What It Is: A 2014 Audi RS6 Avant prototype decked out in swirly camouflage and undergoing testing at the Nürburgring in Germany. The current A6 sedan and wagon were introduced last year, as was the latest S6 sedan, so it was only a matter of time before we caught a glimpse of the anticipated higher-performance RS6.

Why It Matters: Audi’s RS line—much like BMW’s M and Mercedes-Benz’s AMG lineups—represents the pinnacle of four-ring performance and serves as a halo for the brand. More critically, BMW already has introduced its latest M5, and Mercedes-Benz updated the E63 AMG with a new engine this year, so the RS6 is on the clock. In addition to taking on its fresh German super-saloon/wagon competition, the new RS6 should neatly round out Audi’s RS offerings. It will join the RS5, TT RS, not-for-U.S. RS3, and also not-for-U.S. RS4; an RS7 and Euro-only RS1 also are on their way.

Why It Matters for the U.S.: Based on the number of “not-for-U.S.” RS models listed above, you may be wondering whether the RS6 will come here. Good question, and the answer is that it probably won’t. We don’t get even the standard A6 Avant here, and the latest RS4 comes only in wagon form, which precludes it from our market. (We no longer get the A4 Avant here, either—it soon will be replaced by the pseudo-crossover-ish 2013 A4 Allroad.) Audi may very well follow the same formula for the larger RS6. This does not mean the RS6 is completely irrelevant to Americans, however. We’ve already spotted A7-based RS7 prototypes out testing, and we’re told that model is coming to our shores. The normal A7 is basically a rebodied A6, so the RS7 should share many of its go-faster bits, including its engine, with the RS6.

KGP PHOTOGRAPHY, THE MANUFACTURER

Platform: The RS6 Avant will utilize the A6 Avant’s body shell, although as the photos clearly show, it will be modified for RS duty. Like several of Audi’s other RS models, the RS6 will get noticeably wider fender flares. Furthermore, the RS6’s front fascia, rocker panel extensions, and rear valance are much more aggressive than those found on the S6. There are huge lower intakes up front, and a pair of big oval exhaust outlets out back (as opposed to the four smaller pipes on the S6). The prototype also gets massive split-spoke wheels, through which enormous discs and calipers at the front and rear are visible.

Powertrain: The 2013 S6—which we’ll get here in the U.S., albeit only in sedan form—is powered by a new twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 that we expect also will motivate the RS6, although with more power. The S6’s V-8 makes 420 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, but figure on the RS6’s motor putting out more power than even the new S8, which is powered by a 520-hp version of the same engine. Given the M5 puts out 560 hp and the previous RS6’s V-10 produced 580 hp, don’t be surprised if the 2014 RS6 brushes up close to the 600-hp mark. We wouldn’t mind a similar figure in the RS7.

KGP PHOTOGRAPHY, THE MANUFACTURER

Competition: BMW M5, Cadillac CTS-V, Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG.

Estimated Arrival Time: We expect the 2014 RS6 Avant to fully break cover sometime later this year or early next before going on sale in Europe sometime in 2013.

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