Spy photographers have caught what appears to be the first prototype of a hotter Audi Q5 S crossover. This tester is clearly sporting larger brakes and a quad-exhaust setup, leading us to believe that this isn't just another S-Line suspension and badge job.

Our spies speculate that power will likely come from a boosted version of Audi's 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four – similar to the engine found in the TTS and S3. That means anywhere from 265 to 280 horsepower could be on tap in the Q5 S, and while that might sound sporty, keep in mind that the current Q5's naturally aspirated 3.2-liter V6 pumps out 270 hp.

If so, could this Q5 S merely serve as a replacement for the six-cylinder Q5?

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Here are a few spy shots of a suspected Audi Q5 RS prototype.

The vehicle spotted here is badged with a TDI Quattro emblem but it is sporting a quad-exhaust which is never fitted with a diesel engine. And the rear bumper appears to have been modified to fit those four pipes. The aluminum rims are typical RS test wheels and the front fenders could be a little wider too.

This Q5 RS prototype is also wearing plates from Heilbronn where Audi's RS unit's R&D facility is located.

What could be under the hood here, we really don't know. But in 2009, Audi presented a Q5 Custom Concept at the Wörthersee Tour in Austria that featured a 3.0 TFSI V6 delivering 408 PS (300 kW) and 500 Nm of torque and was taken to be a preview to what a future Q5 RS variant would look like.

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