Audi has begun highway exams for its subsequent A7 Sportback and a check mule for what’s prone to be the high-performance RS 7 variant has been noticed.

A check mule is an early-stage prototype that makes use of a makeshift physique, usually borrowed from an present automobile, to cover new mechanicals. On this case, Audi engineers are utilizing the modified physique of an S6 sedan for the check mule.

The primary prototypes sporting the ultimate physique pegged for the following RS 7 will doubtless floor within the subsequent 6-12 months.

The check mule options the entrance fascia design with massive intakes borrowed from the present RS 6 and RS 7, in addition to widened wheel arches, and a brand new exhaust system with the guidelines positioned nearer to the middle of the rear fascia. Based on insiders, the brand new exhaust design is deliberate for future RS vehicles nonetheless outfitted with a gasoline engine.

The present RS 6 and RS 7 entrance fascia doubtless supplies enough cooling for the automobile’s powertrain, whereas the widened wheel arches level to the huge observe destined for the following RS 7.

2026 Audi RS 7 Sportback check mule spy pictures – Picture credit score: Baldauf

It is not clear what powertrain will reside within the subsequent RS 7, although plug-in hybrid know-how is sort of sure. Present Audi R&D chief Oliver Hoffman has beforehand stated that plug-in hybrid know-how will characteristic in future RS vehicles.

The most probably setup will mix the present RS 7’s twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 with an electrical motor built-in with the transmission. The identical setup already is already used within the Turbo S E-Hybrid grade of Porsche’s Cayenne and Panamera, the place it delivers near 700 hp. The present RS 7 tops out at 621 hp.

Like the present mannequin, the following RS 7 will ship its drive to all 4 wheels.

The present A7 arrived in 2018 as a 2019 mannequin. Meaning the following A7 ought to arrive round 2025, doubtless as a 2026 mannequin. The S7 and RS 7 efficiency variants ought to arrive shortly after the common mannequin.

The following A7 vary might be among the many final Audis to characteristic gasoline engines because the automaker has confirmed it should solely launch electrical autos after 2026. The A6 will make the transition to electrical energy as quickly as this 12 months with the launch of an A6 E-Tron, prototypes for that are additionally out testing.