Upcoming Audi RS6 To Retain Its 605 Horsepower Figure, Report Says

The new Audi RS6 is in its final stages of development, set to make its world debut at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show.

Audi Sport has reportedly opted for a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8 to power its latest product, and if this engine sounds familiar, that’s because it’ll be the same unit as used by the Porsche Panamera Turbo and the Lamborghini Urus.

Autocar reports that Audi will tune the new RS6’s engine to produce around 605hp, the same figure as the current RS6 Performance version. The new engine however will produce an extra 37lb-ft of torque, at 590lb-ft.

If true, that will no longer give the edge to Audi’s super-fast wagon over its competitors in pure power terms; the current BMW M5 offers 600hp and 553lb-ft while the E63 S packs 604hp and 627lb-ft.

Previous reports suggested that Audi could use the plug-in hybrid powertrain from the ballistic Panamera Turbo S E-Hybrid but apparently the new Audi RS6 will stick with just an internal combustion engine.

Power will be traditionally sent to all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission and the company’s latest version of the Quattro system. The new 48-volt electrical architecture is expected to allow Audi Sport apply some new tricks to the chassis for better handling and comfort.

The new Audi RS6 will arrive after the S6, which will be offered in both sedan and wagon versions. The S6, which is also due in 2019, is expected to be powered by a 2.9-liter V6 producing over 450hp.