AUDI S6 Avant - An advanced form of performance technology, design and versatility

With its inaugural launch into the North American market, the 2002 Audi S6 Avant is fresh evidence of Audi's advanced technological authority and justified claim to sporty character-common characteristics shared by all members of Audi's coveted "S" family. The S6 Avant, with more than 36 cubic feet of luggage area, is designed to appeal to the "forward thinking" driving enthusiast who appreciates a more progressive performance concept, without sacrificing functionality, safety and design.

Underneath the hood of the S6 Avant is an all-aluminum Audi 4.2-liter V8 engine. With dual overhead cams and five valves per cylinder, the robust powerplant produces a peak output of 340 horsepower at 7,000 revolutions per minute and an impressive maximum torque of 310 lbs. ft. at a mere 3,400 rpm. Performance enhancing features include a variable intake magnesium manifold with three intake paths, roller camshaft followers, variable intake camshaft timing and a direct ignition system.

Delivering this performance, the S6 Avant features an electronically controlled five speed automatic transmission with Dynamic Shift Program (DSP).

DSP-with hill detection capability-selects automatically from more than 200 shift patterns to match driver characteristics with driving conditions. For slightly more performance, the S6 Avant features an all-new shift gate with "Sport-mode" setting and Tiptronic® clutchless shifting controls on the steering wheel.

To suit the vehicle's sporting character, power is delivered to the road with supreme reliability through legendary Audi quattro® IV permanent all-wheel drive. Direct rack and pinion steering, coupled with Servotronic® vehicle-speed variable power assist, ensures the new S6 Avant responds to driver input with agility and precision.

Active safety features include the unique Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP®)) with hydraulic BrakeAssist. ESP continually monitors the parameters critical to the vehicle's stability and intervenes automatically if there is any risk of a skid. The ESP control unit calculates the state of the vehicle from the wheel speeds and data supplied by the anti-lock brake system (ABS), Anti Slip Regulation (ASR) traction control and sensors that detect the steering angle, yaw and lateral acceleration. Using this information ESP counteracts oversteer by selectively braking the front wheel on the outside of the bend; in the case of understeer, it briefly brakes the rear wheel on the inside of the bend. The combination of quattro and ESP makes the Audi S6 Avant one of the nimblest vehicles in its class.

Just as essential as me promise of performance is the knowledge that the vehicle will stop precisely when needed or the driver desires. The S6 Avant features the all-important anti-lock braking system, tandem brake servo and ventilated disc brakes with aluminum calipers on all wheels. Hydraulic BrakeAssist detects the speed at which the brake pedal is depressed and automatically activates maximum braking in critical braking situations.

For performance and appearance, an all-aluminum sport suspension is standard equipment on the S6 Avant. New front and rear aluminum sub frames are 24 Ibs. Iighter than steel subframes. This lightweight yet rugged suspension sits 20 mm lower than the standard A6 suspension, using shocks with 40 percent increased compression during damping, a 30 percent stiffer spring rate and larger diameter stabilizer bars.

The new S6 Avant with standard all-wheel drive quattro incorporates a self-locking Torsen® center differential that intuitively distributes power between the front and rear wheels as required. In extreme driving conditions, an electronic differential lock (EDL) uses precise brake intervention to provide targeted distribution to the wheels with the greatest degree of traction at any given moment.

Advanced safety features of the new S6 Avant include dual-threshhold next generation front airbags, seat-mounted front side airbags and Audi SIDEGUARD® curtain airbags to protect occupants from glass and roof pillars in the event of a side-impact. Three-point safety belts with automatic pretensioning-including force limiters for front occupants-and headrests for all seating positions are also standard.

Unique styling cues of the 2002 Audi S6 Avant include a polished aluminum double grille and flared wheel arches accommodating 1 7-inch "Avus" cast alloy wheels outfitted with 255/40 ZR17 performance tires. A full-size spare tire with alloy wheel comes standard.

Additional visual accents include polished aluminum roof rails, exterior mirror housings and dual exhaust tailpipes, plus black side sill extensions and color-coded bumpers that perfectly match body color.

Bumper covers are contoured to be flush with the vehicle's body surface and profile, and aluminum doorsill strips with "Audi" script and "S" badging on the rear deck lid and front grille add subtle elegance while heralding the vehicle's personality.

The interior of the S6 Avant showcases heated front sport seats with 12-way power lumbar supports, a new three-position memory function for both driver and passenger seats, Gray Birch wood trim, heated and power adjusting and folding anti-fog exterior mirrors with memory function, leather upholstery with Alcantara headliner and a three-spoke sport steering wheel. The harmonious cabin also includes Audi's next generation radio with an in-dash sixdisc CD changer and Bose®) 200-watt premium sound system with subwoofer.

Other standard features include: electronic tilt/telescoping/tilt-away steering column; full-length center console with rear power outlet; fully-automatic dual-zone climate control with sun sensor and activated charcoal filter; new HomeLink® three-channel remote transmitter in the driver's sun visor; and anti-theft alarm with interior monitoring sensors.

[ Back ]