Audi S6
Encyclopedia
The Audi S6 is a high-performance version of the Audi A6
, an executive car
produced by German automaker
Audi
. It went on sale in 1994, shortly after the "A6" designation was introduced, replacing the "100
" nameplate. The original S6 (Ur-S6) was largely the same car as the outgoing, original Audi S4 (C4) (Ur-S4), with the only visible differences being new body-cladding and badging. In certain markets where the even-higher performance RS6
which is also based on the A6 is not sold, the S6 is the most powerful A6 trim there.
The S6, like all Audi "S" models, is fitted as standard with Audi's trademark quattro four-wheel drive
(4WD) system, the S6 using the Torsen
-based permanent 4WD.
Audi was restructuring their model lineup in early and mid-1990s, and in late 1994, began selling the fifth generation (C4) Audi 100 model, re-badged as the Audi A6
. Wanting to keep a sports-saloon in their lineup, the company made small revisions to what was previously known as the Audi S4
, renaming it the Audi S6; the S4 name would eventually be re-used for a completely different model derived from Audi's smaller Volkswagen Group B platform
-based Audi A4
. As this was the first S6 model from Audi, it is commonly referred to as the Ur-S6, derived from the German augmentive, "Ursprünglich" (meaning: original).
It was available as both a saloon/sedan (typ 4A5), and an "Avant" (typ 4A9) (estate/wagon
) to Europe
an and United States
customers, but only as a saloon in Canada
, Asia
and Australia
. Audi's trademark "procon-ten
" safety system was standard fitment.
inline five-cylinder petrol engine
(parts code prefix: 034, identification code: AAN) with a Bosch
Motronic
electronic engine control unit
(ECU), producing a motive
power
output of 169 kW at 5,900 revolutions per minute
(rpm), and 326 newton metres (240 ft·lbf) at around 1,950 rpm, whilst consuming high octane
"Super Plus" 98RON unleaded petrol. This powerful engine
gave the S6 good performance with a top speed of 235 kilometres per hour (146 mph), and 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 6.7 second
s; with 160 km/h (99.4 mph) being reached in 17.5 seconds.
The vehicle was available with a standard six-speed manual transmission
(five-speed only in North America
), and Audi's dynamic Torsen
T-1 quattro permanent four-wheel drive
system.
Audi made a high-performance, 4.2 litre V8 engine
(parts code prefix: 077, identification code: AEC) with a Bosch KE-Motronic ECU available as an option in the original Europe
an S4s, and made the decision to continue to do so with the S6, making a 213 kW version of the 4.2 available as an optional upgrade over the 2.2 litre inline five-cylinder turbo. Unlike the five-cylinder turbocharged version, the V8-powered S6 was supplied with a four-speed automatic transmission
as standard, but kept the quattro four wheel drive. A six-speed manual gearbox was also available as an option.
system included radially ventilated disc brake
s front and rear; with 314 millimetres (12.4 in) diameter by 30 mm (1.18 in) thick discs, with two-piston floating Girling calipers bearing the interlocking four-ringed Audi
logo
, and four individual pads per caliper up front, and 269 millimetres (10.6 in) by 20 mm (0.78740157480315 in) discs with Lucas
single-piston sliding calipers at the rear. Bosch
Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS) with EDS was also standard.
Standard wheel
s were 7½Jx16 "Avus" cast aluminium alloy wheel
s with 225/50 R16 tyres
. Later cars received 8Jx17 "Avus" wheels with 255/40 R17 tyres. An optional 7½Jx15 five-arm alloy wheel, with 215/60 R15 tyres, an 8Jx16 five double-spoke alloy, an 8Jx17 10-spoke alloy were also available.
to the C4 platform, an even more powerful, and very limited-production Audi S6 PLUS was briefly available to Europe
an customers. The S6 PLUS, developed by Audi's wholly owned high performance subsidiary, quattro GmbH
, was available for sale during the 1997 model year
only (production from June 1996 to October 1997). A total of 952 cars were produced–855 Avant, and 97 saloons.
It was powered by another version of the 32 valve
(four valves per cylinder) 4.2 litre V8 engine
(parts code prefix: 077, identification code: AHK, later to be seen in the Audi S8
as AKH). Audi's performance division reworked key parts of the internal combustion engine
, increasing the motive
power
to 240 kW. It was only available with a revised six-speed manual transmission
(parts code prefix: 01E, identification code: DGU) (gear ratio
s - 1st: 3.500, 2nd: 1.889, 3rd: 1.320, 4th: 1.034, 5th: 0.857, 6th: 0.730), with a final drive ratio of 4.111.
Further revisions were made to the suspension, brake
s and roadwheels
. The front brake discs
were enlarged to 323 millimetres (12.7 in) in diameter by 30 mm (1.18 in) thick. Standard roadwheels were 8Jx17 "Avus" cast aluminium alloy wheel
s, with an optional 7Jx16 alloy wheel for use with winter tyres was also available.
With so much power on tap, the S6 Plus saloon could reach 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) from a standstill in 5.6 seconds, with the Avant a tenth of a second slower at 5.7 seconds, making it comparable in terms of acceleration to vehicles like the Porsche 944 Turbo.
Hella
xenon
high intensity discharge
(HID) headlamps (still with the C4s triple bulb design) were available as an option.
introduced an all-new range of Audi A6
models, based on the Volkswagen Group C5 platform. A new Audi S6, now officially known as the Audi S6 quattro appeared in 1999, to complement its A6 platform
-mate. It was available in a four-door
saloon/sedan and a five-door Avant (estate/wagon
). In North America
, the Avant bodystyle was the only version available. The vehicle could accelerate from standstill to 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) in 5.7 seconds, and from 0 to 200 km/h (124.3 mph) in just 21.7 seconds. The top speed was electronically governed to 250 km/h (155.3 mph).
This generation of S6 went out of production in 2003.
power
is from a new rubber-hydro mounted all-aluminium alloy
4.2 litre 40-valve
(five valves per cylinder) 90° V8
petrol engine
, with twin double overhead camshafts (two per cylinder bank
- 2xDOHC) and solenoid
-operated magnesium
two-stage variable intake manifold
(parts code: 077, identification codes: AQJ [Sept 99-May 01], ANK [Sept 00-onwards]). It displaced 4172 cc, and was rated at 250 kW at 6,600 revolutions per minute
(rpm), producing 420 newton metres (310 ft·lbf) of torque
at 3,400 rpm. It satisfied the European Union
EU3 emissions standard, and engine management was by way of a Bosch
Motronic
ME 7.0 electronic engine control unit
(ECU), with manifold-sited sequential fuel injection
, mapped direct ignition with eight individual spark coils, Bosch longlife spark plug
s, four heated lambda
sensors and two catalytic converter
s, cylinder-selective knock control, and a Bosch "E-Gas" drive by wire
throttle. The engine was now cooled with the aid of two electric cooling fans
, replacing the single viscous
fan of earlier models.
An oil-cooled six-speed manual transmission
(parts code: 01E, identification code: EEY) (gear ratio
s: 1st: 3.500, 2nd: 1.889, 3rd: 1.320, 4th: 1.034, 5th: 0.857, 6th: 0.730; and final drive ratio: 4.111) was standard fitment, and an optional ZF 5HP24A
five-speed tiptronic automatic transmission
(parts code: 01L, identification codes: EFN [Sept 99-May 01], FBD [June 00-onwards]) (gear ratios: 1st: 3.571, 2nd: 2.200, 3rd: 1.508, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.803; and final drive ratio: 2.909), with steering wheel
-mounted paddle-shifts, and "Dynamic Shift Programme" (DSP) was available. Torsen
T-2 based dynamic quattro permanent four-wheel drive
was also standard. Both front and rear axle
s utilised "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL), which is a function of the Bosch
ESP 5.7 Electronic Stability Programme
.
on the S6 was stiffened and lowered by 10 millimetre (0.393700787401575 in), and utilised gas-pressurised shock absorber
s.
