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Drivetrain
The S6 and S6 Avant use the 420 hp (309 kW) version
of the new 4.0 TFSI. The twin-turbo V8 provides a constant 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of
torque from 1,400 to 5,300 rpm. It accelerates the S6 from 0 to 60 mph in 4.6
seconds and the S6 Avant in 4.7 seconds. With both models, the electronically
governed top speed of 155 mph (250 km/h) is just a formality.
The 4.0
TFSI brings Audi's downsizing strategy to the high-performance class. Compared
to the engine in the previous model, the free-breathing, 5.2-liter V10, it
offers even sportier performance while reducing fuel consumption by as much as
25 percent. Average fuel consumption is just 9.7 liters per 100 km (24.25 US
mpg) in the S6 and 9.8 liters (24.0 US mpg) in the S6 Avant.
A number of
technologies contribute to this top result, including the recuperation and
start-stop systems as well as the new "cylinder on demand" cylinder management
system. When the V8 deactivates four cylinders under part load, the Active Noise
Cancellation system (ANC) is activated. Four microphones integrated into the
headlining record the noise in the cabin, which is then analyzed by a computer.
If the computer detects intrusive sound elements, it broadcasts an antiphase
sound through the speakers of the sound system. This sound combines with the
intrusive sound and largely cancels it out.
Independent of this, active,
electronically controlled engine bearings use targeted counterpulses to
attenuate low-frequency vibrations. A sound actuator, flaps in the exhaust
system, the engine shroud and a newly developed two-mass flywheel with a
centrifugal force pendulum in the seven-speed S tronic also contribute to the
sonorous sound and smoothness of the engine.
When it comes to power
transmission, the S6 and S6 Avant further extend Audi's Vorsprung durch Technik.
The engine power flows through a fast-shifting, seven-speed S tronic
transmission. The quattro permanent all-wheel drive system uses the self-locking
center differential and torque vectoring. If desired, Audi complements quattro
with the optional sport differential, which actively distributes the power
between the rear wheels.
Suspension, Brakes and Chassis
The
two new S models come standard with the adaptive air suspension sport. The
tautly tuned air suspension with variable damping lowers the body by 10
millimeters (0.39 in). It provides for highly precise handling without
compromising comfort. The powerful disc brakes, internally ventilated front and
rear, have matt black calipers with S6 logos. Audi offers carbon fiber-ceramic
discs as an option.
The S6 and S6 Avant come standard with cast aluminum
wheels in a unique five parallel-spoke design. The 8.5 J x 19 wheels are shod
with 255/40-series tires. Seven different 19- or 20-inch wheels, four of them
from quattro GmbH, are available as options. The 20-inch titanium-look wheels
with a five-arm rotor design impart a particularly exclusive appearance.
The Audi drive select driving dynamics system comes standard in the two new S
models. Among others, it modifies the characteristic of the gas pedal, the shift
points of the S tronic, the servo boost of the electromechanical steering and
the characteristic of the adaptive air suspension. The driver can adjust the
operation of these systems in five stages. The optional sport differential and
the dynamic steering, which varies its ratio as a function of speed, can also be
integrated into the system.
Equipment
The new Audi S6 and
S6 Avant will be rolling into dealer showrooms with a generous list of standard
equipment in spring 2012. This includes xenon plus headlights with an
all-weather light, LED rear lights, an electromechanical parking brake and the
driver information system with color display. The MMI radio plus includes a
Bluetooth interface, and the Audi sound system has ten speakers.
All of
the high-end options in the model series are also available for the new S
models. These include LED headlights, adaptive light, the ambient lighting
package, convenience key, head-up display, the parking system plus with 360°
camera, power rear hatch, optionally with sensor control, and climate-controlled
deluxe seats with massage function.
The list of options for the Avant,
which offers up to 59 cu ft (1,680 liters) of luggage space, also includes the
panoramic glass roof.
The tightly networked driver assistance systems are
all state-of-the-art. These are the various versions of the Audi pre sense
safety system, adaptive cruise control with stop & go function, Audi side
assist, active lane assist, the speed limit display and the night vision
assistant with highlighting of detected pedestrians.
Topping the range of
infotainment systems is MMI navigation plus, which features a large hard drive,
an eight-inch monitor and the groundbreaking MMI touch input system. The system
can be combined with the Bluetooth online car phone, which brings special
Internet services to the car and features WLAN connectivity for mobile devices.
The 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System impresses with its excellent
sound.
Audi S6: Photo Gallery, Review (1/2) and Specifications