Hot on the heels of the V10-powered S8 comes another Audi supersaloon featuring motivation by Lamborghini. Not that you'd know it, because at first glance there is little to distinguish the new S6 from lesser A6s - even the rear spoiler is discreet.
The one clear difference is a pair daytime LED running strips in the front bumper. Audi claims these will be a 'trendsetting safety element' as well as 'a masterstroke of design'. They also add a menacing edge to the otherwise subtle S6.
The engine is the same V10 unit found in the Lamborghini Gallardo and Audi S8, though in this latest application it has been detuned to 420bhp. Torque matches that of its bigger brother, at 398lb ft. The 40-valve FSI unit features clever flaps that swirl air as it enters the combustion chamber and no-maintenance chains for the camshafts.
The quattro four-wheel drive system is set to bias 60 per cent of torque towards the rear in normal conditions in an attempt to give the Audi a more sporty feel than its predecessor, though it can of course vary the power split for maximum traction depending on conditions. From rest the S6 will hit 62mph in just 5.2sec (5.3sec for the Avant estate version), on its way to an electronically limited 155mph maximum. Expect prices to start at around £50,000 when the car goes on sale in the spring.
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