2007 Audi S6: What's New

Vehicle Overview
The S6 is the performance variant of Audi’s midsize sedan, the A6. While there was once an even more audacious 6-based rocket called the RS 6, currently only the S version is sold in the U.S. With a V-10 crammed under its hood, performance-tuned all-wheel drive and a modified suspension, the S6 is a thrilling performer that hides its capabilities under a classy but unobtrusive wrapper.

Exterior
Like all S cars, the S6 has subtle exterior changes that distinguish it from the A6. The bumpers are more aggressive, and there are side sill extensions and aerodynamic treatments like a trunklid spoiler and underbody rear air dam. There are quad tailpipes and exclusive 19-inch alloy wheels.

At this point, the S6 is the only Audi that features a distinctive row of LED running lights, low on the bumper under each headlight cluster.

Interior
Take an A6 and add Silk Nappa leather, gray birch wood trim, a black or silver ceiling headliner and sport seats adorned with the S6 logo, and you have, well, an S6. As options, you can add a leather dashboard or carbon fiber trim. It would be nice to say these are exclusive to the S6, but Audi gives away the store — at least the cosmetic aspects — in “S-line” option packages offered on the regular A6.

Under the Hood
The S6 is stoked by Audi’s first-ever V-10 engine, a normally aspirated (non-turbo, non-supercharged) 5.2-liter with direct gasoline injection. It combines the generous torque characteristics of a high cylinder count with the high-rev output of a 7,000-rpm redline, delivering 398 pounds-feet of torque at 3,000-4,000 rpm (with 90 percent on tap at 2,300 rpm) and 435 horsepower at 6,800 rpm. Audi cites a 0-60 mph time of 5.1 seconds, a quarter-mile time of 13.4 seconds and a top speed electronically limited to 155 mph.

Purists will bemoan the lack of a true manual transmission, and some may decry the fact that the S6 has been passed over for the Formula-1-style R-tronic automated-manual transmission in favor of a more conventional Tiptronic six-speed automatic. At least it has a selectable Sport mode that keeps rpm high, and it allows sequential-manual shifting via the gear selector or steering-wheel-mounted paddles.

The biggest news in this new S6 is new Quattro all-wheel-drive tuning that sends 60 percent of the torque to the rear wheels as a default, and up to 85 percent when called upon. The previous generation split the torque 50/50, front/rear. The change gives the Audis equipped with the new Quattro dynamics closer to those of a rear-wheel-drive car.

Compared to the A6, the S6 suspension is firmed up — firmer still than the sport suspension option — for optimized handling. Upgraded brakes employ larger discs and gloss-black calipers emblazoned, on the front pair, with the S6 logo. The standard wheels are 19-inch alloys.

Safety
Audi’s 6 model line is the top-rated large sedan in Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash tests, designated a Top Safety Pick for exceptional performance in frontal-, side- and rear-impact crashes.

In addition to the required frontal airbags, the S6 includes seat-mounted side-impact airbags for the front passengers, and side curtain bags that deploy along the front and rear side windows. Seat mounted side-impact airbags for the backseat are optional.

Additional standard safety features include antilock brakes with brake assist and an electronic stability system with traction control. The S model comes with summer performance tires, so winter or all-season tires are recommended for anyone faced with cold or snowy/icy roads — regardless of the presence of Quattro.