Spyshots: 2012 Audi S6 Spotted on the 'Ring, Could Come With 440 HP V8

New images of the upcoming Audi S6 have just fallen into our figurative lap, and surprisingly the car isn’t wearing any camouflage. Perhaps, given the fact that the regular A6 saloon is out and about, the Ingolstadt engineers didn’t feel the need to cover the car up, but the only thing that’s missing to make this a production model is an ‘S6’ badge.

We just talked about the disappointment that is the new S5, which has dropped a whole bunch of ponies for a lighter and more efficient engine configuration. The 2012 S6 will also lob off a couple of its cylinders from the current model’s V10, yet the new 4.0-liter TFSI will make about as much power as the engine it replaces.

The exterior is distinguished by sportier fascias, aerodynamic side skirts, and a four-tailpipe exhaust system. It should also receive a revised grille, as is the case with all of the Ingolstadt carmaker’s sporty versions. Inside, rumor has it that Audi will let you play the sportscar game by letting you spec the S6 with carbon fiber inserts on the center console and dash.

So when can we expect to see the new 4.0 TFSI V8 arriving under the bonnet of a production S6? Well, it’s expected the car will make its official debut at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, though this might also take place at the beginning of next year in Detroit, making it a 2013 model year. An even hotter RS6 will also arrive on the scene with over 550 horsepower to take on the BMW M5 and Mercedes E63 AMG.