Tycoon

The Audi S6 is fresh for 2007 and, boy, is it fun to drive.


Looking for a sports sedan that keeps up with all those super sports cars? Like the sound of a powerful engine with a deep rumble when you press the accelerator pedal to the floor? Then you've found your car right here — if you don't mind the roughly $80,000 price tag.


The Audi S6 is fresh for 2007 and, boy, is it fun to drive. It's powered by a Lamborghini-developed V-10 engine with Audi's FSI direct injection, magnesium two-stage variable intake manifold and a bevy of other technologies to make it powerful and smooth. The engine is a double-overhead-camshaft design, and there are 40 valves apportioned among the 10 cylinders, while a balance shaft is placed between the cylinder banks to enhance refinement. Horsepower is listed as 435 at 6800 rpm and the torque is 398 lb.-ft. at 3000-4000 revs.


In our track testing of the S6, 0-60 mph came up in 5.1 seconds and the quarter-mile was covered in 13.5 sec. at 106.5 mph. These numbers put the S6 in the company of cars like the Porsche Boxster S and Cayman S, but with full seating for four adults and large luggage compartment.


Acceleration testing is a snap with Audi's 6-speed Tiptronic transmission with DSP (Dynamic Shift Program) and the Sport program. Gear changes are swift and sure, whether done automatically by the program or manually by the driver. And the famous Audi Quattro system that provides permanent all-wheel drive adds to the car's all-weather performance capability.


So, what's it like to drive this technological tour de force? Well, you already know it's quick and Audi says it will easily run right up to the 155-mph mark where the engine management limits any higher speed. The V-10 starts easily with just a slight hesitation between turning of the key and ignition, and it idles smoothly and quietly. Throttle tip-in is initially firm, which occasionally produces a bit more jump off the line than you want, but once running, it's smooth as silk — and that deep growl is music to an enthusiast's ears.


The handling character is quite good, and the all-wheel drive doesn't really detract from the agility of the S6. Ride quality is rather firmer than necessary, however, and a long drive on California's freeways makes you wish for a switch that would soften the spring and shock rates.
The interior is very nicely appointed, with virtually all the comfort and convenience items you could wish for. Head and leg room are fine in the two front seats but become less so in the rear. The navigation system works well and once you figure out the multi-function switch for everything from the stereo sound system to the seat heaters, you find you could easily live with this high-performance sports sedan. — Thos L. Bryant

2007 Audi S6
List price $72,000
Price as tested $79,070
Curb weight 4530 lb
Engine, transmission 5.2-liter V-10; 6-sp automatic
Horsepower, bhp @ rpm 435 @ 6800
0–60 mph 5.1 sec
0–100 mph 12.0 sec
0–1320 ft (1/4 mile) 13.5 sec @ 106.5 mph
Top speed 155 mph*
Braking, 60–0 mph 119 ft
Braking, 80–0 mph 209 ft
Lateral accel (200-ft skidpad) 0.90g
Speed thru 700-ft slalom 68.4 mph
Our mileage, EPA city/highway est 16.0, 15/21 mpg * Electronically limited.

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my freind just got one of those, however the price here in Croatia is rather shocking than understandable due our "special" tax laws, if You load the car with additional eq. to the top etc price can reach 180.000 $