A glimpse of what’s to come.
The automotive industry as a whole is rapidly changing. New technology, materials, resources, and innovations are propelling vehicles to new limits with a more powerful, fuel-efficient future in mind. Electric powertrains and hybrid technology are what automakers are working towards, and the team at ABT Sportsline is right there on the cutting edge with the new ABT Sportsline Audi RS6-E prototype.
Just like the automotive industry has adapted to stricter emissions and fuel economy standards and needs, the aftermarket tuning world is doing the same. ABT Sportsline already has quite a bit of experience in this field as their motorsports arm (ABT Schaeffler Audi Sport) runs Audi’s Formula E team, racking up numerous wins and a championship title.
That technology and innovation has been developed for the road with the new ABT Sportsline Audi RS6-E. The new prototype vehicle is based on an ABT-tuned version of the Audi RS6 Avant but sports an additional electric motor, which engineers installed in the transmission tunnel. This electric motor produces an extra power boost when needed and draws energy from a compact, 13.6 kWh battery.
At the heart of the ABT Sportsline Audi RS6-E is a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine that’s been upgraded with the team’s ABT Engine Control (AEC) unit and a modified exhaust system – also known as the ABT Power R in the brand’s product catalog. On its own, the engine delivers a healthy 730 horsepower for fun in any situation.
However, when the driver needs to call on even more power, there’s a magical button that sends the German wagon into another dimension. The ABT Sportsline Audi RS6-E prototype can engage its electric motor which provides a boost of 288 horsepower and 233.8 lb-ft. of torque for a short time. That equates to a combined total of 1,018 horsepower and 952 lb-ft. of torque, resulting in utterly incredible acceleration.
There’s also quite a bit more to the ABT Sportsline Audi RS6-E prototype than just the hybrid powertrain. The entire vehicle is wrapped in a special vinyl that was inspired by the design of a printed circuit board. There’s also new 21-inch ABT Sport GR alloy wheels with AERO rings to improve drag and cooling along with H&R springs to reduce the ride height. The full ABT aerodynamics pack that is available to standard Audi RS6 Avant models is also used and includes a front lip and skirt add-ons, side mirror caps, front fender inserts, side skirts, rear skirt add-ons, and a rear spoiler.
The ABT Sportsline Audi RS6-E prototype isn’t available to customers, however it gives an insight of what we can expect from the German company in the future – and we’re very excited.
ABT Sportsline Audi RS6-E Prototype Specifications
Engine:
Displacement: 4.0-liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 730 / 537 kW (combustion)
Maximum Horsepower with Electric Motor: 1,018
Maximum Torque with Electric Motor: 952 lb-ft. / 1,291 Nm
Electric Motor Horsepower: 288 / 213 kW
Electric Motor Torque: 233.8 lb-ft. / 317 Nm
Battery: 13 kWh
Other Modifications:
-ABT Sportsline aerodynamic package
-Circuit-board-design vinyl wrap
-ABT Sport GR alloy wheels with AERO rings
-H&R suspension springs
ABT Sportsline Audi RS6-E Gallery
Source: ABT Sportsline
Do you think the 1,018-horsepower hybrid ABT Sportsline Audi RS6-E is the way of the future?
