Clarkson's review of S6 in The Sunday Times

[Madmass]

I wonder if this may be the correct place for this, but as there is no forum as yet for the new S6, I thought it may be the place for comment.

Yesterdays Times ran a review by JC on the new S6. His review appeared to be subjective from the start and went downhill from there.

Not only did he slate the cars "lack" of power - only 429BHP, he critisised the overly sharp throttle response?? A gearbox that "felt like it was on cannabis" - (pass the biscuits) and suspension that "felt like it was made from driftwood" adding that the ride was sxxt.

His closing verdict was one star and describing the vehicle as being "utterly, utterly useless"

I recall watching the Top Gear test of the RS6 (02) saloon against a Merc, Jag S type R and BMW M5.

His report was quite complimentary and for once rational he described the RS6 as one of the best cars on the road today (2002)

I wonder if Audi have indeed made such a lemon in the new S6 or is it a rambling journalists attempt at motoring subversion?

[SteveH]

Quite simply, Audi RS/S around that money, you'd go for an RS4... if your looking to spend more then S8 or R8 depending what dynamics/practicality your after. This leaves little demand for an S6... as its strangely positioned with what other toys are on offer. Particularly if you compare current S6/RS6 residuals, I recckon people will wait for the new RS6.

[bobjebb]

The fact that my dealer phoned me and asked if I knew any friends that might want one, lterally days after they were on the road doesn't bode well. Went to another dealer the other day and the "salesman" didn't really have a good woord to say about it, apart from it sounded nice. Bu the way, what does a V10 sound like compared to a V8?

[quattro25]

I passed one on the road today - so somebody bought one!! I have to say I wasn't expecting to see it and didn't really pay any attention to the badge on the boot, assuming it was another cheap A6 S-Line immitation, but once past it the running lights really do make it stand out.

Having driven one as well, I 'm not sure it deserves the universal thumbs down it has received, yes it will undoubtedly be eclipsed by the new RS6 when that finally arrives, and yes it is probably overpriced compared to the RS4, but it is still plently good enough to give most other car manuacturers something to aspire to.

[Kev.S]

I know what he means about the throttle response, particulaly when it's cold. I found my S8 really difficult for the first 1000 miles and presume it's got the same 'fly by wire' accelerator as the S6. It's fine if you launch it and it's fine if you want to trickle away, but murder if you want to pull rapidly, but smoothly out of a junction. My wife will have the neck muscles of Arnie before too long!
I think it's down to the different power characteristics of the V10 compared to the V8 TT, with much less low down torque on the V10.

[S2tuner]

Audi DO tend to map the throttle body response unlinearly compared to the actual accelerator pedal input, i.e. 2000 rpm and 30% pedal=55% throttle body opening for instance, so I can understand people complaining about this. It's just not linear and smooth.

The B7 RS4's sport setting is just that, more throttle opening at the same pedal input as in non-sport mode, I noticed the very first second I pressed the button when I test drove one.

[quattro25]

Audi DO tend to map the throttle body response unlinearly compared to the actual accelerator pedal input, i.e. 2000 rpm and 30% pedal=55% throttle body opening for instance, so I can understand people complaining about this. It's just not linear and smooth.

The B7 RS4's sport setting is just that, more throttle opening at the same pedal input as in non-sport mode, I noticed the very first second I pressed the button when I test drove one.

Is this something that you can re-map to give a more progressive throttle response across the rev range as per the RS4 you mentioned above, or is this pre-set at the factory and we just have to live with it?

[Nige_RS4]

Is this something that you can re-map to give a more progressive throttle response across the rev range as per the RS4 you mentioned above, or is this pre-set at the factory and we just have to live with it?

Definately possible on the B5 S4 & RS4, not sure about later varients though. I wonder if switching the ESP off removes some of the unlinear throttle response - anyone know for sure?

[Kev.S]

I asked my Audi dealer if it was possible to remapthe throttle and they said not. I'm not sure that what they really meant was 'We don't know how to,' or 'It's too much hassle.'

[peterb]

I asked my Audi dealer if it was possible to remapthe throttle and they said not. I'm not sure that what they really meant was 'We don't know how to,' or 'It's too much hassle.'

It probably meant that they didn't have a clue what you were talking about!

[flossymeister]

hmmn. jason plato didn't seem to mind the new S6 too much when he took it flying down an autobahn a few months ago. I think clarkson may have got confused about the roles of an S versus an RS. Again. There's one in the cardiff audi dealership at the moment, and i don't think it looks too bad. nicely understated - the brash looks can be kept for the RS i guess! and that engine has got to pull like mad and sound very thoroughbred, no matter what clarkson says. i would imagine this car is selling well in germany - it would seem perfect for the run between stuttgart and munich to me !!

just my 2p - i've not driven the thing and i know clarkson has!!

Tim