The successor to the current Audi RS6 will be offered in more varied forms and be electrified across its line-up as the next-generation model will get V8 plug-in hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, as well as the choice of sedan and station wagon bodystyles, reported Autocar.
The RS6 was last made available in sedan and station wagon forms in its C6 generation, when it was powered by a twin-turbocharged 5.2 litre V10 engine producing 580 hp and 650 Nm. Those outputs have been surpassed by the subsequent generations, and the upcoming one can be expected to gain even bigger numbers.
For the coming generation of the high-performance model range, two powertrain types means the use of two platforms – the Premium Platform Electric (PPE) for the BEV, and Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) for the combustion-engined (PHEV) version.
The Premium Platform Combustion (PPC) architecture is a development of the group’s MLB architecture that underpinned the current RS6, and the PHEV successor is expected to continue with a development of the 4.0 litre biturbo petrol V8 of the current model.
This serves in plug-in electrified form in the Porsche Cayenne Turbo E-Hybrid, where the 599 PS/800 Nm combustion engine gets a 176 PS/460 Nm electric motor integrated into the eight-speed transmission to yield combined outputs of 739 PS and 950 Nm.
Alongside this will be the BEV version, the RS6 e-tron that will pack a dual-motor AWD powertrain, according to Autocar. This will be developed from the setup in the S6 e-tron, which outputs 551 PS. This has been suggested by Audi Sport to be ramped up to around 680 PS for the RS6 e-tron, according to the publication.
This is expected to be specified with the same 94.8 kWh battery as in the S6 e-tron, and so the overall battery range for the version should be slightly less that the 647 km (WLTP) quoted for the S6 Avant e-tron. Specification enhancements expected over the A6/S6 include larger carbon-ceramic brakes with 10-piston calipers, while an active suspension system could also feature, according to the publication.
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