Germans are an interesting bunch. They are more into subtle engineering than in-your-face-now type of hardware. They have an affinity with producing understated road rockets, capable of lunching on unsuspecting Porsche’s and other exotic cars on the Autobahn. What better disguise than an estate wagon?

Audi has long been the go-to brand for über-fast subtlety. They have a passion for making super fast wagons. These are cars with soccer-mom haulability and super-car drivability. Audi’s newest weapon is no different…

The 2009 Audi RS6 is based on the S6, which is itself based on the A6. From far away they all look similar, but get closer and the details start to pop out. Wider fenders house serious rubber and wheels, as well as brakes that can stop a train. Under the hood the magic happens. The S6’s already potent 435hp V10 is used here. Only this time it’s paired to a set of high performance IHI turbocharges. This bumps output to a colossal 580 hp between 6,250 rpm and 6,700 rpm, and there’s a thumping 479 pound-feet of torque from 1,500 rpm all the way to 6,250 rpm. That’s crazy! This car makes full torque at a couple hundred revs above idle engine speed. Like I said, crazy.

Let’s look at some number, shall we? Audi claims 100 km/h (62 mph) comes up in 4.6 seconds, with 200 km/h (124 mph) arriving in 14.9 seconds. Top speed is electronically capped at 155 mph, although Audi offers RS6 owners an opportunity to extend it to 174 mph. You’ll be glad to know that Stephan Reil, the RS6’s development boss, says he saw 205 mph during final prototype testing on a secret section of autobahn late last year!!  The real news is the über-Audi’s new found handling, though. Thank you cards should go to Stephan Reil, the man who developed the final settings.  Reil says it will turn a lap of the Nürburgring in 8:09, some 20 seconds faster than the previous-generation RS6(!) and firmly in super car territory.

Pricing has yet to be announced, but don’t expect anything less than six figures. This is the pinnicle of Audi’s road car technology and is a testament to the old “wolf-in-sheep’s-clothing” mantra that is the definition of the RS6. Should be a real treat. Offered only as a wagon overseas, when it does come to the U.S. though, expect it to be in sedan form like it’s predecessor. Apparently, Americans just don’t get it.