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Audi’s breath-taking new S6 has made its international premiere at the 2006
North American International Automobile Show (NAIAS) in Detroit today.
The new Audi S6 is characterised by a refined flow of power in conjunction
with superlative comfort and an elegantly understated appearance. It is the
sporty top model in the luxury-class A6 family, which took the market by storm
following its launch in 2004 and has since garnered countless accolades
worldwide from both customers and experts within the trade.
The S6 is the latest model to demonstrate the company’s clear promise of
‘sportiness’, and will go on sale in Europe in the spring of 2006 (2nd quarter).
The S6 Avant, the estate-car version, has also been unveiled and combines the
exemplary versatility of Audi’s Avant concept with the decidedly sporty
character of the new Audi S6.
In response to the challenge to deliver supreme performance, coupled with
absolute control, the new Audi S6 will be powered by a completely new
ten-cylinder V-configuration engine. This engine, virtually identical to the
powerplant fitted to the new Audi S8, makes maximum use of its 5.2 litre
displacement, mobilising 309 kW (420 bhp) at 6,800 rpm. It reaches its peak
torque of 540 Nm between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm. Between 2,500 and 5,500 rpm,
torque of over 500 Nm is available. This engine, weighing only 220 kilograms, is
thus able to guarantee superior pulling power in every driving situation.
FSI petrol direct injection, a principle that has proved its worth in the
most successful racing car ever built, the Le Mans winning Audi R8, plays an
instrumental role in this model's refined flow of power.
The saloon is capable of racing from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds (S6 Avant:
5.3 seconds); the top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h.
Both the driveline and the steering and suspension have been modified to
reflect the immense power potential of the new Audi S6.
The six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission accomplishes swifter gear
changes whilst the steel-spring suspension is configured for greater agility and
a more direct response, as is the servotronic steering.
The latest-generation quattro permanent four-wheel drive with a 40:60 torque
split naturally ensures optimum propulsion in all conditions. Thanks to this
concept, the new Audi S6 sets itself apart as the progressive alternative to all
its competitors.
One of the key requirements in the development of the Audi S6 was to provide
a high standard of comfort in every situation, for all its sporty emphasis. In
other words, the driver and passengers are always cocooned in extreme comfort,
even while enjoying very sporty driving.
The interior offers absolute luxury, featuring new sports seats complete with
integral head restraints, exclusive leather/Alcantara upholstery on all five
seats and deluxe automatic air conditioning plus, with separate temperature
distribution for the driver's and front passenger's sides.
Even with its uncompromising sportiness and use of high-technology, the
external appearance of the Audi S6 remains decidedly understated and elegant.
The S6 saloon is characterised by 19-inch wheels, subtly flared front wheel
arches, the striking single-frame grille with vertical double struts and a
harmoniously integrated rear spoiler, and the Avant has a modified roof spoiler.
The two daytime running light strips, each comprising five LEDs, are both a
trendsetting safety element and an innovative masterstroke of design. They have
been integrated into the front bumper and, when switched on, serve as an
unmistakable distinguishing feature of the S6.
The S6 is expected to be launched in Australia in the 4th quarter of 2006,
although pricing and specification is unavailable for Australian vehicles at
this time.
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