The Audi A7 can be many things to many people, but up till now the choices have been limited when it comes to the car’s mechanical specification. All 2011 A7s have come equipped with a 300-bhp supercharged V-6 engine, Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system and an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission. That’s a great combination, but Audi’s engineers are apparently working on something a lot wilder. Thee image hints at what the future sport-themed RS7 will look like when it debuts in 2011.

The RS7 will sit lower to ground and ride on a sports suspension. Larger air intakes in the front fascia and 19–20-in. wheels should give the A7’s handsome lines an extra edge. Under the hood, expect a twin-turbocharged 4.0-liter V-8 engine that, if rumors prove correct, could provide nearly 600 bhp. That monster power output could fire a warning shot across the bows of rivals, especially BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Thankfully, an adaptive suspension and torque vectoring differential—not to mention the Quattro all-wheel-drive hardware—is on tap to keep the power under control.

The rest of the RS7 will remain true to the form of the standard A7 Sportback. The luxury-laden 5-door has seating for four adults, along with the looks of a coupe and functionality of a station wagon, courtesy of its power rear hatch. The RS7 will be one of the hottest haulers when it officially debuts late next year.

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