ABT Sportsline, known for tuning Audi’s Formula E race vehicles, has unveiled the first-ever hybrid Audi RS6 Avant. The striking 1,005-horsepower ABT RS6-E concept showcases the future possibilities of tuning hybrid and electric cars.
The RS6-E was developed from the existing 597-horsepower RS6 Performance. ABT enhanced its 4.0-liter biturbo V8 with an ABT Engine Control module and a new exhaust system, increasing power to 720 horses. Additionally, it features a 286-horsepower electric motor integrated into the transmission tunnel. When activated using the ABT “Magic Button” on the steering wheel, the total output can reach 1,005 horsepower and 952 pound-feet of torque.
This boost system is reminiscent of Porsche’s E-Hybrid models or, as Formula E driver Daniel Abt puts it, similar to the NOS button in The Fast and the Furious series. However, the button can only be used when the vehicle exceeds 60 mph and is limited to approximately 10 seconds at a time due to overheating issues. Even without the boost, the RS6-E can accelerate to 60 mph in just 3.3 seconds, with a top speed of nearly 199 mph — impressive for a 4,300-pound wagon that carries a 13.6 kWh battery in its trunk.
Other enhancements include an ABT front lip, rear spoiler, side skirts, fender inserts, mirror caps, and modified front and rear fascias. The vehicle is also equipped with ABT’s latest 21-inch Sport GR wheels featuring aero rings, a design first introduced on Jon Olsson’s ABT RS6+ Phoenix.
At present, the RS6-E remains a prototype, with no plans for production by ABT. It represents more of an experimental project that allows the tuners to delve into hybrid performance advancements. Daniel Abt, son of ABT Sportsline owner Hans-Jurgen Abt, shares his insights on the RS6-E and showcases the car’s remarkable acceleration in the video below.
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