Overview
LAMBORGHINI cohabits with Audi to create the new S6 model – one of two new sedans bearing the 5.2-litre V10 engine and the most potent of the current “6” series.
The Audi S6 weighs two tonnes and is priced at almost $200,000, but it’s possible still to say you get a fair return for your money with a unique combination of surging performance and restrained luxury that is in direct contrast with the other German V10 muscle-car, the BMW M5.
The Audi focuses more on blending high performance with luxury than the focused BMW, and is nowhere near as blatantly rapid.
But, at the same time, there’s not too much around that challenges the all-wheel drive S6 sedan for on-road supremacy.
It’s the seriously fast luxury car for the driver who leans towards introversion.
Model release dates: December 2006 - February 2009
Previous model
The previous S6 made its first appearance at the 1999 Frankfurt motor show.
It was notable among other things for its 250kW/420Nm 4.2-litre V8, five-valve technology and aluminium suspension.
Of course Audi’s famed quattro all-wheel drive was a given.
That 4.2-litre V8 still drives other Audis and it remains a sweet, appealing engine with plenty of bottom end torque and mid-range perfornance.
The S6 was 10mm lower than the standard A6 and featured an aluminium bonnet and mudguards to save weight.
The sedan also had flared wheel-arches, 17-inch alloys and chunky six-spoke alloys.
Inside were Recaro sports seats and lashings of carbon fibre.
Like some Audi’s of today, the previous S6’s steering was too light at high speeds and did not offer much in the way of feedback.