ZF
rack and pinion "servotronic" speed-sensitive power steering
was standard.
s consisted of radially vented brake discs
front and rear. The fronts are sized at 321 millimetres (12.64 in) diameter by 30 mm (1.18 in) thick, and are clamped by Lucas HP2 four-pad calipers. At the rear, the discs are 269 mm (10.59 in) by 22 mm (0.866141732283465 in), and use a Lucas single-piston sliding caliper.
Bosch
ESP 5.7 Electronic Stability Programme
, with Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS), Brake Assist
, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
(EBD) completed the brake system.
Wheels are 8Jx17" cast alloy "Avus" 6-spoke alloy wheel
s, with 255/40 ZR17 tyres
.
4.2 model, with slightly flared wheel arches and door sills, with the bonnet (hood) and front wings being constructed from aluminium
. Other features included S6 badging, bolstered seats (optional Recaro
seats), polished aluminium exterior door mirror housings, unique front grille, and rear bootlid/tailgate spoiler.
' high performance private subsidiary company - quattro GmbH
. It used a twin-turbo
("biturbo") version of the 4.2 litre V8 engine
(identification code: BCY). Motive
power
figures were 331 kW at 5,700 to 6,400 revolutions per minute
(rpm), with torque
rated at 560 newton metres (413 ft·lbf) from 1,950 to 5,600 rpm. Transmission was a five-speed tiptronic automatic
.
Roadwheels
and tyres
were upgraded to , or (5/15 arm design), and there was the "Dynamic Ride Control" (DRC) system available for the suspension
, which featured diagonally interlinked shock absorbers, to give better body control during extreme cornering, acceleration and braking. Compared to standard S6, the suspension was lowered by 20 millimetre (0.78740157480315 in). The brake discs were ventilated and upgraded to 365 millimetres (14.37 in) at the front and 335 millimetres (13.19 in) at the rear.
0-100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) took just 4.6 second
s. 0-200 km/h (124.3 mph) was 16.6 (saloon) and 16.8 (Avant) seconds.
The latest Audi S6 5.2 FSI quattro (Typ 4F) was introduced at the 2006 North American International Auto Show
in January. It is based on the current C6 Audi A6, and uses the Volkswagen Group C6 platform, and is available in saloon/sedan and Avant (estate/wagon
) bodystyles. Factory production started in June 2006. A facelifted version of the S6 was released in late 2008 for the 2009 model year. In 2010, the S6 gained Audi's third-generation MMI electronics controller and real-time traffic information.
Motive
power
in the C6 S6 powertrain
features an all-aluminium alloy
5204 cc Fuel Stratified Injection
(FSI) 40-valve
(four valves per cylinder) 90° V10
petrol engine
(parts code: 07L, identification code: BXA). Compared to the related 5.0 litre V10 engine
found in the Lamborghini
Gallardo
, Audi's variant has a longer stroke and wider bore which increases the displacement
of the engine, and produces more torque
at lower revs, making it more suitable for the larger and heavier S6. It produces a 320 kW at 6,800 revolutions per minute
(rpm), and 540 newton metres (398 ft·lbf) of torque between 3,000 to 4,000 rpm. It utilises twin chain-driven double overhead camshafts (2xDOHC), and variable valve timing
for both intake and exhaust valves. Engine management is by way of Bosch
Motronic
MED 9.1 electronic engine control unit
(ECU), which controls the mapped direct ignition, ten individual spark coils, common rail
cylinder-direct sequential mulit-point fuel injection
, and drive by wire
throttle.
A ZF 6HP26
six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission
(parts code: 09E, identification codes: JBW, JMS, KHD, JLL) (gear ratio
s - 1st: 4.171, 2nd: 2.340, 3rd: 1.521, 4th: 1.143, 5th: 0.867, 6th: 0.691), with steering wheel
-mounted "paddle-shifters" is the only transmission available. Torsen
-based quattro permanent four-wheel drive
- initially with the T-2 symmetrical differential, and from 2007 model year
with the latest 40:60 front:rear asymmetric/dynamic Torsen T-3 differential, are standard. The final drive ratio is 3.801. Traction is assisted "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL) and "Anti-Slip Regulation" (ASR) (commonly known as traction control system
) - both functions of the Bosch
ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme
.
The same engine is used in the latest Audi D3 S8, but in a higher state of tune where it develops 331 kW, as the S6 is not to be positioned above the S8 in output. With the discontinuation of the S8 5.2 FSI after the 2009 model year and the RS6 5.0 TFSI in late 2010, the S6 5.2 FSI and R8 5.2 FSI were the remaining vehicles in the Audi marque that have V10 engines. The S6 5.2 FSI was discontinued after the 2011 model year, shortly before the release of the 2012 Audi A6 (C7).
For the sprint from rest to 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph), the S6 saloon takes 5.2 seconds, with the quarter mile passing in 13.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 kilometres per hour (155.3 mph). However a test by Edmunds found that the S6 takes 5.7-seconds to reach 60 mph, a full second or so behind the BMW M5
and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, and that the 2009 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI (a supercharged 3.0L V6) has almost equivalent performance to the S6 5.2 FSI. Moreover, the S6's weight is 4,500 pounds and 59 percent of weight is distributed to the front which increases understeer.
s consist of radially ventilated discs
front and rear. The fronts are sized at 385 millimetres (15.16 in) in diameter by 36 mm (1.417 in) thick, and are clamped by gloss black painted Continental Teves
two-piston sliding calipers. The rear discs are 330 mm (12.99 in) by 22 millimetre (0.866141732283465 in) thick, and use gloss black Girling-TRW
single piston sliding calipers with an integrated electro-mechanical parking brake.
A Bosch
ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme
, with Anti-lock Braking System
(ABS), Brake Assist
, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
(EBD) completed the brake system.
Standard alloy wheel
s consist of 9Jx19" cast aluminium alloy "5-arm wing design", shod with Continental
SportContact2 265/35 ZR19 tyres
. An optional 8½Jx18" cast alloy "S design" with 255/40 ZR18 tyres (either Conti SportContact2 or Bridgestone
Potenza RE050A) are also available. A direct-acting Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
(TPMS) is also standard.
daytime running lamp
s (DRLs) along each side of the front bumper air intakes which indicates the 10-cylinder engine as a point of differentiation from other A6 models. Bi-Xenon
high-intensity discharge
(HID) adaptive headlights which swivel around corners complement the LED DRLs.
. This latest version of the RS6 now includes a 5.0 litre (4991 cc) 90° V10 twin-turbo
charged ("biturbo"), Fuel Stratified Injection
(FSI) V10 engine
, which produces 426 kW and 650 newton metres (479 ft·lbf). Available in both Avant and saloon bodystyles, it is Audi's single most powerful car ever to be produced by the marque. Official performance figures for the 0-100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) sprint are 4.6 second
s for the Avant, with the saloon one tenth of a second quicker at 4.5 seconds.
unaffiliated independent sites
Audi A6
The Audi A6 is an executive car marketed by the German automaker Audi AG, now in its fourth generation. As the successor to the Audi 100, the A6 is manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany – and is available in saloon, and wagon configurations, the latter marketed by Audi as the Avant.All generations...
, an executive car
Executive car
Executive car is a British term that refers to a car's size and is used to describe an automobile larger than a large family car. In official use, the term is adopted by EuroNCAP, a European organisation founded to test car safety.- History :...
produced by German automaker
Automotive industry
The automotive industry designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and sells motor vehicles, and is one of the world's most important economic sectors by revenue....
