Chassis
Firmer and more spontaneous
The dynamic suspension layout of the new Audi S6 is based on a technology that has already demonstrated its sports calibre in the most challenging of conditions: the refined four-link front suspension acknowledged as a typical Audi feature and the self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension carried over from the Audi A8. This combination gives the S6 one of the most complex and efficient rear suspension layouts currently available. In terms of its kinematic behaviour, this technical treat already provides a foretaste of the sporty, active characteristics of the Audi A8 measures that enhance directional stability, steering precision and handling convenience. The entire layout is designed in such a way as to produce a neutral response with a moderate tendency to understeer when the very high limits of handling are approached.
The principal components of the chassis feature lightweight aluminium construction, resulting in decisively lower unsprung masses. The targeted use of sheet steel, on the other hand, achieves optimum rigidity wherever it is required. In selecting specific materials and manufacturing methods for each individual suspension link, Audi's engineers have been able to ensure that the chassis represents an optimum blend of low weight, high rigidity and safety.
As a reflection of its explicitly sporty character, the suspension settings of the S6 have been made firmer, even compared with the A6 sports suspension, and at the same time assures a high standard of comfort for long-distance driving. As the elastokinematics have likewise undergone comprehensive modifications, the Audi S6 is always noticeably more agile; meanwhile, driving stability and traction have been further optimised.
The Audi S6 is equipped ex works with 19-inch cast aluminium wheels of a 5-arm wing design. The wide tyres are of size 265/35 R19. An 18-inch brake system assures supreme braking performance and is resistant to fading even under high loads.
Its four large discs are ventilated, the discs on the front wheels measuring 385 millimetres in diameter and those at the rear measuring 335 mm. The brake calipers are painted black, and are adorned with an exclusive S6 badge at the front.
Design
Supremely athletic presence
The models in Audi's S range have traditionally epitomised systematic sports appeal. This applies in equal measure to the new S6, which now dynamically hones the visual impact made by the A6. These models are renowned for their inherently light and elegant character their very distinctive aesthetic appeal reflects their exceptional status as sports models in the luxury class.
The S6 cuts an even more supremely athletic figure out on the roads but without even the slightest hint of aggression. The most striking differences are to be found at the front end. The eye-catching single-frame grille displays the S6 emblem, and its vertical aluminium-look struts are of a double design by way of further differentiation. There is an air inlet beneath the grille. A spoiler lip at the front end of the car provides an additional sporty highlight.
Another innovation in the front bumper is a pioneering development in terms of both safety and style: the separate LED daytime running lights, each of which consists of five white light-emitting diodes and consumes only a minimal amount of energy. When these light strips are switched on, the effect is utterly distinctive: they make it incredibly easy to identify the new Audi S6, and the low-down position of the daytime running lights gives the car a dynamically flat appearance. To accommodate this concept, the fog lights have been incorporated into the main headlights, the covers of which are tinted grey. Xenon plus headlights are provided as standard; Audi adaptive light with dynamic cornering light is optional. The rear light units incorporate LED brake lights as standard, and the
S6 Avant in addition has tail lights using LED technology.
The front wheel arches are flared by 14 millimetres. The door trim strips are likewise wider, to accentuate the characteristics, and are painted in the body colour. Other striking differentiating features are door sill trims bearing the S6 logo at all four doors, the rear spoiler integrated subtly into the luggage compartment lid whereas the S6 Avant has a roof spoiler aluminium-look exterior mirrors, the V10 emblem at the front beneath the side turn indicators, and an S6 logo on the rear end. The vehicle's tail end also displays a colour-contrasting diffuser in the bumper and the four ellipsoidal tailpipes of the exhaust system, with its notably sporty acoustics.
Interior
Luxury and refinement in detail
In the same way as the body's styling, the interior of the new Audi S6, too, reflects a character of dynamic elegance and high quality from the architecture of the driving area that surrounds the driver to the Audi MMI user interface (Multi Media Interface), which remains unequalled by any competitor thanks to its logical, intuitive operating principle.
The luxurious interior of the S6 features specific highlights. For instance, there is a new generation of sports seats. They have integral head restraints and pronounced lateral supports, and are upholstered in Alcantara/Leather; Silk Nappa leather is available as an option. The front seats are electrically adjustable in multiple directions as standard, and include a lumbar support. The three rear seats, which display the same material, are equipped with L-shape head restraints which afford a better view to the rear.
The three-spoke multifunction leather sports steering wheel with the S logo is a typical example of the hand-crafted character that Audi so often achieves in its attention to detail: it is trimmed in smooth leather and displays a colour-contrasting double seam with a special seam pattern.
The shift paddles, which are mounted to the steering wheel (in other words, they move as it is turned), have an aluminium-look finish. The selector lever, too, has an aluminium look and is trimmed in smooth leather.
Carbon fibre is used as the material for the applications. The material on the instrument panel represents a further innovation in the S6: it goes by the name of "Flexmetallic" and correspondingly exhibits an anthracite-coloured metallic surface characteristic. Anthracite is also the predominant colour featured on the other sections of the instrument panel. The centre console, on the other hand, is in black.
The instrument needles and numbers are in white, using characteristic S-style italics; the dials are in dark grey.
The standard Driver Information System DIS has an additional digital speedometer in the new S6. The Audi MMI with 7-inch monitor in the cockpit is likewise included as standard. There is a welcome screen customised specifically to the S6. The MMI furthermore integrates the extended-specification radio system with double tuner and the DSP sound system with ten speakers and a
CD changer in the glove box. The optional tyre pressure monitoring system displays the pressure and temperature of each tyre individually in the S6.
Audi is likewise innovative when it comes to phoning in the car: the new optional telephone system combines all the advantages of a built-in phone with those of the mobile phone preparation. The mobile phone is connected up to the vehicle own GSM module by means of Bluetooth interface. This renders an adaptor-type connection unnecessary and the driver can leave their mobile phone in their pocket while on the move. Operation of the Bluetooth car phone is likewise via the MMI system. A handset in the centre armrest can also be supplied as an option.
Safety
Systematic
Whereas the high standard of active safety of the new Audi S6 stems principally from its superior engine power, pioneering quattro four-wheel drive and ESP, the sporty range-topping model also boasts a full complement of passive safety systems. This model comes complete with a package of restraint systems that are perfectly matched to the highly rigid aluminium body, including two full-size front airbags, side airbags for the front seats and large-area Audi sideguard curtain head airbags. Side airbags for the rear seats are available as an optional extra. All five three-point belts in the Audi S6 are of course fitted with belt force limiters; belt tensioners are fitted on the front seats as standard.
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Related entries:
New Audi A6 - In Depth
New Audi A6 Avant - In Depth
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