Audi S6 and S7 Debut With 450-HP V6, Mild-Hybrid System

Audi has taken the veil off the S6 and the S7. As predicted, they’ll both be powered by the same turbocharged 2.9-liter V6 with 450 hp and 442 lb-ft that powers the RS4 and RS5.

Both S models will be equipped with Audi’s 48-volt mild hybrid system, making the car more fuel efficient. The electrically powered compressor (EPC) will also help eliminate dreaded turbo lag. It effectively acts like a little electric supercharger that ensures forced air is always being fed into the engine. The system responds within 250 milliseconds and covers engine speeds of up to 1,650 rpm (when the traditional system can take over).

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According to Audi, the EPC looks just like a little turbocharger and sits right on top of the engine, in the intake path behind the intercooler. Most of the time, it’s completely bypassed, but when air coming into the engine is low, the EPC kicks in and feeds compressed air into the engine.

Meanwhile, the S’s Quattro AWD systems can funnel up to 85% of the torque to the rear wheels, or up to 70% to the front ones if you need to get yourself out of trouble in a hurry.

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The S6 and S7 also come with S sport suspension, designed specifically for them. They come with damping control as standard that can lower the S6 by 20 mm and the S7 by 10 mm, ultimately giving them both the same ride height.

As far as the unsprung stuff is concerned, Audi has been careful with the weight down there. Both come with aluminum six-piston calipers and 400-mm discs up front and 350-mm discs in the back that can be optionally made ceramic to further lower weight.

Although Audi has said that Americans will only have access to the S6 and S7 TFSI, Europeans will have the option of fitting the cars with a diesel TDI engine making 349 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. Which, despite the torque figure, you might be fine living without. What you’ll be less excited about missing out on, though, is the S6 Avant that Audi also revealed. Although largely the same as the S6 sedan, the Avant will likely not be brought stateside.

Audi has not announced U.S. pricing yet, but in Germany, they are €76,500 for the S6 Sedan,€79,000 for the S6 Avant, and €82,750 for the S7 Sportback.