Audi
Audi
Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer, from supermini to crossover SUVs in various body styles and price ranges that are marketed under the Audi brand , positioned as the premium brand within the Volkswagen Group....
. It went on sale in 1994, shortly after the "A6" designation was introduced, replacing the "100
Audi 100
The restyled C2 Audi 100 was launched in 1976, with an in-line five-cylinder engine...
" nameplate. The original S6 (Ur-S6) was largely the same car as the outgoing, original Audi S4 (C4) (Ur-S4), with the only visible differences being new body-cladding and badging. In certain markets where the even-higher performance RS6
Audi RS6
The Audi RS6 quattro, commonly referred to as the RS6, is the highest performing version, and top-of-the-line specification of the Audi A6, positioned above the Audi S6...
which is also based on the A6 is not sold, the S6 is the most powerful A6 trim there.
The S6, like all Audi "S" models, is fitted as standard with Audi's trademark quattro four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
(4WD) system, the S6 using the Torsen
Torsen
Torsen is a type of differential used in automobiles. It was invented by American Vernon Gleasman and manufactured by the Gleason Corporation. Torsen is a contraction of Torque-Sensing...
-based permanent 4WD.
C4 (Typ 4A, 1994-1997)
Audi was restructuring their model lineup in early and mid-1990s, and in late 1994, began selling the fifth generation (C4) Audi 100 model, re-badged as the Audi A6
Audi A6
The Audi A6 is an executive car marketed by the German automaker Audi AG, now in its fourth generation. As the successor to the Audi 100, the A6 is manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany – and is available in saloon, and wagon configurations, the latter marketed by Audi as the Avant.All generations...
. Wanting to keep a sports-saloon in their lineup, the company made small revisions to what was previously known as the Audi S4
Audi S4
The Audi S4 is the high performance variant of Audi's compact executive car A4. The original Audi S4, built from 1991 until 1994, was a performance-oriented version of Audi's 100 saloon/sedan...
, renaming it the Audi S6; the S4 name would eventually be re-used for a completely different model derived from Audi's smaller Volkswagen Group B platform
Volkswagen B platform
The Volkswagen Group B platform is a mid-size automobile platform from the Volkswagen Group. It has been used for saloon cars/sedans, estate cars/station wagon, and coupés - under the Volkswagen Passenger Cars, Audi, SEAT and Škoda marques over the years....
-based Audi A4
Audi A4
The first generation Audi A4 debuted in 1994, with production starting November 1994. It was built on the Volkswagen Group B5 platform, which it shared with the fourth generation Volkswagen Passat . It had a front-mounted longitudinal engine and front-wheel drive...
. As this was the first S6 model from Audi, it is commonly referred to as the Ur-S6, derived from the German augmentive, "Ursprünglich" (meaning: original).
It was available as both a saloon/sedan (typ 4A5), and an "Avant" (typ 4A9) (estate/wagon
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
) to Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an and United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
customers, but only as a saloon in Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, Asia
Asia
Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...
and Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...
. Audi's trademark "procon-ten
Procon-ten
procon-ten is a proprietary Safety Restraint System , used by German car manufacturer Audi, from 1986 until the mid-1990s....
" safety system was standard fitment.
C4 powertrain
From its launch in late 1994, the Audi S6 was powered by a 2226 cc turbochargedTurbocharger
A turbocharger, or turbo , from the Greek "τύρβη" is a centrifugal compressor powered by a turbine that is driven by an engine's exhaust gases. Its benefit lies with the compressor increasing the mass of air entering the engine , thereby resulting in greater performance...
inline five-cylinder petrol engine
Petrol engine
A petrol engine is an internal combustion engine with spark-ignition, designed to run on petrol and similar volatile fuels....
(parts code prefix: 034, identification code: AAN) with a Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
Motronic
Motronic
Motronic is the trade name given to a range of digital engine-management systems developed by Robert Bosch GmbH, commonly known as Bosch.-Motronic ML1.x:Motronic ML1.x was one of the first digital engine-management systems developed by Bosch...
electronic engine control unit
Engine control unit
An engine control unit is a type of electronic control unit that determines the amount of fuel, ignition timing and other parameters an internal combustion engine needs to keep running...
(ECU), producing a motive
Motive power
In thermodynamics, motive power is an agency, as water or steam, used to impart motion. Generally, motive power is defined as a natural agent, as water, steam, wind, electricity, etc., used to impart motion to machinery; a motor; a mover. The term may also define something, as a locomotive or a...
power
Power (physics)
In physics, power is the rate at which energy is transferred, used, or transformed. For example, the rate at which a light bulb transforms electrical energy into heat and light is measured in watts—the more wattage, the more power, or equivalently the more electrical energy is used per unit...
output of 169 kW at 5,900 revolutions per minute
Revolutions per minute
Revolutions per minute is a measure of the frequency of a rotation. It annotates the number of full rotations completed in one minute around a fixed axis...
(rpm), and 326 newton metres (240 ft·lbf) at around 1,950 rpm, whilst consuming high octane
Octane rating
Octane rating or octane number is a standard measure of the anti-knock properties of a motor or aviation fuel. The higher the octane number, the more compression the fuel can withstand before detonating...
"Super Plus" 98RON unleaded petrol. This powerful engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
gave the S6 good performance with a top speed of 235 kilometres per hour (146 mph), and 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 6.7 second
Second
The second is a unit of measurement of time, and is the International System of Units base unit of time. It may be measured using a clock....
s; with 160 km/h (99.4 mph) being reached in 17.5 seconds.
The vehicle was available with a standard six-speed manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
(five-speed only in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
), and Audi's dynamic Torsen
Torsen
Torsen is a type of differential used in automobiles. It was invented by American Vernon Gleasman and manufactured by the Gleason Corporation. Torsen is a contraction of Torque-Sensing...
T-1 quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
system.
Audi made a high-performance, 4.2 litre V8 engine
V8 engine
A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
(parts code prefix: 077, identification code: AEC) with a Bosch KE-Motronic ECU available as an option in the original Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an S4s, and made the decision to continue to do so with the S6, making a 213 kW version of the 4.2 available as an optional upgrade over the 2.2 litre inline five-cylinder turbo. Unlike the five-cylinder turbocharged version, the V8-powered S6 was supplied with a four-speed automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
as standard, but kept the quattro four wheel drive. A six-speed manual gearbox was also available as an option.
C4 brakes, wheels and tyres
C4 brakingBrake
A brake is a mechanical device which inhibits motion. Its opposite component is a clutch. The rest of this article is dedicated to various types of vehicular brakes....
system included radially ventilated disc brake
Disc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
s front and rear; with 314 millimetres (12.4 in) diameter by 30 mm (1.18 in) thick discs, with two-piston floating Girling calipers bearing the interlocking four-ringed Audi
Audi
Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer, from supermini to crossover SUVs in various body styles and price ranges that are marketed under the Audi brand , positioned as the premium brand within the Volkswagen Group....
logo
Logo
A logo is a graphic mark or emblem commonly used by commercial enterprises, organizations and even individuals to aid and promote instant public recognition...
, and four individual pads per caliper up front, and 269 millimetres (10.6 in) by 20 mm (0.78740157480315 in) discs with Lucas
Lucas
Lucas is the Latin form of the Greek name Loukas , and it's a common name in many modern languages.Lucas may refer to several things.-Real:*Lucas Barrios, Paraguayan footballer currently playing for Borussia Dortmund...
single-piston sliding calipers at the rear. Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
Anti-lock Braking System
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
(ABS) with EDS was also standard.
