Swap-Ready Drivetrain: Wrecked 2021 Audi RS6 Avant
Only a lucky few have taken delivery of a 2021 Audi RS6 Avant — and one buyer’s luck clearly ran out.
When the latest Audi RS6 Avant was made its domestic debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show, Audi aficionados and American longroof fans were thrilled. Because unlike some other fire-breathing wagons, it was actually going to be available on our shores. For one new owner, however, the joy of piloting the 591-horsepower beast evaporated just a few ticks over the 3,000-mile mark, as a wrecked Nardo Grey example just showed up on Copart. Oops. That didn’t take long.
Our friends over at The Drive first spotted this baby, and seem to think this is the first of its kind to turn up on the salvage circuit. And given how new and desirable these machines are? I’m inclined to believe them. As the pics show, the exterior damage is extensive, as there isn’t a single corner which escaped the crash unscathed.
While there’s no detailed info on the crash, I’d be dollars for donuts someone got a little frisky with the go pedal and ran out of talent. An average rear-ender, this is not.
That said, the interior appears to be in showroom condition, with none of the bounce-house style additions you’d expect to see if the Audi’s extensive system of airbags had deployed.
While I’m inclined to believe that means any passengers emerged from the crash without a scratch, it’s still a little sad to see such a wicked machine headed to the salvage auction before it even got halfway to its first oil change interval. So pour out a quart of your favorite low-viscosity synthetic for this forlorn member of the Four Rings club.
Fortunately, the engine and transmission are said to be in perfect working order, which means there are a few fates which likely await this baby. First, there’s the idea that a dedicated enthusiast with some mad bodywork skills could pick it up for a song, and restore it to factory spec. But even if all the work was done perfectly? At the end of the day, you’d be left with a car with a branded title — which would kill resale value.
Instead, I’m hoping this beast gives its robust drivetrain to another, older Audi wagon. Not too long ago, I wrote up a video which showcased this awesome 1972 Audi Coupe S restomod, and for a buyer with some deep pockets and serious skills with a wrench, the sky is the limit here. Seriously, how amazing would it be if some mechanical wizard was able to slip this Avant’s drivetrain into something like the sick 5000CS Turbo Quattro Avant which popped up for sale back in November? That’s a build thread I’d absolutely love to check out…
Photos: Copart