Review: Audi C5.II S6 (2001)

Overview

Released in February 2001, the Audi C5 Series II (C5.II) S6 was a high-performance, executive sedan. Manufactured in Neckarsulm, Germany, the Audi C5.II S6 was powered by a 4.2-litre V8 petrol engine that was mated to a five-speed ZF 5HP24A transmission that drove all four wheels via Audi’s ‘quattro’ system.

4.2 V8 engine

The Audi C5 S6’s 4.2-litre AQJ V8 petrol engine had a cast aluminium alloy block, a die-forged steel crankshaft which operated on five main bearings, a cast aluminium alloy cylinder head, double overhead camshafts driven by a toothed belt and simple roller chain, five valves per cylinder actuated by roller rocker cam followers, variable intake camshaft timing, a variable intake manifold, compression ratio of 11.0:1 and a maximum engine speed of 7200 rpm.

With a kerb weight of 1760 kg, the Audi S6 could accelerate from rest to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.

Audi C5.II S6 specifications
Engine	Trans.	Drive	Peak power	Peak torque
4.2-litre AQJ petrol V8	5sp auto	quattro	250 kW at 7000 rpm	420 Nm at 3400 rpm

Dimensions and suspension

Compared to the Audi C5 A6 on which it was based, the S6 was 37 mm longer (at 4833 mm), 40 mm wider (1850 mm), 10 mm lower (1443 mm) and had the same length wheelbase (2759 mm). The S6 had four-link front suspension with unequal length wishbones and self-tracking trapezoidal link rear suspension.

quattro

The Audi C5 S6’s quattro system utiltised a self-locking Torsen T2 centre differential and provided a 50:50 front:rear torque split in normal conditions. If traction was lost, however, up to 70 per cent of the engine’s torque could be directed to either axle. Furthermore, both the front and rear differentials had an electronic differential lock which could enable cross-axle torque transfer at speeds of up to 80 km/h.

Safety equipment

Safety equipment for the Audi C5.II S6 included dual front airbags, front and rear side airbags, full-length curtain airbags (i.e. for front and rear occupants), ABS, electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, electronic stability control, traction control and front seatbelts with pretensioners and load limiters.

Brakes

The Audi S6 had radially vented front and rear disc brakes, consisting of 321 mm by 30 mm front discs with Lucas HP2 four-pad calipers and 269 mm by 22 mm rear discs with a single-piston sliding caliper.

Features

Standard features for the Audi C5.II S6 included 17-inch Avus alloy wheels with 255/40 ZR17 tyres, climate control air conditioning, an eight speaker Bose sound system with six-stack CD player, satellite navigation, leather seats, combined leather/alcantara Recaro front seats, twelve-way power adjustable front seats with heating, cruise control, xenon headlights, front and rear fog lamps, rear parking sensors, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote central locking, power windows and mirrors, powered tilt and telescopic steering wheel adjustment, alcantara roof lining, a rear blind, carbon-fibre interior trim, an alarm and immobiliser.