2013 Audi S6 - Car and Driver
Audi’s lineup of V-8–powered S models is growing, and each S has its own place. Of the four models with the new twin-turbocharged 4. 0-liter V-8, the 420-hp S7 is the beauty, and the 520-hp S8 is the big daddy with lots of extra baubles. Under the skin, it is virtually identical to the S7. But thanks to the lack of a hatch and its slightly more compact dimensions, the S6 weighs about 100 fewer pounds, and it has a slightly narrower track. As in the S7, the force-fed V-8 produces 420 hp at 6400 rpm, and maximum torque—an impressive 406 lb-ft—is available from 1400 all the way to 5200 rpm. Its immediate predecessor was more powerful, packing a 435-hp naturally aspirated 5. 2-liter V-10. And that powertrain was capable of sending a chill down your spine simply from its F1-like exhaust note. The new V-8 emits a menacing growl but doesn’t quite match up to the raging V-10. On the plus side, the new engine is not only a bit more torquey but also more efficient—by a whopping 25 percent, according to Audi. With launch control engaged, the sprint from 0 to 60 mph takes a mere 3. 7 seconds, which is all the more impressive considering the engine’s modest output ( the last S6 needed 5. 4 seconds to do the same deed). The S6 is supposed to be a very efficient performance sedan, thanks to low engine friction and cylinder deactivation—we saw 14 mpg over an admittedly. Source: www.caranddriver.com
