{"id":9996,"date":"1996-03-05T22:18:00","date_gmt":"1996-03-05T22:18:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ooooiykyk.com\/audiarchives\/?p=9996"},"modified":"2026-09-22T23:03:47","modified_gmt":"2026-09-22T23:03:47","slug":"audi-s6-plus-sedan-c4-1997-de-%f0%9f%87%a9%f0%9f%87%aa","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ooooiykyk.com\/audiarchives\/1996\/03\/05\/audi-s6-plus-sedan-c4-1997-de-%f0%9f%87%a9%f0%9f%87%aa\/","title":{"rendered":"Audi S6 plus Sedan (C4, 1997) \u2013 DE \ud83c\udde9\ud83c\uddea"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

MODEL:<\/strong> Audi S6 plus<\/a> Sedan
ERA:<\/strong> Audi Modern Era<\/a>
MODEL FAMILY:<\/strong> S6<\/a>
GENERATION:<\/strong> C4<\/a> \/ Type 4A<\/a>
INTERNAL PROJECT:<\/strong> Q1
MODEL YEAR:<\/strong> 1997
INTRODUCTION:<\/strong> 1996 Geneva Motor Show<\/a>
PRODUCTION:<\/strong> 1996<\/a>\u20131997<\/a>
MANUFACTURER:<\/strong> quattro GmbH<\/a> \/ AUDI AG
ASSEMBLY:<\/strong> Neckarsulm, Germany
BODY STYLE:<\/strong> Sedan
DRIVETRAIN:<\/strong> Front-engine, quattro permanent all-wheel drive
ENGINE:<\/strong> 4.2-liter naturally aspirated 32-valve V8<\/a>
OUTPUT:<\/strong> 240 kW \/ 326 PS (322 hp)
TORQUE:<\/strong> 400 Nm (295 lb-ft) at 3,500 rpm
TRANSMISSION:<\/strong> Six-speed manual
TOP SPEED:<\/strong> 250 km\/h (155 mph), electronically limited
PRODUCTION TOTAL:<\/strong> 97 sedans; 952 S6 plus models including 855 Avants, according to published accounts<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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OVERVIEW<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The Audi S6 plus Sedan was the rarer of the two body styles offered for quattro GmbH\u2019s first complete automobile. Developed jointly with AUDI AG under the internal designation \u201cProject Q1,\u201d the S6 plus transformed the C4-generation S6 4.2 through a comprehensively reworked V8, shorter transmission ratios, revised running gear and a more exclusive specification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

quattro GmbH presented the S6 plus at the Geneva Motor Show in the spring of 1996 and offered it as both a sedan and an Avant. Published production figures generally place the 16-month run at 952 cars, of which only 97 were sedans. While the more practical Avant established the high-performance wagon formula that would become closely associated with quattro GmbH, the exceptionally scarce sedan represented the same engineering program in a more traditional sports-sedan form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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QUATTRO GMBH BECOMES A MANUFACTURER<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Founded in 1983, quattro GmbH initially focused on protecting and extending the quattro identity through accessories, merchandise and vehicle individualization. By 1995, its personalization work had developed into the program now known as Audi exclusive. The following year, the Audi subsidiary became a vehicle manufacturer in its own right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The S6 plus was the first production model to emerge from that transition. At its Geneva premiere, quattro GmbH Managing Director Rudolf G\u00f6lz described the company\u2019s expanded ambition: \u201cToday, our brand is mature enough to offer complete vehicles in the exclusive niche segment.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The period catalogue echoed that message, introducing the S6 plus as the first complete vehicle offered by quattro GmbH. It promised the performance and handling of a sports car together with the functionality, comfort and equipment expected of an executive sedan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The S6 plus was developed jointly by quattro GmbH and AUDI AG rather than being an independently conceived quattro GmbH model like the later B5 RS 4. Nevertheless, Project Q1 provided the company with its first opportunity to engineer, specify and market a complete high-performance automobile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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ENGINE AND DRIVETRAIN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The S6 plus used a substantially revised version of the 4.2-liter, 32-valve V8 found in the regular Audi S6 4.2. quattro GmbH increased output from 213 kW \/ 290 PS to 240 kW \/ 326 PS, with peak torque rising to 400 Nm at 3,500 rpm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The engine received the rotary-valve variable intake manifold from the Audi A8 4.2 quattro, a larger mass-airflow sensor and an optimized exhaust system. Revised intake camshafts provided increased lift and altered timing, while mechanical valve-lash adjustment replaced the production engine\u2019s hydraulic arrangement on the intake side. The compression ratio increased from 10.8:1 to 11.6:1 and a dedicated engine-management system coordinated the mechanical changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Power was delivered exclusively through a six-speed manual transmission and quattro permanent all-wheel drive. Compared with the standard S6, the transmission used shorter ratios from third gear onward. Audi quoted acceleration from rest to 100 km\/h in 5.6 seconds, while maximum speed was electronically limited to 250 km\/h.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A sport suspension, wider tires and uprated braking and running-gear components complemented the additional power. The resulting car retained the refinement and long-distance capability of the C4 S6 while moving its performance closer to that of contemporary sports cars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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DESIGN<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The S6 plus Sedan maintained the restrained appearance of the C4-generation S6. Its principal visual distinctions included six-spoke 17-inch alloy wheels, subtly flared wheel arches, a black-painted radiator-grille frame and additional exterior elements finished in black.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Model-specific emblems appeared at the front and rear. These combined a red Audi rhombus with blue and silver bars, providing a visual predecessor to the identifying devices used on later high-performance models from quattro GmbH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unlike the S6 plus Avant, the sedan did not require a model-specific roof spoiler. Its conventional three-box profile made the car still more discreet, with relatively little to reveal the extent of the engineering work beneath the surface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The original catalogue characterized that combination as one of \u201cinnate energy\u201d and \u201coutward restraint.\u201d It became a recurring principle in the high-performance road cars later developed by quattro GmbH and Audi Sport GmbH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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INTERIOR<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The S6 plus cabin combined the familiar C4 architecture with materials, colors and details selected by quattro GmbH. Leather and Alcantara upholstery was offered in Nogaro Blue, silver gray or anthracite. Anthracite natural leather provided a more traditional alternative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Instrument faces were available in blue, light gray or anthracite and were paired with black trim rings. Carbon-fiber inlays reinforced the sporting specification, while burr walnut could be ordered by customers who preferred a more formal appearance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sports seats, a leather-covered sport steering wheel, auxiliary instruments, air conditioning and the six-speed manual transmission distinguished the S6 plus from the standard S6 4.2. Customers could also commission other Audi exterior colors, paint-to-sample finishes and more individualized interior treatments through quattro GmbH.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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COLORS<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The March 1996 launch catalogue highlighted two exclusive exterior colors:<\/p>\n\n\n\n