2007 Audi S6 Preview

Audi Strikes Back

Equipped with a potent V10, the new S6 competes with BMW's M5, but skews toward luxury.

Hot on the heels of BMW bringing the first V10-powered luxury sedan to the U.S. market – the 500-hp M5 – in 2005, Audi brings its own 10-cylinder contender with the 2007 S6.

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The S6 is basically a high-performance variant of Audi's midsize A6 sedan. Using a less potent versoin of the V10 in the previously announced S8, the S6’s 5.2-liter engine produces 420 hp at 6,800 rpm and 398 pound-feet of torque. That's 70 hp shy of BMW's M5 engine, but Audi promises more of a bias towards luxury. Audi says the S6 will sprint to 62 miles per hour from a standstill in 5.2 seconds.

A six-speed automatic is the only transmission available. Quattro all-wheel drive comes standard, with a 40/60 front to rear torque split that enables a combination of rear-wheel drive dynamics (preferred by enthusiasts) and all-weather security.

Audi will also offer an S6 Avant wagon. Audi says it will hit 62 mph in 5.3 seconds, which would make the Avant the quickest wagon sold in North America. Sedan and wagon versions of the S6 will go on sale this spring, while the larger S8 is set to arrive in the fall.