What is it?

The most powerful production Audi ever made with 572bhp from its twin-turbocharged V10 engine. Oh and it's only available as an estate at launch, so watch out for some very scared looking dogs or a pile of damaged luggage...

The regular S6 already makes do with a paltry 429bhp and despite utilising the same basic V10, is actually a rather sedate, if rapid cruiser. The RS6 promises more and shouts it intent with natty wheelarch blisters reminiscent of the original Quattro rally cars.

How is it different?

It teaches the guys and gals from AMG and BMW M division a thing or two about power output. Thankfully, it's all kept in check with Audi's quattro four-wheel drive, though we've been told that it features a rear-bias to endear itself to keener drivers. It's still unlikely that you'll find one at a trackday - not that it wouldn't be a match for most of the machinery there, it's just that Audi intends the RS6 to be a formidable autobahn cruiser rather than an agile track car.

Who's going to buy it?

Wealthy business men in Germany will make up the majority of buyers no doubt, especially as they're the only ones with derestricted autobahn in their back yard. Audi RS models sell well in the UK too though, with well-heeled enthusiasts probably using the RS6 to tow their racecars to the circuit. Saying that, at about £75,000, that's an expensive tow car!

When are they going to make it?

Right now actually. Officially, UK dealers will start taking orders in November, with first deliveries in early 2008, but something tells me that if you walked into an Audi dealer right now you'd not be the first in line. We also expect a saloon variant to turn up at some stage, but the Avant is so much cooler, isn't it?

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