This oooo Intel file is part of an ongoing series following upcoming Audi models from the rumor phase to spy photos and ultimately to production. These reports will be regularly updated as new information is reported. Find our other oooo Intel reports HERE.
Model Name(s): RS 6 (C9)
Status: RS 6 (C9) Confirmed and Close to Production with Full Production Test Mules Spied.
Known Platform: PPC (Premium Platform Consumption)
Possible Platform Mates:
- Audi A6 and S6
CURRENT THEORY SUBJECT TO UPDATE BASED ON INTEL
Replacing the internal combustion (ICE) RS 6 Avant is a big deal at Audi. With the R8 and TT now long gone and only rumors of either returning, the ICE RS models remain their only credible product to performance car enthusiasts who haven’t been wooed by the idea of a world of electromobility just yet. Most important of these, I’d argue, is the RS 6 because it being offered as the enthusiast darling Avant in all major markets has established it as the flag waiver for the brand to this EV skeptical crowd.
Effectively full production test mules of the new RS 6 Avant have been seen for a while now, so there’s no question the car is coming. Further, squinting through the funkadelic camo disguise even reveals key details such as prominence of fender flares, RS 6 GT style air curtain slats on the front quarter and unique new exhaust tip placement more centrally mounted than we’ve seen in the past.
There will be two different RS 6s and RS 6 e-tron. We’re talking here about the former. And, even though it’s not an EV like the upcoming RS 6 e-tron, it may very well be a plug-in hybrid. BMW went that route with the latest M5, and Audi could very well go that way also.
As for engine, this could be either the 2.9-liter biturbo currently in cars like the S6, S7 and RS 5, or it could be an updated version of the 4.0-liter biturbo from the current RS 6. A hybridized next-generation RS 5 is expected at this point, with a great indication of its hybrid tech seen in the recently revealed A5 hybrid.
In a recent RS 6 video of their own, CarWow (see below) theorizes on the power of the 2.9-liter biturbo paired with the new A5 hybrid system weighing in at 600 hp, which would be great for the RS 5, but wouldn’t break any new ground for the current 4.0-liter C8 RS 6. However, given the larger chassis, Audi could pair it with the electric motor hardware of the Cayenne GT hybrid or new Bentley Continental GT hybrid and get power to above the current RS 6 performance.
Should Audi step up to the 4.0-liter biturbo for the car, the power figures get a bit more generous. For this, we only need to look at the Cayenne GT that weighs in at 729 hp and 700 lb ft.. Notably, the Cayenne GT uses a 25.9 kWh battery that is the same spec as the one announced in the A5 hybrid.
That’s also not the most powerful plug-in hybrid system on the shelf at the Volkswagen Group. The latest, for the Bentley Continental GT. It’s based on a mild evolution of the 4.0-liter V8, with revised fueling and using single scroll turbos that place more power up high while the electric drive fills torque during moments of lag. In the Bentley, that’s good for 782 hp and 1,000 Nm of torque.
The question is whether Audi gets caught up in trying to take up the arms race with BMW to match the M5’s power and performance. Though while the M5 is certainly powerful, able to walk on the current RS 6 in high-speed roll-on maneuvers, critics pan how heavy the car has gotten in the curves.
Another upgrade expected with the upcoming RS 6 is the adoption of the same active suspension we’ve most recently seen go into the RS e-tron GT. It allows the car to lean into corners, which would certainly help it manage hide the added mass as felt in the handling.
RUMOR TIMELINE REVERSE CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER
CarWow via YouTube, Mar 27, 2025 – Link
- One of the most informative analysis of the upcoming RS 6 out there.
- Includes renderings based on the new car and stylized consistently with details seen on the spy photos including exhausts mounted closer to the center of the car.
- Lots of information and analysis on various Volkswagen Group hybrid hardware that could go into play.
Audi Club North America, Feb 10, 2025 – Link
- Spy photos of RS 6 Avant
Audi Club North America, Jul 10, 2024 – Link
- Spy photos of the RS 7 Avant
Audi Club North America, Jun 12, 2024 – Link
- Spy photos of the RS 7 Avant
Audi Club North America, May 13, 2024 – Link
- Future Model Roadmap: Next A7/S7/RS 7 Sportback and Avant