V8 Engine Co-developed with Bentley

The S6 and S6 Avant will be launched next spring, alongside the top-tier S8 and the more personal S7.
The biggest highlight is the engine: a newly developed 4-liter V8 twin-turbo unit, the same as in the S7 and S8. Tuned identically to the S7, it produces a maximum output of 309 kW (426 ps) at 7,000 rpm and a peak torque of 550 Nm between 1,400 and 5,300 rpm.

This engine was co-developed with Bentley, and its highlight is a system called Cylinder on Demand. This is an intelligent cylinder deactivation system that shuts down four of the eight cylinders during low-load operation. By deactivating the intake and exhaust valves on cylinders 2, 3, 5, and 8, it achieves highly efficient combustion and reduced emissions. Naturally, when the accelerator is pressed, the dormant cylinders awaken, but Audi claims the system's control is so precise, operating in 300-millisecond increments, that drivers won't even notice how many cylinders are active. Furthermore, when Cylinder on Demand is engaged, an active noise cancellation system uses microphones within the cabin to capture noise and emit an anti-phase sound to reduce it. The only indication of Cylinder on Demand's operation is an indicator that appears on the instrument panel.

It features a 7-speed S tronic transmission and all-wheel drive. The S6 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.8 seconds, and the S6 Avant in 4.9 seconds, with a top speed electronically limited to 250 km/h by gentleman's agreement. Consequently, this large body, nearly 5 meters long, can be accelerated effortlessly. Fuel consumption is rated at 10.3 km/l for both the S6 and S6 Avant.

The body utilizes Audi Ultra Lightweight Technology, familiar from recent commercials, with approximately 20 percent aluminum used, resulting in a curb weight of 1,895 kg (1,950 kg for the Avant), which is also noteworthy.

Additionally, like the S8, it offers torque vectoring, which controls torque distribution to all four wheels during cornering, and a rear sport differential that manages torque distribution between the left and right rear wheels. Standard tire size is 19-inch with 255/40 profile, with an optional 20-inch fitment available.