Audi

Audi unveils the new 2012 S6 and S6 Avant with the 4.0 TFSI

By Ryan Konko

Posted on September 1, 2011

Modern power.

It hasn’t been long since Audi introduced their fourth generation A6 model. As a matter of fact, they’re just starting to hit US shores. Now Audi has unveiled their all-new 2012 Audi S6 V8 models complete with a more powerful and efficient twin-turbocharged V-8 that replaces the 5.2-liter V-10 of yore.

The new Audi S6 sedan and S6 Avant bring forth the typical distinguishing design characteristics that we’ve come to expect and love from Audi. Each fender proudly wears a new “V8T” badge hinting at the power under the hood, and the “S6” badges appear in their usual positions along the trunk and front grille. The brushed aluminum side mirrors and chrome quad exhaust tips also make a return. Audi has changed things up a bit with a new front grille with aluminum applications and chromed double bars, and a chrome bumper strip. Both the sedan and Avant feature broader side sills and a new rear bumper with platinum gray diffuser and aluminum-look offset edge. Generating downforce on the sedan is a subtle trunk spoiler while the Avant gets a more aggressive roof spoiler.

Although the design is typical Audi and has considerably more presence, the real revolution in power lies under the hood. Audi’s new 4.0 TFSI twin-turbocharged V-8 boasts more power and greater fuel efficiency over the outgoing 5.2-liter V-10. Both the S6 V8 sedan and Avant use a 420 horsepower variant of the 4.0 TFSI that erupts in a plateau of 405.66 lb-ft. of torque from 1,400 to 5,300 RPM. But the power doesn’t come with a penalty. Efficiency is up by as much as 25 percent as the outgoing S6 due to new recuperation and start-stop systems, a cylinder deactivation system, and a lightning fast seven-speed S tronic transmission. Under part load, four cylinders shut down to reduce consumption. During the shutdown engine bearings are used to counter vibration and an Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) system is activated, playing antiphase sound to cancel out any unpleasant engine sounds. This helps the new 2012 Audi S6 achieve an average fuel consumption of 24.25 US mpg for the sedan and 24.0 US mpg for the Avant.

The new engine and quick-shifting transmission helps propel the 2012 Audi S6 sedan and S6 V8 Avant to new levels of performance. Accelerating to 62 mph takes only 4.8 seconds for the sedan and 4.9 seconds for the Avant. Both models are electronically governed to a 155 mph top speed.

Although one goal for the new S6 was to increase efficiency, the sport factor is more apparent than ever. The standard Quattro permanent all-wheel drive system comes equipped with torque vectoring and self-locking center differential. Optionally, customers can also order a sport differential to improve distribution of power to the rear wheels. The chassis is also lighter than the competition because of its 20 percent aluminum construction, brining the Audi S6 Avant in at 4,300 lbs. and the sedan in at 4,177 lbs. Standard on the S6 models are 8.5 J x 19 cast aluminum five-double spoke wheels with 255/40 R19 tires. Seven optional wheel designs, four of which are from Quattro GmbH, are available in 19- or 20-inch variants. Bringing the car to a halt are internally ventilated front and rear disc brakes with matte black calipers bearing the “S6” logo. Customers can also equip their S6 with optional carbon-fiber ceramic discs for unrelenting stopping power.

Inside Audi has taken steps to upgrade the interior with “S6” badging and exclusive upgrades. The “S6” logo adorns the keyfob, MMI display and driver information system, aluminum shift paddles, steering wheel, gauges, illuminated door sill trims, and seatbacks. Aluminum adorns the MMI display soft keys and pedals for a sportier appearance. The standard trim is matte brushed aluminum with carbon fiber, grain ash natural brown wood, or layered Beaufort Oak as options. Black, Lunar Silver, and Goa Beige nappa leather and alcantara colors for the seats are available with optional Milano and Valcona upholstery. As with all Audi S-models, sport seats with greater lumbar and lateral support come standard.

The 2012 Audi S6 V8 and S6 V8 Avant will hit dealer showrooms in the spring of 2012. Each variant will be available in eight different colors including Prism Silver and Estoril Blue in a crystal effect. Pricing has not been released.

2012 Audi S6 V8 and Audi S6 V8 Avant Specifications

Engine:
Type: 4.0 TFSI
Displacement: 4.0 liters
Number of Cylinders: V-8
Aspiration: Twin-turbocharged
Maximum Horsepower: 420 HP (309 kW)
Maximum Torque: 405.66 lb-ft (550 Nm) from 1,400 to 5,300 RPM

Transmission:
Type: Seven-speed S tronic
Drive: Quattro all-wheel
Standard Features: Self-locking center differential, torque vectoring
Optional: Rear sport differential

Performance:
Acceleration 0-62 mph (S6 Sedan): 4.8 seconds
Acceleration 0-62 mph (S6 Avant): 4.9 seconds
Top Speed (Both models): 155.34 mph (250 km/h)

Wheels, Tires, and Suspension:
Wheels: Cast aluminum in five double-spoke design
Wheel Size: 8.5 J x 19
Optional: 19- and 20-inch sizes
Tires: 255/40 R 19
Suspension: Air suspension with variable damping
Brakes: Front and rear internally ventilated disc
Optional Brakes: Carbon fiber ceramic

Exterior:
-V8T badging
-S6 badging
-Front grille with aluminum look and chrome double strips
-Front bumper chrome strip
-Rear bumper with platinum gray diffuser
-Rear trunk spoiler (sedan)
-Rear roof spoiler (avant)
-Brushed aluminum side mirrors
-Side skirts