Audi A6 facelift and RS6 saloon spy photos

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By Tim Pollard

Spyshots

10 June 2008 09:31

Audi will upgrade its A6 range in autumn 2008 – with a nip 'n' tuck facelift and the arrival of the RS6 hotshot saloon. So far, the RS6 has only been available in the Avant estate bodystyle.

The revised 2009 A6 is called a 'product improvement' in Audi speak and will be launched in September 2008. As you can see from these spy photos, the exterior changes will be minimal and most of the changes are under the skin.

Audi A6 facelift: cleaner engines for all

The biggest seller of the A6 range is the 2.0-litre TDI pumpe-duse model, and this crucial fleet special will be upgraded to the group's latest 2.0-litre common-rail diesel powerplant which is much cleaner for lower tax and fuel bills.

A new 168bhp V6 TDI option is also expected and, in the longer term, you can expect the company's new seven-speed twin-clutch S tronic transmission to be offered. CAR Online was the first to drive this new transmission in the S5 and you can read our car review here.

Audi RS6 4dr: the scoop

It's not just sensible, low-tax models that will join the A6 range in autumn 2008. Audi is also preparing a saloon version of the RS6 hot-rod, likely to cost around £75,000.

Our spy photographers have scooped the four-door RS6 in Germany and it's clear to see that the saloon version will be just as barking as the Avant (read our RS6 estate review here). It is distinguished by a deep diffuser and chunky exhaust sections at the back, clearly visible in our spy photos.

So the new RS6 will be one of the fastest saloons in the world, right?

Correct. Its 5.0-litre V10 breathed on by two turbochargers to crank out a faintly ludicrous 572bhp and 479lb ft of twist. If anything, the RS6 saloon is likely to be even faster than the wagon, so expect a 0-62mph dash of around 4.5sec and a top speed pegged back to 155mph, but nearer 180mph unshackled by electronics.