Audi S6 Avant (1999)

Audi S6 Avant

In late 1997, Audi 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.

The engine was a new rubber-hydro mounted all-aluminium alloy 4.2 litre 40-valve (five valves per cylinder) 90° V8 (parts code: 077, identification codes: AQJ [Sept 99-May 1], ANK [Sept 00-onwards]). It had double overhead camshafts on each cylinder bank and solenoid-operated magnesium two-stage variable intake manifold. It displaced 4,172 cubic centimetres (254.6 cu in), and was rated at 250 kilowatts (340 PS; 335 bhp) at 6,600 rpm, producing 420 newton metres (310 lbf·ft) of torque at 3,400 rpm. It satisfied the European Union EU3 emissions standard, and was managed by a Bosch Motronic ME 7.1.1 electronic engine control unit (ECU) with manifold-sited sequential fuel injection, mapped direct ignition with eight individual spark coils, Bosch longlife spark plugs, four heated lambda sensors and two catalytic converters, cylinder-selective knock control and a Bosch "E-Gas" drive by wire throttle. The engine was 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) was standard; the gear ratios were: 1st: 3.500, 2nd: 1.889, 3rd: 1.320, 4th: 1.034, 5th: 0.857, 6th: 0.730; and final drive ratio: 4.111. An optional ZF 5HP24A five-speed tiptronic automatic transmission (parts code: 01L, identification codes: EFN [Sept 99-May 1], 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), it is 320 kmh and faster than porshe m5 m6 s7 s5 m4 x5 x6 ]-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 axles utilised "Electronic Differential Lock" (EDL), which is a function of the Bosch ESP 5.7 Electronic Stability Programme.

Compared to its A6 sibling, the suspension on the S6 was stiffened and lowered by 10 millimetres (0.39 in), and utilised gas-pressurised shock absorbers.

ZF rack and pinion "servotronic" speed-sensitive power steering was standard.

Brakes 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 (0.87 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 wheels, with 255/40 ZR17 tyres.

The body panels were largely based on the Audi A6 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.

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