Standard wheel
Wheel
A wheel is a device that allows heavy objects to be moved easily through rotating on an axle through its center, facilitating movement or transportation while supporting a load, or performing labor in machines. Common examples found in transport applications. A wheel, together with an axle,...
s were 7½Jx16 "Avus" cast aluminium alloy wheel
Alloy wheel
Alloy wheels are automobile wheels which are made from an alloy of aluminium or magnesium. They are typically lighter for the same strength...
s with 225/50 R16 tyres
Tire
A tire or tyre is a ring-shaped covering that fits around a wheel rim to protect it and enable better vehicle performance by providing a flexible cushion that absorbs shock while keeping the wheel in close contact with the ground...
. Later cars received 8Jx17 "Avus" wheels with 255/40 R17 tyres. An optional 7½Jx15 five-arm alloy wheel, with 215/60 R15 tyres, an 8Jx16 five double-spoke alloy, an 8Jx17 10-spoke alloy were also available.
Audi S6 PLUS
As a swan songSwan song
"Swan song" is a metaphorical phrase for a final gesture, effort, or performance given just before death or retirement. The phrase refers to an ancient belief that the Mute Swan is completely silent during its lifetime until the moment just before death, when it sings one beautiful song...
to the C4 platform, an even more powerful, and very limited-production Audi S6 PLUS was briefly available to Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
an customers. The S6 PLUS, developed by Audi's wholly owned high performance subsidiary, quattro GmbH
Quattro GmbH
quattro GmbH is a wholly owned private subsidiary of the German automobile manufacturer AUDI AG, part of the Volkswagen Group.Founded in October 1983, it primarily specialises in producing high performance Audi cars and components, along with purchaser specified customisations...
, was available for sale during the 1997 model year
Model year
The model year of a product is a number used worldwide, but with a high level of prominence in North America, to describe approximately when a product was produced, and indicates the coinciding base specification of that product....
only (production from June 1996 to October 1997). A total of 952 cars were produced–855 Avant, and 97 saloons.
It was powered by another version of the 32 valve
Multi-valve
In automotive engineering a multi-valve or multivalve engine is one where each cylinder has more than two valves. A multi-valve engine has better breathing and can operate at higher revolutions per minute than a two-valve engine, delivering more power.- Multi-valve rationale :A multi-valve design...
(four valves per cylinder) 4.2 litre V8 engine
V8 engine
A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
(parts code prefix: 077, identification code: AHK, later to be seen in the Audi S8
Audi S8
The Audi S8 quattro is a high-performance version of the German luxury automaker Audi's flagship car, the full-size Audi A8. The S8 is produced at Audi's Neckarsulm 'aluminium plant', and it was introduced in September 1994...
as AKH). Audi's performance division reworked key parts of the internal combustion engine
Internal combustion engine
The internal combustion engine is an engine in which the combustion of a fuel occurs with an oxidizer in a combustion chamber. In an internal combustion engine, the expansion of the high-temperature and high -pressure gases produced by combustion apply direct force to some component of the engine...
, increasing the motive
Motive power
In thermodynamics, motive power is an agency, as water or steam, used to impart motion. Generally, motive power is defined as a natural agent, as water, steam, wind, electricity, etc., used to impart motion to machinery; a motor; a mover. The term may also define something, as a locomotive or a...
power
Power (physics)
In physics, power is the rate at which energy is transferred, used, or transformed. For example, the rate at which a light bulb transforms electrical energy into heat and light is measured in watts—the more wattage, the more power, or equivalently the more electrical energy is used per unit...
to 240 kW. It was only available with a revised six-speed manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
(parts code prefix: 01E, identification code: DGU) (gear ratio
Gear ratio
The gear ratio of a gear train is the ratio of the angular velocity of the input gear to the angular velocity of the output gear, also known as the speed ratio of the gear train. The gear ratio can be computed directly from the numbers of teeth of the various gears that engage to form the gear...
s - 1st: 3.500, 2nd: 1.889, 3rd: 1.320, 4th: 1.034, 5th: 0.857, 6th: 0.730), with a final drive ratio of 4.111.
Further revisions were made to the suspension, brake
Brake
A brake is a mechanical device which inhibits motion. Its opposite component is a clutch. The rest of this article is dedicated to various types of vehicular brakes....
s and roadwheels
Wheel
A wheel is a device that allows heavy objects to be moved easily through rotating on an axle through its center, facilitating movement or transportation while supporting a load, or performing labor in machines. Common examples found in transport applications. A wheel, together with an axle,...
. The front brake discs
Disc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
were enlarged to 323 millimetres (12.7 in) in diameter by 30 mm (1.18 in) thick. Standard roadwheels were 8Jx17 "Avus" cast aluminium alloy wheel
Alloy wheel
Alloy wheels are automobile wheels which are made from an alloy of aluminium or magnesium. They are typically lighter for the same strength...
s, with an optional 7Jx16 alloy wheel for use with winter tyres was also available.
With so much power on tap, the S6 Plus saloon could reach 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) from a standstill in 5.6 seconds, with the Avant a tenth of a second slower at 5.7 seconds, making it comparable in terms of acceleration to vehicles like the Porsche 944 Turbo.
Hella
Hella (company)
Hella KGaA Hueck & Co. is an internationally operating German automotive part supplier with headquarters in Lippstadt, North Rhine-Westphalia. Core businesses are vehicle lighting and electronics systems and components. Hella is also involved in the areas of vehicle diagnostics and thermal...
xenon
Xenon arc lamp
A xenon arc lamp is a specialized type of gas discharge lamp, an electric light that produces light by passing electricity through ionized xenon gas at high pressure to produce a bright white light that closely mimics natural sunlight...
high intensity discharge
High-intensity discharge lamp
High-intensity discharge lamps are a type of electrical lamp which produces light by means of an electric arc between tungsten electrodes housed inside a translucent or transparent fused quartz or fused alumina arc tube. This tube is filled with both gas and metal salts. The gas facilitates the...
(HID) headlamps (still with the C4s triple bulb design) were available as an option.
C5 (Typ 4B, 1999-2003)
In late 1997, AudiAudi
Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer, from supermini to crossover SUVs in various body styles and price ranges that are marketed under the Audi brand , positioned as the premium brand within the Volkswagen Group....
introduced an all-new range of Audi A6
Audi A6
The Audi A6 is an executive car marketed by the German automaker Audi AG, now in its fourth generation. As the successor to the Audi 100, the A6 is manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany – and is available in saloon, and wagon configurations, the latter marketed by Audi as the Avant.All generations...
models, based on the Volkswagen Group C5 platform. A new Audi S6, now officially known as the Audi S6 quattro appeared in 1999, to complement its A6 platform
Automobile platform
An automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques...
-mate. It was available in a four-door
Vehicle door
A vehicle door is a partition, typically hinged, but sometimes attached by other mechanisms such as tracks, in front of an opening which is used for entering and exiting a vehicle. A vehicle door can be opened to provide access to the opening, or closed to secure it. These doors are similar to...
saloon/sedan and a five-door Avant (estate/wagon
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
). In North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
, the Avant bodystyle was the only version available. The vehicle could accelerate from standstill to 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) in 5.7 seconds, and from 0 to 200 km/h (124.3 mph) in just 21.7 seconds. The top speed was electronically governed to 250 km/h (155.3 mph).
This generation of S6 went out of production in 2003.
