An all-new Audi RS6 is being prepared to rival the latest BMW M5 and the Mercedes E63 AMG, which will soon be modified. It will be powered by an uprated version of the new twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 that is borrowed from the S6, S7 and S8. The new RS6 was recently spotted while undergoing testing at the Nürburgring. It’s likely to be launched at the Geneva show next year. It will go on sale in the UK in the middle of 2013. It will be offered with a saloon and estate variants. The naturally aspirated 5.0-litre V10 of its predecessor will be replaced by the new force-fed V8. Bentley has helped develop this engine, which can deliver a nominal 513bhp in the S8.
But detailed modifications such as turbocharger boost pressure are likely to add 59bhp, raising the output to 572bhp, says Autocar. It delivers power that’s at the same level as the old V10 and far more than the 414bhp of the S6 saloon and Avant. The torque is expected to go higher than the 479lb ft of the S8. A source from Audi told Autocar that it can offer over 516lb ft.
The power of the RS6 will surpass the 552bhp of the M5 and the maximum 549bhp offered by the present E63 AMG. Audi’s torque-sensing all-wheel drive system sends the power to all the four wheels. It comes with an active rear differential with torque vectoring. It’s not certain yet if the new car will have an eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox or a more recent seven-speed, dual-clutch auto. It will be lighter than its predecessor by as much as 100kg due to the greater use of aluminium and carbonfibre.
