Audi has been snapped testing what looks like an even hotter version of its RS6 Avant at the Green Hell.

    The wagon pictured features wider, vented fenders and a bigger wing on the boot lid, along with spindly wheels. It also appears there are some tweaks to the front bumper, although Audi has done a good job camouflaging what’s changed.

    It also looks like there’s a roll cage inside this mule, although that’s likely specific to this test mule.

    It’s not clear what Audi will call the hotter RS6, given it’s already revealed the RS6 Performance. Our spy photo agency has suggested it could be dubbed the RS6 Avant EVO.

    Power will no doubt come from a version of the twin-turbocharged 4.0-litre V8 engine that features in the current car.

    In the RS6 Performance it pumps out 463kW and 850Nm, up 22kW and 50Nm on the regular RS6 thanks to bigger turbos making 2.6 bar (+0.2 bar) of boost.

    An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard, and has been retuned to shift faster when you’re going flat out, and move more smoothly at a cruise.

    It’s not clear if Audi has squeezed even more grunt from the RS6 this time around.

    More competition could be on the way for the big, bruising Audi. BMW is reportedly developing an M5 Touring, while Mercedes-AMG has traditionally offered an E63 S Estate. Both have the potential to outgun the older RS6.

    MORE: Everything Audi RS6

    Scott Collie

    Scott Collie is an automotive journalist based in Melbourne, Australia. Scott studied journalism at RMIT University and, after a lifelong obsession with everything automotive, started covering the car industry shortly afterwards. He has a passion for travel, and is an avid Melbourne Demons supporter.

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