Audi has a number of major launches lined up for the fall of 2014, but by far their most important is the revised A6 family. Engineers have been busy installing new TDI diesels and the first 1.8-liter turbo gasoline unit to wear the "ultra" fuel-sipper badge, so the range is now 22% more efficient and complies with EU6 regulations. However, they did not forget about quattro racing fans and reworked the S6 as well.
Powered by a de-tuned version of the biturbo 4-liter from the RS6, the S6 is arguably one of the best watered down performance cars out there. And starting later this year, it will be a whole lot better.
The highlight is an updated engine that now produces 450 hp instead of the usual 420 hp. This is only the major headline, as minute changes have been made throughout the car. Thanks to this power increase, the quattro AWD system is able to launch the Saloon model from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.4 seconds, while the Avant needs 4.6 seconds.
Both the estate and sedan come with a redesigned set of LED headlights, which flank a new, more angular grille. Optionally, customers can order the advanced Matrix LED lights, incorporating clusters of LED bulbs which can be individually dimmed when sensors detect oncoming or following traffic.
In a press statement, Audi said prices will start at €75,400 for the sedan. Yet the official German website lists it a little higher, at €77,900. Maybe this has to do with the launch edition, which needs to be better equipped. Either way, the S6 is not a cheap car by any measure, though it's worth noting that BMW asks €82,000 for its 381 hp M550d with xDrive.
Mihnea's favorite cars have already been built, the so-called modern classics from the '80s and '90s. He also loves local car culture from all over the world, so don't be surprised to see him getting excited about weird Japanese imports, low-rider VWs out of Germany, replicas from Russia or LS swaps down in Florida. Full profile
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