Audi’s high-performance mule is trading the Alps for the Nürburgring as the mysterious model has been spied undergoing testing near the Green Hell.
Essentially a mash up of an A6 and RS6 Avant, the mule is believed to be the next-generation RS7 as the automaker is slated to use even numbers for EVs and odd numbers for ICE-powered vehicles. That being said, the model packs a plug-in hybrid powertrain that could take a few cues from the Porsche Panamera.
More: Possible Audi RS7 Mule Spied With Plug-In Hybrid Power
That remains to be seen, but the Panamera offers an assortment of plug-in hybrid options including one that consists of a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, an electric motor, and a 17.9 kWh battery pack. This gives the Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid a combined output of 690 hp (515 kW / 700 PS) and 641 lb-ft (868 Nm) of torque, which is significantly more than the RS 6 Avant Performance that has 621 hp (463 kW / 630 PS) and 627 lb-ft (850 Nm).
Since this is just a mule, there isn’t much to see as most of the bodywork carries over from current models. That being said, the extended fender flares suggest the car could have a wider track. Other than that, there are aggressive side skirts and an ugly exhaust. They’re joined by electrification warning stickers and five-spoke wheels that are backed up by a high-performance braking system.
The sighting comes shortly after the A6 and S6 successors were spied last month. They too were wearing current bodywork and featured a makeshift interior that appeared to echo the one found in the A6 e-tron concept.
