One source said: “It’s unlikely to reach as far as the RS E-tron GT [Audi Sport’s most powerful model, at 912bhp], but there will be a solid increase over and above the S6 E-tron as part of the differentiation measures.”
Like some other performance EVs, such as the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N, Audi will also give the RS6 E-tron a trick gearbox and pump sound into the cabin to increase driver engagement.
Audi Sport engineers are also claimed to be developing a progressive torque curve.
The EV will use the same 94.8kWh (usable) battery as the A6 E-tron but, given its performance positioning, it isn’t expected to achieve the same range as the standard saloon (463 miles) or Avant estate (437 miles).
Both the electric and combustion-engined RS6s will be visually more aggressive than their standard stablemates, with a more angular design, wider arches and, at the rear, a deep diffuser and larger roof-mounted spoiler.
For the PHEV, notably larger air intakes and centrally positioned oval tailpipes will be added. Meanwhile, the EV will grow to 4900mm in length, to match its PHEV V8 sibling.
Despite the adoption of lightweight materials such as aluminium and composites, the extra hybrid hardware will add mass, tipping the new PHEV RS6 beyond the 2090kg of its predecessor. The electric RS6 E-tron, meanwhile, is set to exceed the 2500kg mark.