C5 powertrain
MotiveMotive power
In thermodynamics, motive power is an agency, as water or steam, used to impart motion. Generally, motive power is defined as a natural agent, as water, steam, wind, electricity, etc., used to impart motion to machinery; a motor; a mover. The term may also define something, as a locomotive or a...
power
Power (physics)
In physics, power is the rate at which energy is transferred, used, or transformed. For example, the rate at which a light bulb transforms electrical energy into heat and light is measured in watts—the more wattage, the more power, or equivalently the more electrical energy is used per unit...
is from a new rubber-hydro mounted all-aluminium alloy
Aluminium alloy
Aluminium alloys are alloys in which aluminium is the predominant metal. The typical alloying elements are copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon and zinc. There are two principal classifications, namely casting alloys and wrought alloys, both of which are further subdivided into the categories...
4.2 litre 40-valve
Multi-valve
In automotive engineering a multi-valve or multivalve engine is one where each cylinder has more than two valves. A multi-valve engine has better breathing and can operate at higher revolutions per minute than a two-valve engine, delivering more power.- Multi-valve rationale :A multi-valve design...
(five valves per cylinder) 90° V8
V8 engine
A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
petrol engine
Petrol engine
A petrol engine is an internal combustion engine with spark-ignition, designed to run on petrol and similar volatile fuels....
, with twin double overhead camshafts (two per cylinder bank
Cylinder bank
Internal combustion piston engines are usually arranged so that the cylinders are in lines parallel to the crankshaft. Where they are in a single line, this is referred to as an inline or straight engine....
- 2xDOHC) and solenoid
Solenoid
A solenoid is a coil wound into a tightly packed helix. In physics, the term solenoid refers to a long, thin loop of wire, often wrapped around a metallic core, which produces a magnetic field when an electric current is passed through it. Solenoids are important because they can create...
-operated magnesium
Magnesium
Magnesium is a chemical element with the symbol Mg, atomic number 12, and common oxidation number +2. It is an alkaline earth metal and the eighth most abundant element in the Earth's crust and ninth in the known universe as a whole...
two-stage variable intake manifold
Variable Length Intake Manifold
In internal combustion engines, a variable length intake manifold , or variable intake manifold is an automobile internal combustion engine manifold technology...
(parts code: 077, identification codes: AQJ [Sept 99-May 01], ANK [Sept 00-onwards]). It displaced 4172 cc, and was rated at 250 kW at 6,600 revolutions per minute
Revolutions per minute
Revolutions per minute is a measure of the frequency of a rotation. It annotates the number of full rotations completed in one minute around a fixed axis...
(rpm), producing 420 newton metres (310 ft·lbf) of torque
Torque
Torque, moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....
at 3,400 rpm. It satisfied the European Union
European Union
The European Union is an economic and political union of 27 independent member states which are located primarily in Europe. The EU traces its origins from the European Coal and Steel Community and the European Economic Community , formed by six countries in 1958...
EU3 emissions standard, and engine management was by way of a Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
Motronic
Motronic
Motronic is the trade name given to a range of digital engine-management systems developed by Robert Bosch GmbH, commonly known as Bosch.-Motronic ML1.x:Motronic ML1.x was one of the first digital engine-management systems developed by Bosch...
ME 7.0 electronic engine control unit
Engine control unit
An engine control unit is a type of electronic control unit that determines the amount of fuel, ignition timing and other parameters an internal combustion engine needs to keep running...
(ECU), with manifold-sited sequential fuel injection
Fuel injection
Fuel injection is a system for admitting fuel into an internal combustion engine. It has become the primary fuel delivery system used in automotive petrol engines, having almost completely replaced carburetors in the late 1980s....
, mapped direct ignition with eight individual spark coils, Bosch longlife spark plug
Spark plug
A spark plug is an electrical device that fits into the cylinder head of some internal combustion engines and ignites compressed fuels such as aerosol, gasoline, ethanol, and liquefied petroleum gas by means of an electric spark.Spark plugs have an insulated central electrode which is connected by...
s, four heated lambda
Lambda
Lambda is the 11th letter of the Greek alphabet. In the system of Greek numerals lambda has a value of 30. Lambda is related to the Phoenician letter Lamed . Letters in other alphabets that stemmed from lambda include the Roman L and the Cyrillic letter El...
sensors and two catalytic converter
Catalytic converter
A catalytic converter is a device used to convert toxic exhaust emissions from an internal combustion engine into non-toxic substances. Inside a catalytic converter, a catalyst stimulates a chemical reaction in which noxious byproducts of combustion are converted to less toxic substances by dint...
s, cylinder-selective knock control, and a Bosch "E-Gas" drive by wire
Drive by wire
Drive-by-wire, DbW, by-wire, or x-by-wire technology in the automotive industry replaces the traditional mechanical control systems with electronic control systems using electromechanical actuators and human-machine interfaces such as pedal and steering feel emulators...
throttle. The engine was now cooled with the aid of two electric cooling fans
Fan (mechanical)
A mechanical fan is a machine used to create flow within a fluid, typically a gas such as air.A fan consists of a rotating arrangement of vanes or blades which act on the air. Usually, it is contained within some form of housing or case. This may direct the airflow or increase safety by preventing...
, replacing the single viscous
Viscosity
Viscosity is a measure of the resistance of a fluid which is being deformed by either shear or tensile stress. In everyday terms , viscosity is "thickness" or "internal friction". Thus, water is "thin", having a lower viscosity, while honey is "thick", having a higher viscosity...
fan of earlier models.
An oil-cooled six-speed manual transmission
Manual transmission
A manual transmission, also known as a manual gearbox or standard transmission is a type of transmission used in motor vehicle applications...
(parts code: 01E, identification code: EEY) (gear ratio
Gear ratio
The gear ratio of a gear train is the ratio of the angular velocity of the input gear to the angular velocity of the output gear, also known as the speed ratio of the gear train. The gear ratio can be computed directly from the numbers of teeth of the various gears that engage to form the gear...
s: 1st: 3.500, 2nd: 1.889, 3rd: 1.320, 4th: 1.034, 5th: 0.857, 6th: 0.730; and final drive ratio: 4.111) was standard fitment, and an optional ZF 5HP24A
ZF 5HP24 transmission
The ZF 5HP24 is a five-speed automatic transmission for passenger cars from ZF Getriebe GmbH Saarbruecken. Introduced in 1996, it is still in production, and has been used in a variety of cars from Audi, BMW, Jaguar, and Land Rover - all with a front mounted longitudinal engine.-5HP24:*1996–1997...
five-speed tiptronic automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
(parts code: 01L, identification codes: EFN [Sept 99-May 01], FBD [June 00-onwards]) (gear ratios: 1st: 3.571, 2nd: 2.200, 3rd: 1.508, 4th: 1.000, 5th: 0.803; and final drive ratio: 2.909), with steering wheel
Steering wheel
A steering wheel is a type of steering control in vehicles and vessels ....
-mounted paddle-shifts, and "Dynamic Shift Programme" (DSP) was available. Torsen
Torsen
Torsen is a type of differential used in automobiles. It was invented by American Vernon Gleasman and manufactured by the Gleason Corporation. Torsen is a contraction of Torque-Sensing...
T-2 based dynamic quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
was also standard. Both front and rear axle
Axle
An axle is a central shaft for a rotating wheel or gear. On wheeled vehicles, the axle may be fixed to the wheels, rotating with them, or fixed to its surroundings, with the wheels rotating around the axle. In the former case, bearings or bushings are provided at the mounting points where the axle...
s utilised "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL), which is a function of the Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
ESP 5.7 Electronic Stability Programme
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
.
C5 suspension and steering
Compared to its A6 sibling, the suspensionSuspension (vehicle)
Suspension is the term given to the system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. Suspension systems serve a dual purpose — contributing to the car's roadholding/handling and braking for good active safety and driving pleasure, and keeping vehicle occupants...
on the S6 was stiffened and lowered by 10 millimetre (0.393700787401575 in), and utilised gas-pressurised shock absorber
Shock absorber
A shock absorber is a mechanical device designed to smooth out or damp shock impulse, and dissipate kinetic energy. It is a type of dashpot.-Nomenclature:...
s.
