The current generation of the Audi RS6 has yet to reach its full potential as Audi Sport boss Sebastian Grams all but confirmed that a more extreme variant of the performance-focused estate is under development.
The Audi RS6 Performance introduce late last year is currently the most powerful version of the model, with the twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 producing 621 hp (463 kW / 630 PS) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm) right from the factory. As a result, the 0-62 mph (0-100 km/h) sprint is completed in 3.4 seconds and the model tops out at 190 mph (305 km/h). While those figures are already impressive for a family hauler, the Managing Director of the Audi Sport division suggested they “can go more extreme” with the RS6.
More: Audi Sport Boss Hints At More Powerful RS3 Without Electrification
The high-ranked official didn’t give us any clue about the styling of the new RS6 variant, but it could get inspiration from the pictured Audi RS6 GTO Concept created in 2020 to honor the Audi 90 Quattro IMSA GTO race car. Still, as a production offering, the model will most likely the practicality, comfort, and technology traits of the estate’s interior instead of going radical like the stripped-out concept.
Besides the tuned powertrain, the beefed-up RS6 could gain a revised chassis setup to go with the extra oomph. The current model is already available with all-wheel steering, rear quattro sport differential, and carbon ceramic brakes, but Audi could always spice it up even more with new settings for the suspension, steering, and electronics. After all, tuners like ABT Sportline have proven the supercar-beating potential of the RS6 platform.
The new comments, reported by Autocar, were made during the event for the 40th anniversary of Audi Sport where the division boss also hinted at a more powerful variant of the Audi RS3 with an upgraded non-electrified five-cylinder engine.
As a general note for RS models, Grams added: “You can see that we are sharpening our portfolio. We are always trying to take the maximum out of the technology. This is how I challenge my R&D department. We can go even further. We can make the car even stronger, even more performance, even sharper… But don’t forget the RS models are used on a daily basis: we are not trying to lose our DNA. An RS model needs to be an all-day car, but it needs to give performance if needed”.
Judging from his remarks, it seems that Audi Sport engineers are working on new special editions of the current models before the division focuses on EVs. Audi will launch its last model with a combustion engine in 2026 and go EV-only in 2033, which means that any RS specials will debut sometime in the next three years. Autocar reports that the “extreme” RS6 could arrive as early as 2024, since Audi Sport confirmed it will launch a combustion vehicle alongside its first EV, likely based on the upcoming Q6 e-tron or A6 e-tron.
