speculating about the RS6 anyway, an Audi spokesman has provided a couple of details for the vehicle. In an interview with Telegraaf.nl, the spokesman said that the United States is a typical sedan country for which the RS6 is intended, eliminating the question of whether or not the RS6 will make it to our side of the pond. The Audi spokesman also said that the RS6 will feature lots of carbon fiber components in order to reduce the car's weight by as much as possible.
UPDATE 03/28/2011: Today's rumors suggest that the Audi RS6 will go on sale one year earlier than expected. This decision has been made in an attempt to attack the future BMW M5 set to be released in just a few months time.
Hit the jump to read more about the 2013 Audi RS6.
2013 Audi RS6
- Make: Array
- Model: 2013 Audi RS6
- Engine/Motor: twin turbo 4-liter V8 engine
- Horsepower: 580
- Torque: 480
- [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array
Exterior and Interior
Like with the new generation A6, the RS6 will also get a long engine hood, headlights and taillights featuring LED technology, and elements that will distinguish it as an RS model. There will be specific front and rear fascias, even more pronounced wheel arches, a face mask with a honeycomb grille, dual oval tailpipes, and a set of badges to identify the model.
The Engine
The current RS6 is powered by a 5.0 liter V10 engine that delivers 580 hp and 480 lb-ft of torque, but for the future RS6, Audi will drop the V10 engine in favor of a twin turbo 4-liter V8 engine with a similar output. So, we get to have the same performance, but better fuel consumption? That's not something that can be turned down!
Expect to see a sprint from 0 to 60 mph in 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 175 mph.
2009 Audi RS6
When can I buy one?
The new generation Audi RS6 is not expected to debut for another two years, so we don't expect to be able to buy this car before 2013.
The Competition
The list of competitors will include the usual BMW M5 and the Mercedes E63 AMG. By the time the RS6 gets to the market, BMW will also have the new M5 up for offer. It will be powered by a twin-turbocharged 4.4-liter V8 engine that will deliver around 555 hp and 680 Nm torque, making the new M5 far better than the model it replaces. The E63 AMG will be powered by a 6.3-liter V8 engine that delivers 525 HP. Neither model touches the Audi in performance, but personal preference may play a part in this market.