ZF
ZF Friedrichshafen
ZF Friedrichshafen AG, also known as ZF Group, and commonly abbreviated to ZF, is a German public company headquartered in Friedrichshafen, in the south-west German region of Baden-Württemberg....
rack and pinion "servotronic" speed-sensitive power steering
Power steering
Power steering helps drivers steer vehicles by augmenting steering effort of the steering wheel.Hydraulic or electric actuators add controlled energy to the steering mechanism, so the driver needs to provide only modest effort regardless of conditions. Power steering helps considerably when a...
was standard.
C5 brakes, wheels and tyres
BrakeBrake
A brake is a mechanical device which inhibits motion. Its opposite component is a clutch. The rest of this article is dedicated to various types of vehicular brakes....
s consisted of radially vented brake discs
Disc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
front and rear. The fronts are sized at 321 millimetres (12.64 in) diameter by 30 mm (1.18 in) thick, and are clamped by Lucas HP2 four-pad calipers. At the rear, the discs are 269 mm (10.59 in) by 22 mm (0.866141732283465 in), and use a Lucas single-piston sliding caliper.
Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
ESP 5.7 Electronic Stability Programme
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
, with Anti-lock Braking System
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
(ABS), Brake Assist
Brake assist
Brake Assist is a generic term for an automobile braking technology that increases braking pressure in an emergency situation. The first application was developed jointly by Daimler-Benz and TRW/LucasVarity...
, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution ', Electronic brakeforce limitation ' is an automobile brake technology that automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle's brakes, based on road conditions, speed, loading, etc...
(EBD) completed the brake system.
Wheels are 8Jx17" cast alloy "Avus" 6-spoke alloy wheel
Alloy wheel
Alloy wheels are automobile wheels which are made from an alloy of aluminium or magnesium. They are typically lighter for the same strength...
s, with 255/40 ZR17 tyres
Tire
A tire or tyre is a ring-shaped covering that fits around a wheel rim to protect it and enable better vehicle performance by providing a flexible cushion that absorbs shock while keeping the wheel in close contact with the ground...
.
C5 body and interior
The body panels were largely based on the Audi A6Audi A6
The Audi A6 is an executive car marketed by the German automaker Audi AG, now in its fourth generation. As the successor to the Audi 100, the A6 is manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany – and is available in saloon, and wagon configurations, the latter marketed by Audi as the Avant.All generations...
4.2 model, with slightly flared wheel arches and door sills, with the bonnet (hood) and front wings being constructed from aluminium
Aluminium
Aluminium or aluminum is a silvery white member of the boron group of chemical elements. It has the symbol Al, and its atomic number is 13. It is not soluble in water under normal circumstances....
. Other features included S6 badging, bolstered seats (optional Recaro
Recaro
RECARO GmbH & Co. KG, commonly known as Recaro, is a German company based in Kirchheim unter Teck in the vicinity of Stuttgart, known for their automobile bucket seats...
seats), polished aluminium exterior door mirror housings, unique front grille, and rear bootlid/tailgate spoiler.
Audi RS6 (C5)
A higher performance Audi RS6 was also available for a limited timescale from 2002 to 2004. It was built by AUDI AGsAudi
Audi AG is a German automobile manufacturer, from supermini to crossover SUVs in various body styles and price ranges that are marketed under the Audi brand , positioned as the premium brand within the Volkswagen Group....
' high performance private subsidiary company - quattro GmbH
Quattro GmbH
quattro GmbH is a wholly owned private subsidiary of the German automobile manufacturer AUDI AG, part of the Volkswagen Group.Founded in October 1983, it primarily specialises in producing high performance Audi cars and components, along with purchaser specified customisations...
. It used a twin-turbo
Twin-turbo
Twin-turbo refers to a turbocharged engine, in which two turbochargers compress the intake charge. There are two commonly used twin turbo configurations: parallel twin-turbo and sequential twin-turbo...
("biturbo") version of the 4.2 litre V8 engine
V8 engine
A V8 engine is a V engine with eight cylinders mounted on the crankcase in two banks of four cylinders, in most cases set at a right angle to each other but sometimes at a narrower angle, with all eight pistons driving a common crankshaft....
(identification code: BCY). Motive
Motive power
In thermodynamics, motive power is an agency, as water or steam, used to impart motion. Generally, motive power is defined as a natural agent, as water, steam, wind, electricity, etc., used to impart motion to machinery; a motor; a mover. The term may also define something, as a locomotive or a...
power
Power (physics)
In physics, power is the rate at which energy is transferred, used, or transformed. For example, the rate at which a light bulb transforms electrical energy into heat and light is measured in watts—the more wattage, the more power, or equivalently the more electrical energy is used per unit...
figures were 331 kW at 5,700 to 6,400 revolutions per minute
Revolutions per minute
Revolutions per minute is a measure of the frequency of a rotation. It annotates the number of full rotations completed in one minute around a fixed axis...
(rpm), with torque
Torque
Torque, moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....
rated at 560 newton metres (413 ft·lbf) from 1,950 to 5,600 rpm. Transmission was a five-speed tiptronic automatic
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
.
Roadwheels
Wheel
A wheel is a device that allows heavy objects to be moved easily through rotating on an axle through its center, facilitating movement or transportation while supporting a load, or performing labor in machines. Common examples found in transport applications. A wheel, together with an axle,...
and tyres
Tire
A tire or tyre is a ring-shaped covering that fits around a wheel rim to protect it and enable better vehicle performance by providing a flexible cushion that absorbs shock while keeping the wheel in close contact with the ground...
were upgraded to , or (5/15 arm design), and there was the "Dynamic Ride Control" (DRC) system available for the suspension
Suspension (vehicle)
Suspension is the term given to the system of springs, shock absorbers and linkages that connects a vehicle to its wheels. Suspension systems serve a dual purpose — contributing to the car's roadholding/handling and braking for good active safety and driving pleasure, and keeping vehicle occupants...
, which featured diagonally interlinked shock absorbers, to give better body control during extreme cornering, acceleration and braking. Compared to standard S6, the suspension was lowered by 20 millimetre (0.78740157480315 in). The brake discs were ventilated and upgraded to 365 millimetres (14.37 in) at the front and 335 millimetres (13.19 in) at the rear.
0-100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) took just 4.6 second
Second
The second is a unit of measurement of time, and is the International System of Units base unit of time. It may be measured using a clock....
s. 0-200 km/h (124.3 mph) was 16.6 (saloon) and 16.8 (Avant) seconds.
C6 (Typ 4F, 2006-2011)
North American International Auto Show
The North American International Auto Show is an annual auto show held in Detroit, Michigan at Cobo Center, usually in January. It is among the largest auto shows in North America.-History:...
in January. It is based on the current C6 Audi A6, and uses the Volkswagen Group C6 platform, and is available in saloon/sedan and Avant (estate/wagon
Station wagon
A station wagon is a body style variant of a sedan/saloon with its roof extended rearward over a shared passenger/cargo volume with access at the back via a third or fifth door , instead of a trunk lid...
) bodystyles. Factory production started in June 2006. A facelifted version of the S6 was released in late 2008 for the 2009 model year. In 2010, the S6 gained Audi's third-generation MMI electronics controller and real-time traffic information.
