Story and photos by Andreas Conradt, Automedia
Spy photographers have once again caught several upcoming vehicles undergoing testing, giving an early glimpse at what's to come before they officially debut.
First-Ever Skoda Fabia RS Spotted on the Nürburgring
Two different prototypes of a Skoda Fabia-based car were spotted testing on the German Nürburgring, both equipped with features not yet available on the model.
New images from SEMA News sources show an aggressive roof spoiler and an additional lip on the front bumper, plus red brake calipers, hinting at the first-ever Skoda Fabia RS.
The model has long been rumored, according to insiders, and appears to be coming as a '26 or '27 model. If so, it would follow in the footsteps of the Fabia RS Rally 2 purpose-built rally car. Like the RS Rally 2, the customer version could be offered with a 1.6L four-cylinder engine under the hood.
Audi Caught Testing RS6 e-tron
Newly captured spy shots show what is thought to be another electric RS model from Audi--the RS6 e-tron based on the all-electric A6--as it prepares to transition its lineup to electric power.
The prototype may look like some of the testers for the regular A6, but a closer inspection reveals details like flared wheel arches and an uprated brake package with drilled brake discs.
A concept of the A6 shown in '21 packed a 100-kwh battery and dual-motor powertrain good for 469 hp. Output in the RS6 is expected to match the maximum 621 hp available in the current gas-powered RS6 Avant.
The A6, and thus any RS version, has been designed around Volkswagen Group's new PPE modular EV platform for high-volume luxury models. The platform debuts later this year in the Audi Q6 (e-tron) crossover, which is also expected to spawn an RS variant. The A6 is also due out later this year.
