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NEWS
Audi adds limited edition S6 and S7
Sports performers separated by little other than exterior looks and priceAudi’s year of performance gets off to an early but literally limited start with the local launch of the S6 and S7 non-identical twins.
Powered by the same 309kW 4.0-litre biturbo V8, the fourth generation S6 sedan and first generation S7 hatchback are being offered in limited editions of 50 each. The S6 is priced at $168,900 (plus on-road costs), under-cutting its V10 Lamborghini-powered predecessor by a mammoth $30,000. The S7 is pitched $11,000 higher than S6, at $179,900.
The $11,000 price difference is mostly about style rather than the substance as the two S models vary little apart from their distinctly different bodies, which delivers the S6 the ability to carry five rather than S7’s four passengers, although the S7 has a slightly larger boot.
The drivetrain in both cars is led by the new V8 engine, which debuted in the Bentley Continental GT and features stop-start and cylinder-on-demand so it can cruise on four cylinders to save fuel. To counter unruly noise and vibration intrusions when in four-cylinder mode, Audi has fitted the S models with active engine mounts and active noise control, the latter working like noise-cancelling headphones, leaking noise into the cabin through the stereo’s speakers to counteract any gruff engine notes.
The engine drives via a seven-speed dual clutch S tronic transmission and permanent quattro all-wheel drive. A sports differential, which shuttles drive across the rear wheels, is standard.
Both cars produce 309kW and 550Nm, which is 11kW down and 10Nm up on the old V10. The 50kg lighter (1970kg) S6 is actually 0.1L/100km more frugal (9.6 v 9.7) than the S7 and capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h 0.1 sec quicker as well (4.6 v 4.7) with the aid of launch control.
The chassis set-up is fundamentally the same too. Underpinning it all is the latest C7 A6 MLB architecture, which places the engine further back in relation to the front axle to aid handling balance. The A6 also donates its electro-mechanical power steering.
Both cars ride on adjustable sport-tuned air suspension and 20-inch alloys encased in Pirelli PZero rubber. The S7’s wheels are 0.5 wider (9.0 v 8.5) and its tyres 10mm wider (265/35 v 255/35) than the S6's. Suspension behaviour can be modified via Audi Drive Select, which also influences the performance parameters of the steering, gearshift and throttle.
Equipment levels are quite high and – again – pretty much equivalent. The list includes digital TV reception, electric boot open and closing function, head-up display, LED headlights with high-beam assist, electric glass sunroof, dual-zone climate control, keyless entry and start, Bose 14-speaker audio which can pump out music via iPod, aux, MP3 or Bluetooth connection, sat-nav and S Sport front seats upholstered in Valcona leather. The S7 also gets S-Sport rear seats.
Safety equipment includes eight airbags, stability and traction control, ABS with EBD and brake assist, tyre pressure monitoring, parking assist sensors and a reversing camera. Euro NCAP awards the A6 five stars.
Audi has elected to not import the S6 Avant (wagon) because the RS4 is on the way, while the S8 limousine was dismissed because demand would be too limited.
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Written byBruce Newton
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