We’ve long known that Audi would keep the RS6 alive into its electric era. But now, for the first time, we’re seeing one of the design cues that may help it stand out from the rest of the A6 e-tron lineup: its widened wheel arches.
In photos captured by our spy photographers, Audi can be seen testing a new version of the A6 e-tron with wider tracks and much wider front wheel arches. Based on comments made by Audi’s head of design, Marc Lichte, we can surmise that that makes this the RS6 e-tron variant.
Back in January, Lichte said that stance was the most important factor that made the RS6 Avant special. He said that performance EVs from Mercedes and BMW haven’t yet explored a widebody EV, but that Audi would.
Read: Audi RS6 E-Tron Flaunts Digital Side Mirrors In Latest Spy Photos
Indeed, the feature gives the vehicle a broadened and more aggressive demeanor than previous test vehicles seen with the standard, narrower body. However, they aren’t the only thing to mark this vehicle out as a performance vehicle.
In addition to the widened track, the car also features big slotted brakes that will no doubt help its performance on track. In addition, the car has a step at the back where the roof meets the trunk, and then another where that meets the quarter panel, making it look a bit like a Volvo S60 from the mid-aughts.
Like the A6 e-tron, the RS6 e-tron will be based on Audi’s new Premium Platform Electric architecture. Although Audi has yet to officially reveal how much power the all-electric drivetrain will churn out, rumors indicate that it could put out as much as 805 hp (600 kW/816 PS), which would certainly make it fun to drive.
Earlier this year, Audi said that it plans to reveal the RS6 e-tron in 2024.
