2013 Audi S6

Proof That Less Of Some Things Can Equal More. It's been fascinating to sample Audi's new greener edition of the EA824 V8 in all of its various incarnations. Our first crack at the new TFSI powerplant with cylinder-on-demand was in Audi's own 513-horsepower S8, and we then went on to try it out in the new 500-hp Bentley Continental GT and GTC V8 models. Most recently, we dipped into the 4.0-liter biturbo in the new S7 before getting behind the wheel of the closely related S6 seen here. Versus the previous S6 with its muy macho Lamborghini-derived 5.2-liter V10, everything is quicker, more efficient and lighter in weight. The new fourth-generation S6 Quattro with S-tronic seven-speed dual clutch comes in at a European curb weight of 4,178 pounds – about 30 pounds lighter than the previous V10-stuffed car with its automated six-speed. Yes, power is slightly lower now at 414 horses, but peak torque of 406 pound-feet is slightly higher and happens over a vastly wider range of 1,400 to 5,200 rpm. Audi's 0-62 miles per hour sprint time is now listed at 4.6 seconds, a figure that compares favorably with the outgoing car's official 5.2-second time. For my test drive, Audi thoughtfully provided a couple of S6 four-door setups for me to sample: those with Dynamic Steering and the torque vectoring sport Quattro rear differential, and those without. You know which trim I went for already. So equipped, these S6 sedans were all painted Misano Red... an exterior color that Americans cannot get this time around. So, just visualize me thundering around Bavaria in a car painted shades of white, black, silver, gray, or blue, since those are the paint chips you'll find on the order sheet at your local dealer. Everything is quicker, more efficient and lighter in weight. First of all, when a particularly intelligent person (Yes, I am blatantly insinuating.) goes for either this loaded Audi S6, a similarly equipped Mercedes-Benz E550 4Matic, or what have you, one's drive expectations are not about how well it manages a controlled oversteer, smoking-tire pose on your favorite run up to lover Mila Kunis' house. These premium juggernauts are generally for executives and their families, and they get used a lot year-round in areas with four real seasons. What one appreciates at this price, though, is the sophistication, the poise, the aesthetics and the ride and drive sensations. It's a pricier club, and either you want to be part or you don't. No skin off anyone's back. I tried both this red S6 fully equipped as well as a version painted Ice Silver that was not equipped with S-calibrated dynamic steering or the rear sport differential with torque vectoring. The difference is crystal clear when you drive them back-to back. My take? You can be very pleased that North America gets a far finer base S6 than do the Europeans at the higher price. North America gets a far finer base S6 than do the Europeans at the higher …
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