Audi goes mild hybrid with new-generation S6, S7
BY JUSTIN HILLIARD | 11th Apr 2019
AUDI Australia has confirmed it will only offer petrol versions of the new-generation S6 Sedan and S7 Sportback when they enter showrooms early next year, forgoing the diesel options available in Europe.
Speaking to GoAuto, Audi Australia corporate communications manager Shaun Cleary said the company is also “considering” the S6 Avant, having not offered it in previous-generation form.
Australia will join the United States, Asia and the Middle East in opting for the TFSI engine, which is now a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6 that produces 331kW of power and 600Nm of torque – just like it does in the RS4 Avant and RS5 Coupe and Sportback.
While the new engine is 1.1 litres and two cylinders short of its predecessor, it is just as powerful and 50Nm torquier, leaving plenty of room for Audi Sport’s incoming RS6 Avant and RS7 Sportback performance flagships.
Significantly, the S6 and S7 models now feature mild hybridisation – something their RS4 and RS5 counterparts go without.
Acting as an electric turbocharger, an electric-powered compressor (EPC) engages in less than 250 milliseconds to provide up to 7kW of boost at engine speeds up to 1650rpm, with the German brand claiming it helps to eliminate any lag from the exhaust turbochargers.
Meanwhile, the 48V electrical system combines a belt alternator starter (BAS) connected to the crankshaft with a 10Ah lithium-ion battery located beneath the boot floor.
Thanks to regenerative braking, up to 8kW of power can be recovered during acceleration to charge the battery that is responsible for the vehicle’s ancillaries.
This enables extended idle-stop operation, with the engine switching from speeds as low as 22km/h, plus coasting functionality for up to 40 seconds.
Europe’s TDI engine is a 3.0-litre single-turbo V6 that develops 257kW and 700Nm from 2500 to 3100rpm. It features the same form of mild hybridisation.
While performance claims are yet to be released for the TFSI, the TDI accelerates from standstill to 100km/h in 5.0 seconds (S6 Sedan) or 5.1s (S6 Avant and S7 Sportback).
Similarly, the former’s fuel consumption has not been claimed, although the latter’s ranges from 6.2 to 6.5 litres per 100 kilometres on the NEDC combined cycle test, on which carbon dioxide emissions are between 164 and 171 grams per kilometre.
Either way, Audi’s rear-biased but variable quattro all-wheel-drive system is standard alongside a rear sports differential and an eight-speed torque-convertor automatic transmission.
The fresh trio also pick up a sportier tune for the electromechanical steering that already has a variable ratio, while the rear wheels can be steered as an option.
Similarly, the sports-tuned suspension features adaptive dampers as standard and lowers the S6 and S7’s ride heights by 20mm and 10mm respectively. Air springs are optional.
The braking package is also upgraded with 400mm front and 350mm rear discs, with the former clamped by six-piston callipers that are painted black or red and feature S logos.
Carbon-ceramic discs that measure 400mm and 370mm at the front and rear respectively are optionally available, helping to reduce unsprung mass by 9kg.
As standard, sitting in front are 20-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 255/40 tyres, although 21-inch rims are an option alongside performance rubber.
The S6 and S7 are also visually distinguished by their sports body kits that are comprised of grille inserts, bumpers, side skirts, a rear diffuser and spoiler, and quad exhaust tips.
Inside, a flat-bottom steering wheel, sports seats with embossed S logos, stainless-steel pedals, aluminium scuff plates and the choice of leather and Alcantara or Valcona leather upholstery with contrast stitching provide further differentiation.
