Audi’s breath-taking new S6 has made its international premiere last month.

The new Audi S6 is characterised by a refined flow of power in conjunction with superlative comfort and an elegantly understated appearance. It is the sporty top model in the luxury-class A6 family, which took the market by storm following its launch in 2004 and has since garnered countless accolades worldwide from both customers and experts within the trade.

The S6 is the latest model to demonstrate the company’s clear promise of ‘sportiness’, and will go on sale in Europe in the 2nd quarter 2006. The S6 Avant, the estate-car version, has also been unveiled and combines the exemplary versatility of Audi’s Avant concept with the decidedly sporty character of the new Audi S6.

In response to the challenge to deliver supreme performance, coupled with absolute control, the new Audi S6 will be powered by a completely new ten-cylinder V-configuration engine. This engine, virtually identical to the powerplant fitted to the new Audi S8, makes maximum use of its 5.2 litre displacement, mobilising 309 kW at 6,800 rpm. It reaches its peak torque of 540 Nm between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm. Between 2,500 and 5,500 rpm, torque of over 500 Nm is available. This engine, weighing only 220 kilogrammes, is thus able to guarantee superior pulling power in every driving situation.

FSI petrol direct injection, a principle that has proved its worth in the most successful racing car ever built, the Le Mans winning Audi R8, plays an instrumental role in this model's refined flow of power.

The saloon is capable of racing from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2 seconds (S6 Avant: 5.3 seconds); the top speed is electronically governed to 250 km/h.

Both the driveline and the steering and suspension have been modified to reflect the immense power potential of the new Audi S6.

The six-speed tiptronic automatic transmission accomplishes swifter gear changes whilst the steel-spring suspension is configured for greater agility and a more direct response, as is the servotronic steering.

The latest-generation quattro permanent four-wheel drive with a 40:60 torque split naturally ensures optimum propulsion in all conditions. Thanks to this concept, the new Audi S6 sets itself apart as the progressive alternative to all its competitors.

One of the key requirements in the development of the Audi S6 was to provide a high standard of comfort in every situation, for all its sporty emphasis. In other words, the driver and passengers are always cocooned in extreme comfort, even while enjoying very sporty driving.

The interior offers absolute luxury, featuring new sports seats complete with integral head restraints, exclusive leather/Alcantara upholstery on all five seats and deluxe automatic air conditioning plus, with separate temperature distribution for the driver's and front passenger's sides.

Even with its uncompromising sportiness and use of high-technology, the external appearance of the Audi S6 remains decidedly understated and elegant. The S6 saloon is characterised by 19-inch wheels, subtly flared front wheel arches, the striking single-frame grille with vertical double struts and a harmoniously integrated rear spoiler, and the Avant has a modified roof spoiler.

The two daytime running light strips, each comprising five LEDs, are both a trendsetting safety element and an innovative masterstroke of design. They have been integrated into the front bumper and, when switched on, serve as an unmistakable distinguishing feature of the S6.

The S6 is expected to be launched in Australia in the 4th quarter of 2006, although pricing and specification is unavailable for Australian vehicles at this time.