Audi A6 and S6

2001 February: Audi Australia released the faster, S6, version of the A6 sedan. The S6 uses Audi's 4.2 litre V8 with 5-valves per cylinder; here it produces 250kW at 7000rpm and 420Nm at 3400rpm with 300Nm from near idle. It drives a 5-speed Tiptronic gearbox and quattro full time 4WD with Torsen centre differential.

Active safety features include ABS brakes, electronic brake force distribution, traction control and electronic stability program. If they aren't enough, there are multiple front and side airbags.

Aluminium is used for front and rear subframes, suspension parts, brake calipers, door sill trims and even door mirrors!

Audi S6 2001, loa 4833mm, width 1850mm (body), height 1443mm, wheelbase 2759mm, track 1578mm/ 1590mm, weight 1735kg - 1760kg unladen, GVM 2275kg - 2300kg.
Engine: 4172cc V8 petrol, 5-valves/cyl, dohc, bore 84.5mm, stroke 93.0mm, c.r. 11.0:1, power 250kW at 7000rpm, torque 420Nm at 3400rpm.
Transmission: 6-speed manual or 5-speed Tiptronic, quattro 4WD, Torsen centre diff'.
Fuel consumption 21L/100km city, 14.1 - 14.3L/100km highway, claimed.

2000 April Audi (au) launched an A6 with the 4.2 litre V8 engine, Tiptonic transmission and all-wheel-drive. The engine has 5-valves per cylinder, producing 220kW at 6200rpm and 400Nm from 3000rpm to 4000rpm. The option is only available in the sedan - at au$135K.

Safety is well covered: ABS brakes, electronic stability program, driver and front-passenger front and side airbags, sideguard head airbags for front and rear occupants, acoustic rear parking.

As might be expected, the car is fitted with 17" wheels and low-profile tyres. Creature comforts include leather upholstery, sun-roof, BOSE sound system and 3-position electric seats. A satellite navigation system, mobile phone, metallic paint and heated front seats are optional extras in the "A+ package".

1999 October, the Audi A6 gets some improvements for the model year 2000: Both the y2k A6 sedan and Avant [wagon] come as either a 2.4 litre (121kW) front wheel drive or 2.8 litre V6 (142kW) all (quattro) wheel drive. Both sedans will now have "rear side airbags, sideguard head airbag curtains front and rear, split fold rear seats & electrically adjustable seats (2.4), and Tiptronic sports steering wheel (2.8 quattro)". The Avant gets the above plus "metallic paint and Audi's acoustic parking system" (not crash, tinkle).

	2.4 Tiptronic	2.8 quattro
sedan	$81,500	$100,900
Avant (wagon)	$84,800	$104,200
- 4wd.sofcom.com/Audi/Audi.html		$au 10/1999

1999 July: Audi released details of the S6 sedan and Avant (station wagon) to be unveiled at the Frankfurt Motor Show in September. The `S' cars are more powerful, more luxurious, and more expensive versions of the `A' cars. The 4.2 litre 5-valves/cyl V8 is persuaded to give 420Nm at 3400rpm and 250kW in the S6, with Audi claiming 0-100km/h in 5.7 seconds. A 6-speed manual and Tiptronic gearboxes will be offered in Europe.

All four wheels are driven through Audi's quattro full-time four wheel drive. ABS brakes are assisted by an electronic differential lock and traction control in electronically improving the car's stability in extreme situations. The S6 gets 255/40R17 tyres on 17" wheels and other distinguishing features.

1999 Audi A6 V8 (right), due in Australia mid/late 1999 [Eventually 4/2000.]. The V8 is a new alternative to the 2.4 litre and 2.8 litre V6 motors. The 4.2 litre engine has five valves per cylinder, 40 in total, and a 3-stage "variable" inlet menifold. It produces 220kW. The engine drives into a 5-speed Tiptronic gearbox and Audi Quattro four wheel drive takes the power to all four wheels.

Safety features include air-bags, side air-bags for driver and passenger, seat-belt pretensioners and an electronic `stability program'. Audi's sideguard side air-bags for front and rear occupants are an option. The Audi A6 V8 has a wider track, flared wheel arches and 16" or 17" wheels to distinguish it from the lesser versions. An on-board navigation system, tinted windows and solar roof are optional extras. A 3.7 litre V8 with front-wheel drive or optional quattro system will be available in Europe.

1999 Audi Avant 2.8 Quattro (right), 2771cc, 142kW at 6000rpm, 280Nm at 3200rpm, 5-speed Tiptronic gearbox, rrp au$103,650+arc (2/1999). Stable-mate / rival: VW Passat.

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