Audi has just revealed the new S versions of the A6 sedan and A7 Sportback. The sporty models get a host of suspension appearance packages as well as a mild-hybrid V6.
The S6 and S7 Sportback start with Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive. The system can send up to 70 percent of power to the front wheels, or as much as 85 percent to the rear, but not at the same time, of course. The system also gets wheel-selective torque control that brakes the inside wheels in a turn. Audi says it can brake "slightly before" grip is lost by those tires. A sport differential is available that can send power side to side for improved cornering.
Powering the S6 and S7 is a 2.9 L TFSI V6. The twin-turbo engine offers 450 hp and 443 lb-ft of torque. It also gets a 48-volt mild hybrid system which uses a lithium-ion battery and a belt alternator starter to allow for start-stop capability and an electric supercharger to help spool the turbos faster for quicker throttle response. Europe gets a 3.0 L TDI V6 that delivers 349 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, though we're not expecting that one here.
The cars have progressive-ratio steering that gets more direct as you add more lock. Audi says the S-specific steering "communicates useful information to the driver."
A new S sport suspension lowers the S6 by 20mm and the S7 by 10mm, giving them the same ride height since the base A6 sits taller than its sleeker sibling. Air suspension with adjustable damping will be an option but Audi calls it "an explicitly comfort-oriented option." So it'll ride better, but the standard suspension should be the handling choice.
Six-piston front callipers with massive 400 mm discs up front and 350mm at the rear handle braking duties for these big Audis. A six-piston carbon-ceramic option is available for lower weight. To fit those big brakes, the cars will get 20-inch wheels as standard equipment, wearing 255-wide tires. 21-inch wheels will be an option.
Letting you know visually these are the S versions, the S6 and S7 get subtle styling changes like wider sills and diffuser as well as revised front trim. That rear diffuser gets four large tailpipes, and the front grille adds dark chrome and aluminum accents. The S7 gets aluminum-look mirror caps and funnels in the air inlets to set it apart.
Inside, the S6 and S7 Sportback add S-logo embroidered sport seats, with more highly-contoured ones available. The contrast-stiched buckets can be had in leather and Alcantara or Valcona leather. More interior leather packages are available and wood trim can be chosen to replace the standard brushed aluminum.
We're expecting the S6 sedan and S7 Sportback here. Audi US has been teasing the S6 Avant wagon, but we don't have confirmation of it coming to Canada. We've reached out, though, and will update if we hear differently. The same applies to some of the options listed, which are Euro info. The 2020 S6 and S7 Sportback should arrive later this year.
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