Audi S6
In 1994, Audi decided it needed a high performance variant of the Audi A6. The Audi S6 was born. The original S6, dubbed the UR-S6, was very similar to the older Audi S4, with minor visual updates. Since then, the S6 has been a car all its own. True to Audi tradition, the S6, like all s line cars, is equipped with Audi’s quattro four wheel drive system, which uses a torsen based differential.
Built from 1994 until 1997, the first Audi S6 was powered by a 135 cubic inch turbocharged inline 5 cylinder engine, and controlled by a BOSCH Motronic ECU, the S6 put out 227 horsepower at 5900 rpms. 240 ft lbs of torque came on at a surprisingly low 1950 rpm. With a top speed of 146 miles per hour, the Audi S6 was fast. However, if that was not enough, a 4.2 liter 32 valve DOHC V8 making 286 brake horsepower was included into the option list. Transmissions were a six speed manual for EU, and a five speed manual gearbox for the US markets, with an optional four speed automatic.
For 1999, the Audi S6 was again updated, this time being built on the VW C5 platform. The new Audi S6 was called the Audi S6 Quattro, and it could run from 0 to 60 in under 6.6 seconds. It was available in either Sedan or Avant (station wagon) form. With a 4.2 liter engine and a 6 speed manual or a 5 speed ZF trip tonic automatic transmission, the 1999 Audi S6 was a great car in its own. However, it did not last long, as it provided a stepping stool for the 2006+ Audi S6. Based on the newer VW C6 platform, the new Audi S6 has gotten quite a big upgrade in between the front fenders. Motivated by a massive 317 cubic inch (5,204 cc) 40 valve, 90 degree V10 powered from the Lamborghini Gallardo, the new 5.0 liter Audi S6 is a rocket. Producing 429 brake horsepower at 6800 rpm’s, the new Audi S6 uses twin chain driven double overhead camshafts and a variable valve timing set to control the four valves per cylinder and help the Audi S6 make just shy of 400 ft lbs of torque (398 to be exact). Again Bosch got the call for engine management, using a Motronic MED 9.1 ECU. A 6 speed auto transmission with wheel mounted paddle shifters helps power the Audi S6 down the quarter mile time of 13.5 seconds. While not exactly cheap, the Audi S6 is the perfect blend of performance, luxury, and style.
