2009 Audi RS 6: Look, but Don't Touch

Audi's revealed details and photos of the 2009 RS 6 supersedan--but don't get so antsy if you're in the United States.

Audi hasn't confirmed any plans to sell the new RS 6 in America, but it has released all the details on it prior to a public appearance at the Moscow auto show, and then the more widely attended Paris auto show this fall.

The new RS 6 has had the equivalent of a heart transplant, ditching the V-8s of lesser A6 derivatives for a 5.0-liter V-10 with twin turbocharged and quattro all-wheel drive. Audi says it draws 580 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque from the engine, which it teams with a six-speed automatic transmission with quicker shift reflexes. Quattro, in this setting, gets its power biased toward the rear for more agile handling. Audi promises acceleration to 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph.

Other technical upgrades include speed-dependent power steering, Dynamic Ride Control hydraulic damping for the suspension, stability control that's tweaked for high-performance driving, and a set of 19-inch wheels with 40-series tires. Big brakes with ceramic discs are included.

Outside the RS 6 wears adaptive xenon lights, LED daytime running lights, a rear spoiler, twin oval exhausts, and flared fenders. Inside, there are carbon fiber, aluminum and piano black trim and a choice of leathers. Audi's MMI system has been updated, and Bluetooth is included.

The Audi RS 6 goes on sale in Europe in mid-October. The starting price in Germany is the equivalent of $157,500. Even if you can't enjoy it here in the States for any price, you can take a look at some more high-resolution pics and console yourself with the latest on the 2009 Audi A6. 2009 Audi RS6Enlarge PhotoAudi's revealed details and photos of the 2009 RS 6 supersedan--but don't get so antsy if you're in the United States. Audi hasn't confirmed any plans to sell the new RS 6 in America, but it has released all the details on it prior to a public appearance at the Moscow auto show, and then the more widely attended Paris auto show this fall. The new RS 6 has had the equivalent of a heart transplant, ditching the V-8s of lesser A6 derivatives for a 5.0-liter V-10 with twin turbocharged and quattro all-wheel drive. Audi says it draws 580 horsepower and 479 pound-feet of torque from the engine, which it teams with a six-speed automatic transmission with quicker shift reflexes. Quattro, in this setting, gets its power biased toward the rear for more agile handling. Audi promises acceleration to 60 mph in less than 4.5 seconds and a top speed of 174 mph. Other technical upgrades include speed-dependent power steering, Dynamic Ride Control hydraulic damping for the suspension, stability control that's tweaked for high-performance driving, and a set of 19-inch wheels with 40-series tires. Big brakes with ceramic discs are included. Outside the RS 6 wears adaptive xenon lights, LED daytime running lights, a rear spoiler, twin oval exhausts, and flared fenders. Inside, there are carbon fiber, aluminum and piano black trim and a choice of leathers. Audi's MMI system has been updated, and Bluetooth is included. The Audi RS 6 goes on sale in Europe in mid-October. The starting price in Germany is the equivalent of $157,500. Even if you can't enjoy it here in the States for any price, you can take a look at some more high-resolution pics and console yourself with the latest on the 2009 Audi A6.