Spy Shots: 2009 Audi RS6 sedan

Early this year, Audi revealed pictures and statistics for its monstrous 580hp (432kW) twin-turbo V10-powered RS6 Avant, but there has still been no official release of the RS6 sedan. These spy photos show that Audi will be tweaking the tail lights slightly, though the rest of the RS6 formula appears unchanged.

And leaving the RS6 formula alone is a good thing. Apart from the massive power, the V10 inside the RS6 family churns out 650Nm of torque. Permanent quattro all-wheel drive helps keep all that power and torque from vaporizing the rubber wrapping each of the 19-inch (20-inchers are optional) alloy wheels. Carbon-ceramic brakes are also standard equipment, helping to haul the rather large car down from high speeds without brake fade or hesitation.

Inside the RS6 will also share features with its estate-bodied brother, with carbon fiber and aluminum details, leather and Alcantara seating and a fully customizable interior. For instance, two steering wheels will be available, one a three-spoke with multifunction controls, the other an RS-specific model with a flat bottom and RS6 emblems. A unique instrument cluster, which includes a boost gauge for the twin turbos, plus an all-inclusive driver information system.

The new tail lights for the RS6 Sedan move away from the large and somewhat tapered units found on the Avant toward a slimmer, more angular design. Though they are somewhat obscured by red tape in the photos, the outline can be discerned, and it is clearly a smaller overall package than that fitted to the Avant. The tail end of the car is otherwise very similar, including the rear valance, under-bumper diffuser and split-tailpipe design.

The RS6 sedan is expected to launch later this year with prices around €105,000.

2009 Audi RS6 sedan spy shots

Audi RS6 Avant