With the new Audi RS 5 now fully revealed, attention now shifts to the RS 6, what will power it and just when we can expect its reveal. For now, we get to keep theorizing, whispering rumors and watching test mules turn up at places like the Nürburgring where several turned up just yesterday.
SEEN AT THE NÜRBURGRING
Audi maintains a test facility at the Nürburgring where it is a frequent participant in industry-only test days. In as much, spotting mules in and around the area can be particularly fruitful. That was the case yesterday for several spy photographer regulars. In this case, we’re sharing what our friend @wilcoblok spotted.
Photos from several photographers show an RS 6 Sedan, while a video from Wilco and posted to his Instagram account also shows two RS 6 Avants as well.
AN ENGINE FOR DEBATE
Just what will power the RS 6 remains an open question. Depending on the source, the word is either 4.0 TFSI biturbo V8 or the same 2.9 TFSI biturbo V6 seen in the RS 5 – both being hybridized like the RS 5 for this application.
Looking to the competition also isn’t an easy tell. BMW went with the V8 for their hybrid C-segment bahnburner, but Mercedes-AMG went with a V6 hybrid in theirs. There’s no clear cut path forward when benchmarking the other chief German competitors.
So, which is it? Let’s talk brass tacks. I think I know, but it may still be up in the air. Clearly displacement enthusiasts want the V8 whereas those concerned about weight may prefer the V6. What’s more important, I suspect, is a correct guess on what the actual outcome.
Just yesterday I was speaking with a contact in Germany who has some familiarity with the test mules. He shared that, over time, there have been both V6 and V8 RS 6 mules in the mix. That suggests both options were seriously considered, but there can be only one so which is it?
He didn’t know, so for that I’ll turn to what we see in the press or other contacts I have. Everyone seems to have an answer or takes cues from their owns sources and I’m no different but I do give credence to outlets that have proven correct time and again. The latter is Autocar and specifically their contributor Greg Kable. In a story several month ago, Kable seemed to confirm the V8 had won the day and been chosen for the RS 6.
I would have bet money on that, but then another contact who I trust implicitly told me it would be the V6.
Just like the car itself, I’m a bit torn. On the car, I’m torn because the V8 is legendary, but the outgoing V8 RS 6 is already a heavy beast that would only get heavier with hybridization. On who to believe, Kable is usually spot on but so too is my contact and my contact should know for sure.
I lean V6 as the likely outcome. We’ll see when the car arrives.
