Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia
Spy photographers have once again caught an upcoming vehicle undergoing testing, giving an early glimpse at what's to come before its official debut.
Porsche 911 to Get Slantnose Variant
Porsche 911 Falchbau--German for "Slantnose"--refers to extremely rare and sought-after Porsche models with a flat-front design. The original flat-nose 911 was a rare special option that the German manufacturer offered in the '80s as a conversion variant for the flagship 911 Turbo. Its aerodynamic design with pop-up headlights was based on the 935 racing model, which dominated endurance racing for years.
In total, just more than 900 vehicles were modified at the factory, with a few subsequent conversions. In 2019, Porsche presented its last flat-body model, the 935, which was limited to 77 units and intended for track-use only.
But now, the Slantnose models seem to be back on the menu, as Porsche has registered the model names 'Flachbau' and 'Flachbau RS' with the European Patent Office. The registrations were made on May 14 and refer to class 12, which authorises use on vehicles and vehicle parts.
Recently, SEMA News sources stationed at the German Nürburgring caught a prototype that appears to be a test mule for such a 911 Slantnose, likely in RS guise. It's based around the 991 platform, but will likely morph into a 992.2 once getting closer to launch, according to insiders.
Extremely limited special editions of the 911 are conceivable under the Flachbau/Flachbau RS title. Porsche had already announced that it would be producing further small series of the classic model for collectors. The 911 Spirit 70 was recently unveiled as the third of four planned 911 special models in the limited edition 'Porsche Heritage Design' series. Will the Slantnose version be number four?
Audi Prepares Next-Generation RS6 Avant
Audi is preparing a new generation of its high-performance wagon, the RS6 Avant, to compete directly with the BMW M5 Touring, according to insiders.
Prototypes of the upcoming RS6 Avant have been spotted multiple times in recent months and were recently seen again at the Nürburgring and on surrounding roads. Wrapped in full camouflage, the vehicle caught appears to be close to production, featuring final-spec lighting units and front and rear bumpers.
Design changes are expected to be subtle, with the RS6 Avant retaining the aggressive styling typical of Audi Sport models, including the dual oval exhaust outlets. Underneath, the chassis has been upgraded compared with the standard new-generation A6, which recently entered production in Neckarsulm, Germany, sharing its platform with the third-generation Q5.
Audi has also confirmed that the model will continue to be called the RS6 Avant, despite earlier reports suggesting it could be renamed the RS7 Avant. The company considered introducing a new naming convention – odd numbers for internal-combustion models and even numbers for electric vehicles – but ultimately abandoned the plan following customer confusion. The recently launched A5, which replaced the A4 (B9), remains the only exception.
The current RS6 Avant Performance, sold as a '26 model, produces 621 hp from a 4.0L twin-turbo V8. The next-generation RS6 Avant is expected to adopt a plug-in hybrid V6 powertrain, with combined output projected to exceed 725 hp.
The new Audi RS6 Avant is expected to debut as a '27 model.
Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV Facelift Coming for 2026
The Mercedes-Benz EQS SUV is getting a mid-cycle update that promises more than just cosmetic tweaks, according to SEMA News sources.
Spotted near the German manufacturer's development center, the camouflaged prototype reveals a reworked grille and hints at redesigned side intakes on the bumper, likely to improve front-brake cooling. The most noticeable change is a fresh set of headlights featuring three-pointed-star daytime running lights.
At the rear, the SUV still carries over its current taillights, but with a 2026 debut for the '27 model year, updated light clusters seem likely. The reshaped rear bumper, on the other hand, is already confirmed.
Inside, the big story will be the adoption of MB.OS, Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation infotainment platform. First launched on the all-new CLA Sedan and Shooting Brake, MB.OS builds on the system in the '24 E-Class, using a chip-to-cloud architecture that expands automated driving capabilities.
Underneath, rumors suggest a shift to the latest eATS 2.0 electric drive units--also known as MB.EDU 2.0. This highly integrated setup, used in the CLA, places a motor on the rear axle paired with a two-speed gearbox, improving both acceleration and efficiency compared with single-speed designs. Audi and Porsche already use similar systems in the e-tron GT and Taycan.
The facelifted EQS SUV is also expected to adopt CLA-derived battery technology, sources said, moving to an 800-volt architecture. Beyond enabling faster DC charging, 800 volts reduces resistive losses, improves efficiency and allows thinner, lighter cabling thanks to lower current demands.
Silicon carbide inverters are also on the table, offering better thermal performance, higher power density and quicker charging than traditional silicon-based units. Mercedes may even rebrand its EVA2 platform as EVA2M, with the EQE lineup benefiting from the same upgrades.
