In January, we brought you a set of scoop photos showing a test mule of the next RS6 Avant based on the S6 Avant. Now, our eagle-eyed spy photographers have spotted the actual 2013 (or 2014MY) RS6 Avant prototype while lapping the famed Nürburgring track in Germany.

And why are we so confident that this is indeed an RS6 Avant test car, we hear some of you ask? Well, there are several telltale signs proving that this is an RS model, including the honeycomb-style front grille and brake air vents, the wider wheel arches and of course, the twin-tail pipes, all of which are signature traits of Audi’s RS lineup.

If you take an even closer look at the pictures, you will also see the massive brake discs trying to hide behind the five-spoke alloy wheels.

Audi officials are keeping their cards close to their chest about the new RS6’s drivetrain, but it is believed that the previous model’s 571bhp 5.0-liter bi-turbo V10 could be replaced by an upgraded version of Audi’s new 4.0-liter TSI that powers Audi’s S6 and S7 (420HP) as well as the S8 (520HP) and the Bentley Continental models (500HP).

If true, the twin-turbocharged powerplant will produce close to 600-horses.

Regardless of what lies under the hood, the RS6 will be fitted with Audi’s all-wheel drive quattro system.

A sedan version of the RS6 should follow after the presentation of the Avant model.

Photo Credits: Carpix for Carscoop

PHOTO GALLERY

2014-Audi-RS6-Avant-12014-Audi-RS6-Avant-22014-Audi-RS6-Avant-32014-Audi-RS6-Avant-42014-Audi-RS6-Avant-52014-Audi-RS6-Avant-62014-Audi-RS6-Avant-72014-Audi-RS6-Avant-8