Audi took the wraps off its 6-class flagship, the high-performnce S6, at the 2006 Detroit Motor Show in America.
The S6 will be sold in both sedan and Avant (station wagon) versions in New Zealand. It’s powered by a completely new V10 engine which is virtually identical to that fitted to the new Audi S8, and developed in conjunction with Volkswagen-owned supercar manufacturer, Lamborghini. In the S6, it displaces 5.2 litres, weighs 220kg and develops 309kW of power at 6800rpm.
Peak torque is a stump-pulling 540Nm developed between 3000 and 4000rpm. Even more impressive is that more than 500Nm is available between 2500 and 5500rpm.
The V10 propels the S6 saloon to 100km/h in 5.2 seconds (S6 Avant, 5.3 seconds); top speed is electronically governed to 250km/h. Audi has tuned the six-speed Tiptronic automatic gearbox for swifter gear changes, and the steering and steel-spring suspension have been configured for greater agility and more direct response. The latest-generation quattro permanent four-wheel drive with a 40/60, front/rear, torque split gives the car a rear-drive feel, but ensures optimum traction in all conditions.
A key requirement during the car’s development was to provide a high standard of comfort in every situation, without sacrificing its sporty emphasis. New sports-style seats have integral head restraints. Upholstery is a mix of leather and Alcantara, and there’s a deluxe automatic air conditioning system with separate temperature distribution for the driver’s and front passenger’s sides.
The S6 saloon rides on 19-inch wheels and has subtly flared front wheelarches.The striking single-frame grille has vertical double struts, there’s an integrated rear spoiler on the sedan, and the Avant has a roof spoiler. The car has two daytime running light strips, each comprising five LEDs. They have been integrated into the front bumper and, when switched on, serve as an unmistakable distinguishing feature of the S6.
