BMW's latest M5 über-sedan has been generating a lot of buzz this year but the men of Ingolstadt seem to be well prepared to answer the new competition. Readying its next-generation RS6 super sedan, Audi announced that its power output will be enough to shatter any number posted from BMW or Mercedes-Benz.
According to AutoCar, Audi will be using a tuned twin-turbocharged 4.0 liter V8 powerplant for RS6 duty. An engine also found in the Audi S6, S7, and S8 performance sedans, the upcoming RS6 stands to offer the most powerful 4.0 liter turbocharged V8 yet thanks to substantial enhancements including increased boost pressure.
Reaching nearly 580-hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque to all four wheels via its legendary Quattro setup, the new Audi RS6 is significantly more powerful than the 513-hp from the 5.0 V10 engine found in the discontinued 2011 Audi RS6. In fact, Audi is especially proud that its new engine will thorougly eclipse both the 552bhp from the BMW M5 and the maximum 549bhp available from the current E63 AMG.
Spy pictures of an Audi RS6 mule have already been populating the web lately and insiders shared that the new RS6 will apply aluminum and carbon fiber technology more extensively through its architecture in order to save more than 100 kg over the outgoing model. However, industry observers are still unsure as to whether the turbo V8 will be mated to an eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox or a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. In any case, we fully expect the more powerful RS6 to provide improved fuel economy numbers as well.
Expect the upcoming Audi RS6 to make its public debut in Geneva for 2013. European delivery is scheduled for sometime next summer while the North American market follows closely behind
