New S6 V8 quattro

[Greg Spark <sparkg@wave.co.nz>]

Forgive me if I've missed a previous post on this, but the latest issue
of New Zealand AutoCar has an article on the new S6 which is to have
a 260kw (360bhp) 4.2L V8 !!

There are two pictures of this car showing a low slung black S6 with
significantly flared wheelarches filled with black alloys. Tyres look
at least 235/245 section.

Scheduled for Geneva Show release in March 1998 this car sports a fifth 
generation quattro drivetrain incorporating five computer controlled
torque sensing clutches. The torque is first transmitted to a central
clutch (??diff) from where it is distributed to front/rear as required
and then each output shaft has a torque sensing multiplate clutch.
This system is said to be similar to but even more sophisticated than 
that found in Nissan's current GTR 'V' spec Skyline.

The article states that while it is not as powerful as some competitor's
imminent offerings (e.g. 300kw M5) quattro ensures maximum utilisation
of all 260kw as opposed to part-time use of 300kw outputs in 2WD 
traction controlled drivetrains.  <  makes sense to me :)  >
This also makes it unnecessary to fit huge tyres that increase road noise
and cause wheel housing intrusion.

Purely postulated acceleration figure derived from similar weighted 300kw
bi-turbo 4WD Porsche 911 is 4.1s 0-100kph.

They quote Audi as saying "privately" that the new S6 quattro will help
to redefine the accepted definition of a supercar, particularly in relation
to truly high performance saloons capable of carrying four full size adults
with ease, comfort, and very high standards of safety.

Looking at the price speculated (about 20% higher than our Euro-spec M3)
I'll be waiting for a second hand version or a lottery win!

-- 
Greg Spark
sparkg@wave.co.nz  
Hamilton, New Zealand
'96 A4 1.8Tq 5sp MTM/Remus 200hp