Oil pouring out of car. Any ideas?

[znowybird]

I have a 1997 audi A4 2.8l . Looking for some insight, i'm a backyard mechanic, certainly don't know that much about these newer audis, only worked on 80's and early 90's.

I was driving down the road when the engine started an odd whine. Look in the mirror and see a faint smoke trailing from my car, immediately shtu the car off and get out to look under the car and hood.

Oil is pouring out. running somewhat down the backside of the engine near the flywheel. from what i can see anyway, very hard to distinguish.

First i think the rear main seal blew but i was hoping for some other insight.

any ideas?

thanks for anything, i know i'm not offering much