Like its BMW M5 compatriot, the RS6 Avant was one of those cars that allowed you to have a mid-life crisis without upsetting the family as it offered supercar-crushing levels of performance in a surprisingly practical estate package.
In its previous iteration, it sported a 5.0-litre bi-turbocharged V10 capable of delivering a maximum output of 580HP and peak torque of 650 Nm (479.42 lb-ft).
The introduction of the new generation A6 Avant last year meant that there was a good chance we’d see the rebirth of the RS6. And true enough, our spy shooters captured a prototype model conducting winter tests in Sweden.
But what makes us believe that this is indeed an RS6 Avant prototype? For starters, Audi has already presented all versions of the A6 Avant including the V8-powered S6. Then there’s the flared wheel arches that are a signature trait of the RS series. In addition, the test car also featured a modified front bumper and massive brake discs.
The production version will no doubt sport more changes such as a comprehensive aero kit, different alloy wheels, and an RS front grille.
Most sources claim that the new RS6 in both Avant and sedan forms will use a tweaked version of the VW Group’s newly launched 4.0-liter TSI that powers Audi’s S6 and S7 (420HP) as well as the S8 (520HP) and the Bentley Continental models (500HP), possibly boosted close to 600-horses.
However, we wouldn’t dismiss the possibility of the German firm using a V10 engine. Whatever the engine choice, power will be transferred to all-four wheels via Audi’s quattro system.
Other upgrades will include a more powerful braking system with the option of carbon-ceramic disks making their appearance again, as well as a specially modified suspension.
We should see the RS6 Avant making its debut by late 2013
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