Audi RS6
It's finally here. After months of speculation, subterfuge and spy shots, the Audi RS6 has revealed itself to the world.
Muscling into Frankfurt to steal the thunder from, well, everything, the RS6 looks like being everything we hoped for - and a bit more besides.
Let's start with a few numbers. The new RS6 will be powered by a twin-turbo version of the S6's 5.2-litre V10, which now develops a monstrous 572bhp at 6,250rpm.
There's 480lb ft of torque available from as low down as 1,500rpm, helping to shove the RS6 (in Avant guise) to 62mph in 4.6 seconds and on to an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
Those are identical performance figures to the BMW M5 Touring (upcoming twin test courtesy of every motoring magazine in the world), but the RS6 has an extra 73 horses to play with, and also just edges the Beemer on fuel economy too, returning an almost-respectable 20.3mpg.
Transmission is taken care of by Audi's six-speed Tiptronic auto gearbox, while Dynamic Ride Control and ESP (which can, if you're feeling profligate, be switched off) ensure that all four driven wheels stay on the road.
A bulked-up Torsen diff divides torque with a 40:60 front/rear split, while huge ventilated all-disc brakes take care of stopping duties. Ceramics are a cost option.
It's the tried-and-tested RS approach in the visuals department - nothing too extravagant but plenty of subtle pointers.
Wider wheelarches house 19-inch spokes - although 20s are available if you want them - while at the front there's a meatier bumper and LED running lights.
The rear gets a full-width diffuser and a pair of chromed oval tailpipes, but all-in-all there's not too much to indicate the mad power lurking within.
How much? There's no exact word as yet, but expect prices in the £75,000 region when the RS6 Avant goes on sale in the UK next spring.
If you're holding out for the saloon version (which you really shouldn't - the Avant is far cooler and has enough bootspace to swallow a small orchestra), Audi says it'll be on the way later next year.
We'll be waiting with baited notebooks to see the covers come off the RS6 Avant next week in Frankfurt. Make sure you join us.
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