Audi’s iconic RS6 is set to retain its internal combustion powerplant for another generation though it will be augmented by electricity, a new report has revealed.
Speaking to Australian publication Wheels, Stephan Reil, Head of Research and Development at Audi, confirmed that the next-gen of the supercar slaying performance estate would go down the hybrid route when it arrives.
Reil stated, “Of course this [hybridisation] is the way to go, in the next generation I can tell you it will have more hybridisation. This is our way toward fully electrified cars.”
Audi’s three-stage product plan had earlier revealed that carmaker would go from mild-hybrid to plug-in hybrid before going fully electric. Considering that the current C8 Audi RS6 generation features a 48V mild-hybrid system, it can be deducted that the C9 RS6 will feature a plug-in hybrid system.
However, this new model is only expected to arrive when the current estate finally leaves the production line in 2025. The C10 RS6 will be the first to go fully electric.
The current Audi RS6 is one of the most powerful estate cars currently sold anywhere on the planet. Audi is currently celebrating the 20th anniversary of the arrival of the RS6, which arrived back in July 2002 as a go faster version of the A6.
The current C8 version of the RS6 is the fourth-generation of the RS branded car (now only offered in estate guise) to terrorize supercars and the first to feature any form of electrification in the form of a mild-hybrid system.
In its 20 years of terrorizing supercars, the Audi RS6 has featured a naturally aspirated V8 (4.2-litres), a twin-turbo V10 (5.0-litres) and two iterations of the current 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine.
In the C8 RS6, Audi’s 4.0-litre twin turbo V8 engine pushes out a maximum output of 591 bhp between 6,000 and 6,250rpm and 800BNm of torque between 2,050 and 4,500rpm. The engine is paired with a 8-speed automatic that sends power to all four wheels via Audi’s famed quattro permanent all-wheel drive system.
Despite weighing in at 2.1 tonnes (unladen), the Audi RS6 sprints from 0-100km/h in just 3.6 seconds and onwards to a electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. However, customers opting for the performance family estate can opt to raise the limit as high as 305km/h.
To help the RS6 put the power down to the tarmac, Audi has fitted the estate car’s 21-inch wheels with 275/35 R 21 tyres as standard. Owners can also opt for carbon ceramic brakes that can also be seen on the Lamborghini Urus super SUV and measure 440mm at the front and feature 10 pistons clamping down on them. The rear brakes are no slouches either measuring 370mm and sporting 6 piston callipers.
Thoughts About The Audi RS6 Going Down The Plug_in Hybrid Route
Audi’s decision to stick with internal combustion for another generation of the RS6, albeit aided by electricity, should warm the cockles of many a petrolhead around the world. With electric power actually aiding the already monstrous output of its internal combustion engine, the next-gen Audi RS6 promises to terrorise supercars for many more years to come.
Keyword: Next-Gen Audi RS6 Supercar Slaying Estate Will Go Down Plug-In Route - Buzzkill Delayed