There’s some great news for Audi fans. The automaker is adding sportier versions of the A6 and A7 models and bringing some great performance improvements. Best of all, both models will offer better performance without sacrificing fuel economy. A win-win situation, right?
Under the Hood
In the US, the Audi S6 and Audi S7 will use a mild-hybrid powertrain that’s built around a 2.9-liter V6 gas engine. The engine brings the usual exhaust-drive turbocharger and an electric compressor. The electric compressor will spin up very quickly, which will eliminate the usual lag in throttle response associated with turbochargers.
With all under of that under the hood, it results in 450 horsepower and 442 pound-feet of torque, with no wait time. The power is brought to all four wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Both S6 and S7 will come equipped with a 48-volt electrical system and a small lithium-ion battery pack that’s located under the trunk floor. While the battery pack won’t have the electricity needed to drive the car on its own, it will allow for some very aggressive engine start-stop system that will assist in improving driver’s gas mileage. The system will even shut off the engine entirely while the car is moving, allowing the vehicles to “coast” up to 40 seconds, Audi says.
Outside of the US market, the S6 and S7 will come equipped with a 3.0-liter diesel V6 engine instead of the gasoline engine. The diesel engine will have the same combination of conventional turbocharger and electric compressor, but will only make 349 horsepower and 516 Lb.-ft of torque.
Suspension: How does it feel?
Audi is bringing a sportier suspension setup on the S6 and S7. Both will offer a lower ride height when compared to their counterparts. In addition, a torque-vectoring feature for the all-wheel drive system brakes the two inside wheels when the car is going around a corner, shunting power to the outside wheels to help guide the car through the turn. The automaker has not provided details for its US versions, but they will offer sport differential, four-wheel steering, and carbon-ceramic brakes in Germany.
Difference Between Base and Sport Model
There will also be some subtle changes to differentiate from the normal and sportier models. The performance models, S6 and S7, will feature restyled front ends, four round exhaust tips, 20-inch wheels, and other small details here and there. Both vehicles will also feature front sport seats, stainless steel pedal caps, and lots of “S” logos so you can really enjoy the car visually. If that’s not all, Audi Virtual Cockpit digital instrument cluster will also get S-specific graphics to give you that fierce feel when driving.
When Will Audi S6 and S7 Launch?
Audi will likely launch its S6 and S7 sportier vehicles in the US as 2020 models. We don’t have too many additional details, but Audi will likely reveal more later this month at the 2019 New York Auto Show.
