Audi unveils mild-hybrid power for the S6 and S7 ranges

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Luke Wilkinson 2019-04-11 12:07

Both the Audi S6 and S7 range come with Audi's 3.0-litre V6 TDI engine with a 48-volt hybrid system and an electrically-driven supercharger

The Audi S6 and S7 Sportback ranges are now available with a new mild-hybrid powertrain, consisting of a turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 diesel engine, a 48-volt electric motor and an electrically driven supercharger. The powertrain will arrive in the UK later this year, with prices expected to start from £66,000 for the S6 and £71,000 for the S7 Sportback.

The system develops a maximum output of 344bhp and 700Nm of torque. Power is fed through an eight-speed automatic gearbox to all four wheels, resulting in a 0–62mph sprint of five seconds in the S6 saloon (5.1 seconds in the S6 Avant and S7 Sportback) and an electronically-limited top speed of 155mph.

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Audi claims that the electrically-driven supercharger pre-empts the effects of turbo lag to deliver a sharper engine response. The electric compressor sits on the engine’s air intake between the turbocharger and the intercooler. In normal driving, it’s bypassed by a valve, but when the turbo is unable to deliver enough boost, the valve closes and the supercharger engages.

Audi’s mild-hybrid system comprises a 48-volt belt-driven alternator starter and a lithium-ion battery, offering claimed economy figures of up to 45.5mpg in the S6 saloon and 43.4mpg in the S6 Avant and S7 Sportback. It’s also fitted with an energy recuperation system, capable of recovering up to 8kW of power during deceleration.

Both the S6 and the S7 Sportback get a range of chassis upgrades to complement the new drivetrain, including sport suspension, progressive steering and Audi’s electronic chassis platform, which controls the dampers and the all-wheel-drive system. Optional extras include adaptive air suspension, four-wheel steering and ceramic brake discs gripped by six-piston calipers.

Like all ‘S’ edition Audis, the S6 and S7 come with a raft of standard equipment, including 20-inch alloy wheels, a full S-line body kit, chromed quad exhausts, a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, an 8.8-inch infotainment screen, a flat-bottomed steering wheel, Alcantara sports seats and four-zone climate control.

What are your thoughts on Audi’s S models gaining hybrid tech? Let us know in the comments section below…

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