C6 powertrain
Motive power
In thermodynamics, motive power is an agency, as water or steam, used to impart motion. Generally, motive power is defined as a natural agent, as water, steam, wind, electricity, etc., used to impart motion to machinery; a motor; a mover. The term may also define something, as a locomotive or a...
power
Power (physics)
In physics, power is the rate at which energy is transferred, used, or transformed. For example, the rate at which a light bulb transforms electrical energy into heat and light is measured in watts—the more wattage, the more power, or equivalently the more electrical energy is used per unit...
in the C6 S6 powertrain
Powertrain
In a motor vehicle, the term powertrain or powerplant refers to the group of components that generate power and deliver it to the road surface, water, or air. This includes the engine, transmission, drive shafts, differentials, and the final drive...
features an all-aluminium alloy
Aluminium alloy
Aluminium alloys are alloys in which aluminium is the predominant metal. The typical alloying elements are copper, magnesium, manganese, silicon and zinc. There are two principal classifications, namely casting alloys and wrought alloys, both of which are further subdivided into the categories...
5204 cc Fuel Stratified Injection
Gasoline direct injection
In internal combustion engines, gasoline direct injection , also known as petrol direct injection or direct petrol injection, is a variant of fuel injection employed in modern two-stroke and four-stroke gasoline engines...
(FSI) 40-valve
Multi-valve
In automotive engineering a multi-valve or multivalve engine is one where each cylinder has more than two valves. A multi-valve engine has better breathing and can operate at higher revolutions per minute than a two-valve engine, delivering more power.- Multi-valve rationale :A multi-valve design...
(four valves per cylinder) 90° V10
V10 engine
A V10 engine is a V engine with 10 cylinders in two banks of five with a distinct exhaust note.- Mechanics :The V10 is essentially the result of mating two even-firing straight-5 engines together. The straight-5 engine shows first and second order rocking motion...
petrol engine
Petrol engine
A petrol engine is an internal combustion engine with spark-ignition, designed to run on petrol and similar volatile fuels....
(parts code: 07L, identification code: BXA). Compared to the related 5.0 litre V10 engine
Lamborghini V10
The Lamborghini V10 is a ninety degree V10 petrol engine which was developed for the Lamborghini Gallardo automobile, first sold in 2003....
found in the Lamborghini
Lamborghini
Automobili Lamborghini S.p.A., commonly referred to as Lamborghini , is an Italian car manufacturer. The company was founded by manufacturing magnate Ferruccio Lamborghini in 1963, with the objective of producing a refined grand touring car to compete with established offerings from marques like...
Gallardo
Lamborghini Gallardo
The Lamborghini Gallardo is a sports car built by Lamborghini. The Gallardo is Lamborghini's most-produced model to date, with over 10,000 built in its first seven years of production...
, Audi's variant has a longer stroke and wider bore which increases the displacement
Engine displacement
Engine displacement is the volume swept by all the pistons inside the cylinders of an internal combustion engine in a single movement from top dead centre to bottom dead centre . It is commonly specified in cubic centimeters , litres , or cubic inches...
of the engine, and produces more torque
Torque
Torque, moment or moment of force , is the tendency of a force to rotate an object about an axis, fulcrum, or pivot. Just as a force is a push or a pull, a torque can be thought of as a twist....
at lower revs, making it more suitable for the larger and heavier S6. It produces a 320 kW at 6,800 revolutions per minute
Revolutions per minute
Revolutions per minute is a measure of the frequency of a rotation. It annotates the number of full rotations completed in one minute around a fixed axis...
(rpm), and 540 newton metres (398 ft·lbf) of torque between 3,000 to 4,000 rpm. It utilises twin chain-driven double overhead camshafts (2xDOHC), and variable valve timing
Variable valve timing
In internal combustion engines, variable valve timing , also known as Variable valve actuation , is a generalized term used to describe any mechanism or method that can alter the shape or timing of a valve lift event within an internal combustion engine...
for both intake and exhaust valves. Engine management is by way of Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
Motronic
Motronic
Motronic is the trade name given to a range of digital engine-management systems developed by Robert Bosch GmbH, commonly known as Bosch.-Motronic ML1.x:Motronic ML1.x was one of the first digital engine-management systems developed by Bosch...
MED 9.1 electronic engine control unit
Engine control unit
An engine control unit is a type of electronic control unit that determines the amount of fuel, ignition timing and other parameters an internal combustion engine needs to keep running...
(ECU), which controls the mapped direct ignition, ten individual spark coils, common rail
Common rail
Common rail direct fuel injection is a modern variant of direct fuel injection system for petrol and diesel engines.On diesel engines, it features a high-pressure fuel rail feeding individual solenoid valves, as opposed to low-pressure fuel pump feeding unit injectors...
cylinder-direct sequential mulit-point fuel injection
Fuel injection
Fuel injection is a system for admitting fuel into an internal combustion engine. It has become the primary fuel delivery system used in automotive petrol engines, having almost completely replaced carburetors in the late 1980s....
, and drive by wire
Drive by wire
Drive-by-wire, DbW, by-wire, or x-by-wire technology in the automotive industry replaces the traditional mechanical control systems with electronic control systems using electromechanical actuators and human-machine interfaces such as pedal and steering feel emulators...
throttle.
A ZF 6HP26
ZF 6HP26 transmission
The ZF 6HP26 was the first six-speed automatic transmission in a production passenger car. Released by ZF Friedrichshafen AG in 2000, it was manufactured by ZF Getriebe GmbH in Saarbrücken, Germany....
six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
(parts code: 09E, identification codes: JBW, JMS, KHD, JLL) (gear ratio
Gear ratio
The gear ratio of a gear train is the ratio of the angular velocity of the input gear to the angular velocity of the output gear, also known as the speed ratio of the gear train. The gear ratio can be computed directly from the numbers of teeth of the various gears that engage to form the gear...
s - 1st: 4.171, 2nd: 2.340, 3rd: 1.521, 4th: 1.143, 5th: 0.867, 6th: 0.691), with steering wheel
Steering wheel
A steering wheel is a type of steering control in vehicles and vessels ....
-mounted "paddle-shifters" is the only transmission available. Torsen
Torsen
Torsen is a type of differential used in automobiles. It was invented by American Vernon Gleasman and manufactured by the Gleason Corporation. Torsen is a contraction of Torque-Sensing...
-based quattro permanent four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive
Four-wheel drive, 4WD, or 4×4 is a four-wheeled vehicle with a drivetrain that allows all four wheels to receive torque from the engine simultaneously...
- initially with the T-2 symmetrical differential, and from 2007 model year
Model year
The model year of a product is a number used worldwide, but with a high level of prominence in North America, to describe approximately when a product was produced, and indicates the coinciding base specification of that product....
with the latest 40:60 front:rear asymmetric/dynamic Torsen T-3 differential, are standard. The final drive ratio is 3.801. Traction is assisted "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL) and "Anti-Slip Regulation" (ASR) (commonly known as traction control system
Traction control system
A traction control system , also known as anti-slip regulation , is typically a secondary function of the anti-lock braking system on production motor vehicles, designed to prevent loss of traction of driven road wheels...
) - both functions of the Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
.
The same engine is used in the latest Audi D3 S8, but in a higher state of tune where it develops 331 kW, as the S6 is not to be positioned above the S8 in output. With the discontinuation of the S8 5.2 FSI after the 2009 model year and the RS6 5.0 TFSI in late 2010, the S6 5.2 FSI and R8 5.2 FSI were the remaining vehicles in the Audi marque that have V10 engines. The S6 5.2 FSI was discontinued after the 2011 model year, shortly before the release of the 2012 Audi A6 (C7).
