The new Audi RS6 sedan is almost ready for primetime, as these latest spy shots of this virtually undisguised RS6 prototype suggest. This German rocket sedan will pack the same twin-turbo 5.0-liter V-10 with 580 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque under its hood as Audi's RS6 Avant, which was first shown at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show.
Although Audi says the wagon will not be making it to our shores, there is a possibility that the RS6 sedan will make the trans-Atlantic journey sometime after it goes on sale in Europe towards the end of 2008. The RS6 will probably make an appearance in pre-production trim at the upcoming 2008 Paris Motor Show this October.
In keeping with the stealth fighter image Audi's S and RS models, only a few visual cues give away the RS6' true menacing character. The keen eye, however, will notice the slightly wider fenders, larger intakes, an air diffuser in the rear fascia, and twin oval exhaust pipes.
Audi's latest salvo substantially ups the ante in the sports sedan horsepower war, inching it ever closer to the 600 horsepower mark. The RS6 bests the BMW M5 by 80 horses, the Mercedes-Benz E63 by 73 and the upcoming Cadillac CTS-V by 34. With a new 5 Series and a new E-Class both due in the near future, Audi's German rivals should have a return shot ready before long.