Next-Gen Audi RS6 Won't Repeat Mercedes-AMG's Costly Mistake
After the demise of the R8, most Audi enthusiasts tend to choose the RS6 Avant as the brand's most desirable model. It has epic looks, a monster V8, and the extra versatility of a station wagon body. But plans for a fully electric next-gen RS6 raised fears about this iconic model changing forever. Fortunately, Autocar has reported that a V8-powered RS6 isn't nearing extinction, as Audi will introduce both a fully electric one and a plug-in hybrid alternative in 2026.
The latest BMW M5 Touring has a plug-in hybrid V8 that delivers 717 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. Audi would struggle to match or surpass that without electrification of some kind, which is why the next RS6 will get its own V8 plug-in hybrid powertrain. An output of 730 hp has been touted for this RS6, making it the most powerful RS6 ever.
Although the finer details haven't yet been confirmed, Audi is expected to continue using a version of its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8, developed by Porsche, but in updated form. The plug-in hybrid setup will include an electric motor mounted on the gearbox, something Porsche already makes use of. The continued use of the V8 will be literal music to the ears of RS6 fans; everyone knows how poorly received Mercedes-AMG's new C63 was when it lost its V8.
While it will be more powerful, it's almost guaranteed that the new RS6 PHEV will be heavier, too. For instance, the new M5 Touring weighs around 5,500 lbs, but the extra power enables a 0-60 mph sprint of 3.5 seconds. That's the figure the new RS6 PHEV will aim to beat, and standard all-wheel drive should help the Audi accomplish just that.
Audi recently said it would keep selling new ICE cars for the foreseeable future. Previously, the brand planned to switch to EVs only from 2033, but the current management team realized the implications of switching over to a fully electric range before customers were ready for it. Instead, the goal is to offer multiple powertrain choices, even for niche models like the high-performance RS6.
To that end, the next RS6 will also be available in fully electric form. The dual-motor setup is expected to yield in the vicinity of 670 hp and 701 lb-ft, but it won't step on the latest RS e-tron GT's toes, Audi's most powerful EV and production car.
"It's unlikely to reach as far as the RS e-tron GT, but there will be a solid increase over and above the S6 e-tron as part of the differentiation measures," said an unnamed source when speaking to Autocar.
A 94.8-kWh battery will be used, and like the RS6 PHEV, the EV will feature more aggressive bodywork, larger brakes, and a hefty price premium over lesser A6 models. We expect some styling elements to be shared with the S6 Sportback e-tron pictured above. For those missing the RS6 Sedan, this body style is also set to make a comeback, although it remains to be seen if it will be sold in the United States.
Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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USA Today
20 hours ago
- USA Today
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Miami Herald
a day ago
- Miami Herald
Acura Launches Killer Integra Lease Deal for June
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Miami Herald
a day ago
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Combined, the system makes 655 hp, and the additional traction of the E-Ray results in a 2.5-second 0-60 mph run. The price for a base E-Ray rises to $106,900, and while that's far more than a base Corvette, it still represents remarkable bang for your buck. The E-Ray manages the same 19 mpg combined as the base Corvette, so the hybrid system is less about efficiency and more about finding a way to unlock another layer of performance. You can also use the car's Stealth mode for silent getaways early on weekend mornings, without disturbing the neighbors. Choosing between the E-Ray and Z06 is quite a conundrum. The Z06 is a raw performer, swapping the 6.2-liter V8 for an intoxicating 5.5-liter flat plane crank V8 that shrieks all the way to 8,600 rpm. It produces 670 hp and 460 lb-ft, and also has an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic. Chevy says it'll hit 60 mph in 2.6 seconds, which is actually slower than the E-Ray, and you need the Z06's $8,995 Z07 Performance Package to achieve that time. That's on top of its $112,100 base price. Taking all this into account, the E-Ray is the winner on paper. But that doesn't tell the full story. You see, the Z06 is about 300 lbs lighter than the E-Ray. This, coupled with its more rev-hungry engine, makes it a more unfiltered and enjoyable track tool. But the E-Ray is a more refined, sophisticated daily driver. You can't go wrong with either. The ZR1 takes the 5.5-liter flat plane crank V8 from the Z06 and boosts it with two turbos. That makes a huge difference, and the result is 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft. With the ZTK Performance Package, the 0-60 mph time drops to an astonishing 2.3 seconds. That may be only two-tenths more than the E-Ray, but even the smallest gains are not easy to come by at this level. The ZTK pack adds a special suspension with magnetic selective ride control and Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2R tires. At $1,500, it's a box you may as well tick, since the ZR1 starts at $173,300. Up until very recently, it was hard to believe the Corvette could get more extreme, but then the ZR1X came along. Chevy pulled out all the stops for the new Corvette ZR1X. Combining the best of the E-Ray and ZR1, this C8 features the 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 combined with an electric drive unit, bringing combined outputs well into EV territory at 1,064 hp and 828 lb-ft. Like the E-Ray, it has e-AWD. The combination of immense power and AWD grip makes it a rocket, with a 0-60 mph time of under two seconds and a quarter-mile time of under nine seconds. In Stealth Mode, the ZR1X can be driven for 4 to 5 miles at speeds of up to 45 mph in silence, but most will prefer operating it with the V8 in full flow. Careful attention to aerodynamics make this the Corvette with the highest ever downforce, and massive carbon ceramic brakes are there to bring the car down from the insanely high speeds it can reach. Pricing for the ZR1X is yet to be revealed, but we expect something in the vicinity of $230,000 to $250,000. Like every other C8, it offers unmatched power and performance from a gas or hybrid sports car for the price. Copyright 2025 The Arena Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