For the sprint from rest to 100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph), the S6 saloon takes 5.2 seconds, with the quarter mile passing in 13.5 seconds. Top speed is electronically limited to 250 kilometres per hour (155.3 mph). However a test by Edmunds found that the S6 takes 5.7-seconds to reach 60 mph, a full second or so behind the BMW M5
BMW M5
The first BMW M5, based on the E28 5 Series, made its debut at Amsterdam Motor Show in February 1984. It was the product of demand for an automobile with the carrying capacity of a saloon , but the overall performance of a sports car. It utilized the 535i chassis and an evolution of the engine from...
and Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG, and that the 2009 Audi A6 3.0 TFSI (a supercharged 3.0L V6) has almost equivalent performance to the S6 5.2 FSI. Moreover, the S6's weight is 4,500 pounds and 59 percent of weight is distributed to the front which increases understeer.
C6 brakes, wheels and tyres
The brakeBrake
A brake is a mechanical device which inhibits motion. Its opposite component is a clutch. The rest of this article is dedicated to various types of vehicular brakes....
s consist of radially ventilated discs
Disc brake
The disc brake or disk brake is a device for slowing or stopping the rotation of a wheel while it is in motion.A brake disc is usually made of cast iron, but may in some cases be made of composites such as reinforced carbon–carbon or ceramic matrix composites. This is connected to the wheel and/or...
front and rear. The fronts are sized at 385 millimetres (15.16 in) in diameter by 36 mm (1.417 in) thick, and are clamped by gloss black painted Continental Teves
Continental AG
Continental AG, internally often called Conti for short, is a worldwide leading German manufacturer of tires, brake systems, vehicle stability control systems, engine injection systems, tachographs and other parts for the automotive and transport industries. The company is based in Hanover, Germany...
two-piston sliding calipers. The rear discs are 330 mm (12.99 in) by 22 millimetre (0.866141732283465 in) thick, and use gloss black Girling-TRW
TRW
TRW Inc. was an American corporation involved in a variety of businesses, mainly aerospace, automotive, and credit reporting. It was a pioneer in multiple fields including electronic components, integrated circuits, computers, software and systems engineering. TRW built many spacecraft,...
single piston sliding calipers with an integrated electro-mechanical parking brake.
A Bosch
Robert Bosch GmbH
Robert Bosch GmbH is a multinational engineering and electronics company headquartered in Gerlingen, near Stuttgart, Germany. It is the world's largest supplier of automotive components...
ESP 8.0 Electronic Stability Programme
Electronic stability control
Electronic stability control is a computerized technology that may potentially improve the safety of a vehicle's stability by detecting and minimizing skids. When ESC detects loss of steering control, it automatically applies the brakes to help "steer" the vehicle where the driver intends to go...
, with Anti-lock Braking System
Anti-lock braking system
An anti-lock braking system is a safety system that allows the wheels on a motor vehicle to continue interacting tractively with the road surface as directed by driver steering inputs while braking, preventing the wheels from locking up and therefore avoiding skidding.An ABS generally offers...
(ABS), Brake Assist
Brake assist
Brake Assist is a generic term for an automobile braking technology that increases braking pressure in an emergency situation. The first application was developed jointly by Daimler-Benz and TRW/LucasVarity...
, and Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution ', Electronic brakeforce limitation ' is an automobile brake technology that automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle's brakes, based on road conditions, speed, loading, etc...
(EBD) completed the brake system.
Standard alloy wheel
Alloy wheel
Alloy wheels are automobile wheels which are made from an alloy of aluminium or magnesium. They are typically lighter for the same strength...
s consist of 9Jx19" cast aluminium alloy "5-arm wing design", shod with Continental
Continental AG
Continental AG, internally often called Conti for short, is a worldwide leading German manufacturer of tires, brake systems, vehicle stability control systems, engine injection systems, tachographs and other parts for the automotive and transport industries. The company is based in Hanover, Germany...
SportContact2 265/35 ZR19 tyres
Tire
A tire or tyre is a ring-shaped covering that fits around a wheel rim to protect it and enable better vehicle performance by providing a flexible cushion that absorbs shock while keeping the wheel in close contact with the ground...
. An optional 8½Jx18" cast alloy "S design" with 255/40 ZR18 tyres (either Conti SportContact2 or Bridgestone
Bridgestone
The is a multinational rubber conglomerate founded in 1931 by in the city of Kurume, Fukuoka, Japan. The name Bridgestone comes from a calque translation and transposition of ishibashi, meaning "stone bridge" in Japanese....
Potenza RE050A) are also available. A direct-acting Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Tire pressure monitoring system
-General:A Tire Pressure Monitoring System is a system designed to monitor the air pressure inside the pneumatic tires on various types of vehicles...
(TPMS) is also standard.
C6 other features
The S6 features two rows of five distinctive LEDLight-emitting diode
A light-emitting diode is a semiconductor light source. LEDs are used as indicator lamps in many devices and are increasingly used for other lighting...
daytime running lamp
Daytime running lamp
A daytime running lamp is an automotive lighting device on the front of a roadgoing motor vehicle, installed in pairs, automatically switched on when the vehicle is moving forward, emitting white, yellow, or amber light to increase the conspicuity of the vehicle during daylight...
s (DRLs) along each side of the front bumper air intakes which indicates the 10-cylinder engine as a point of differentiation from other A6 models. Bi-Xenon
Xenon arc lamp
A xenon arc lamp is a specialized type of gas discharge lamp, an electric light that produces light by passing electricity through ionized xenon gas at high pressure to produce a bright white light that closely mimics natural sunlight...
high-intensity discharge
High-intensity discharge lamp
High-intensity discharge lamps are a type of electrical lamp which produces light by means of an electric arc between tungsten electrodes housed inside a translucent or transparent fused quartz or fused alumina arc tube. This tube is filled with both gas and metal salts. The gas facilitates the...
(HID) adaptive headlights which swivel around corners complement the LED DRLs.
Audi RS6 (C6)
As with the previous generation, this C6 platform has also generated an RS6 version available for the model years 2008 to 2010, again developed and produced by quattro GmbHQuattro GmbH
quattro GmbH is a wholly owned private subsidiary of the German automobile manufacturer AUDI AG, part of the Volkswagen Group.Founded in October 1983, it primarily specialises in producing high performance Audi cars and components, along with purchaser specified customisations...
. This latest version of the RS6 now includes a 5.0 litre (4991 cc) 90° V10 twin-turbo
Twin-turbo
Twin-turbo refers to a turbocharged engine, in which two turbochargers compress the intake charge. There are two commonly used twin turbo configurations: parallel twin-turbo and sequential twin-turbo...
charged ("biturbo"), Fuel Stratified Injection
Gasoline direct injection
In internal combustion engines, gasoline direct injection , also known as petrol direct injection or direct petrol injection, is a variant of fuel injection employed in modern two-stroke and four-stroke gasoline engines...
(FSI) V10 engine
V10 engine
A V10 engine is a V engine with 10 cylinders in two banks of five with a distinct exhaust note.- Mechanics :The V10 is essentially the result of mating two even-firing straight-5 engines together. The straight-5 engine shows first and second order rocking motion...
, which produces 426 kW and 650 newton metres (479 ft·lbf). Available in both Avant and saloon bodystyles, it is Audi's single most powerful car ever to be produced by the marque. Official performance figures for the 0-100 kilometres per hour (62.1 mph) sprint are 4.6 second
Second
The second is a unit of measurement of time, and is the International System of Units base unit of time. It may be measured using a clock....
s for the Avant, with the saloon one tenth of a second quicker at 4.5 seconds.
External links
official sites- Audi.com corporate website
- Audi UK S6 official website
unaffiliated independent sites
- S6plus.de independent site dedicated to the C4 S6 Plus &
- derPlus.com