With the all-electric future getting closer, Audi’s design boss has indicated that the Four Rings’ last array of internal combustion engine RS models, likely to start with the RS4, will “think blowing”.
Although only set to release gasoline and diesel engines worldwide in 2034, the marque has begun the transition by equipping most Audi Sport models with a 48-volt mild hybrid system in addition to announcing no number of cylinders below six before only EVs. move in 2026.
The RS6 will be the RS6 e-tron
The product portfolio will be led by the RS4 Avant which will be a plug-in hybrid when the next-generation A4 debuts, Marc Lichte said that development on the A6 e-tron has already begun, a branch of the performance property, the RS6 Avant. , will become the RS6 e-tron in 2024.
Reportedly it has been seen by senior executives of Ingolstadt, Lichte told England’s Top Gear that “he goes crazy when he sees pictures and models on stage”.
Set to ride on Porsche’s developed, EV-optimized PPE platform that will underpin the Boxster, Cayman and the rumored successor to the R8, Lichte added that the RS6 e-tron will have a wide track and stance while remaining faithful to the outgoing one. principles of performance and practicality of the model.
Also read: Plug-in hybrid will then be confirmed as electric for the next Audi RS6
“At [RS6 e-tron] it will definitely have a different body, which means a different track, a different wheel diameter,” he said in reference to the difference between the RS6 and the A6 e-tron.
Asked about the RS6 Avant, Lichte said, “I promise, both EV and ICE will be impressive. Especially the last generation ICE RS model, it will be bwoah … mind blowing. You will be surprised”.
Although Lichte declined to provide further details about the RS6 or the RS6 e-tron, reports say that the final encore will use the same plug-in hybrid configuration as the RS4 Avant, which will result in more grunt than the electric 4.0 TFSI. The current V8 produces 441kW/800Nm.
“This [hybridisation] it’s the way to go; in the next generation i can say you will have more hybridization. This is our way to a fully electric car,” Audi’s Head of Research and Development, Stephan Reil, told The Australian. Wheel Magazine last year.
Take the plug?
If approved for a plug-in hybrid setup, it could lead to an output of 515kW / 850Nm British magazine Evo reported back in 2017 as the title for the performance version of the RS7 Sportback.
Until an official announcement is made, expect more rumors to emerge throughout the year leading up to the RS6 e-tron’s grand unveiling in two years.