SPY PICS: Audi RS6 on track for September launch

Just lightly disguised, Audi's upcoming RS6 high performance sedan can be seen in these photos circulating the Nurburgring. The bloodhounds from Carparazzi were hot on the trail of this car as it underwent testing at the famous German track.

As the name indicates, RS6 is based on Audi's A6 model and provides a high performance answer to the Mercedes-Benz E36 AMG and BMW's M5.

At a glance, the RS6 doesn't look appreciably different from the standard A6 or the S6 (more here), but the RS6 combines the V10 engine from the S6 with a turbocharger to produce some staggering output expected to be in the range from 520 to 550bhp, according to the Carparazzi blokes.

They also draw our attention to the oval exhaust pipes at the rear, which are a clue to the vehicle's identity. The S6 has four round pipes. Other visual cues include larger air intakes in the front bumper cover/airdam.

An Avant version (wagon) will be available alongside the sedan and Audi, we believe, will have the RS6 on their stand at the Frankfurt motor show in September.

-- with Carparazzi