New 2017 S6 Owner - Picked Up Last Night - Initial Thoughts

[SilverTT]

Hey guys -

Picked up the car last night after spending a lot of time on the forum reading all of your thoughts and recommendations. Thought I would post my initial reactions. Car is 2017 S6 Prestige, Mythos Black on Black, Sports pack, Driver assistance, LED, Alcantara headliner, Black optics (think I got everything but B&O).

Not surprisingly most of what everyone says is exactly what I have experienced. My overall impression is this is an incredible car that is highly refined, comfortable, fast, but also not a razor edge handling sports car by any means. I was between a 2017 M4 Comp Pack and the 2017 S6 which are obviously two pretty different cars. Glad I went with the S6 though the M3 is an awesome car, just very different. The big appeal to me is the tunability of the 4.0 V8 Twin Turbo. 200 ft lbs of torque for $1500 with stock drivability is tough to beat.

Power / Sound
I have only had one decent drive in the car since picking it up last night so very limited seat time. Impressive power for a stock car, but I know I will be doing a tune very soon given all the great reviews of how it wakes up the car which is exactly what it needs. Sound is way too quiet even with the sports exhaust. Has a decent rumble under 1/2 to full throttle but by no means like an AMG which is my target sound. Transmission seems really sleepy in most gears and throttle response is definitely slightly delayed but this also leads to refinement. Think the TCU tune will clear that up as well.

Interior
Beautiful...love sitting in the car. I got the flat bottom steering wheel and sports seats and that combined with the carbon fiber and beautiful in dash and center display are an awesome place to sit. Not sure I would spring for the Alcantara headliner again but I haven't seen a non-alcantara car to compare. It is nice, but not sure it is $3,000 nice. Maybe would do the B&O instead though I have heard that is not that great.

Planned Mods
APR Stage I - ECU & TCU
Exhaust - Front resonator delete to start, if not enough will do both resonators or just go for AWE Touring
PlastiDip or Paint - dark grey audi rings and all emblems
Tint - probably 35% all around

Conclusion
Overall really, really happy with the car. Like most of you I am really particular and don't stay in cars too long. I am planning to stay in this car for at least 2yrs and think with the above mods and still 90% of stock drivability and hopefully 100% of stock reliability I will be super happy. My requirements were obviously not for a race car but for a highly refined powerful / great looking power sedan that the wife can also drive without any compromise. Think the S6 wins hands down in the sub $90k, maybe even sub $110k segment. Only real competition is the 2018 E63 or M5 but those are going to be easily $30k more when fully loaded. Excited to get modding. Pumped to be part of the club! Thanks again for all the great thoughts and recommendations which helped sway me towards the S6.

[Eugeinus]

Congrats, post some pics!

[gta7]

Yes congrats and let's see it!

[Ze_Nardo6]

Never heard anyone say they weren't too impressed with the alcantera headliner, interesting. Congrats on the car!

LETS SEE IT!

[jasejase]

Congrats on the car. Just picked up ours a few weeks.

I agree about the alcantara... As a headliner, it's a bit understated and not worth cash out of my pocket. Saw a few when we were car shopping. My prior car had a full alcantara interior, which was awesome!

[highPSI-S4]

Pics or it didn't happen :P

[wwhan]

The sport exhaust is louder with the stage 1 ECU tune, when heavy on the throttle.

[Djpeaksd]

Congrats and welcome! Looks like you have a good mod list thus far!

I think you will pleasantly surprised by the added sound the resonator delete gives you. I know I am, definitely a good place to start. As far as emblems go, if you need any tips I have a video on youtube of me doing mine. I think they turned out really well. What made me do mine was how much money the full painted package from TAG is and then realizing if I spend $800 on emblems, I still need to remove my old ones and put these ones on which is 25% of the work. In TAG's defense they are providing all new emblems which are not cheap.

Oh yeah, pics or it didn't happen!!

[widebodyfx]

The sport exhaust with downpipes is a perfect combo. Cold start is a growl and can still be put into quiet mode with Drive Select.

Congrats!

[SilverTT]

I think you will pleasantly surprised by the added sound the resonator delete gives you. I know I am, definitely a good place to start. As far as emblems go, if you need any tips I have a video on youtube of me doing mine. I think they turned out really well.

Thanks man. I actually watched your youtube video the other day which convinced me I need to black out or at least dark matte grey out my emblems as well. Totally changes the overall look of the car. Actually surprising that a few shiny pieces can change the look of the car that much.


The sport exhaust with downpipes is a perfect combo. Cold start is a growl and can still be put into quiet mode with Drive Select. Congrats!

Thanks...this is what I am hoping as well. Took some research but it seems the front resonators lead more to the sound increase than the middle suitcase. Not exactly intuitive to me why that is, but I think I am convinced I will start with the fronts and see how that goes. I could probably live with both resonators out but I know my wife will wonder why the car is getting progressively louder every time she gets in it so we'll see if just the fronts are a good compromise. As you say she can always just put it in comfort and have it be quiet. Variable exhaust is pretty sweet...

[OmaHahn]

Never heard anyone say they weren't too impressed with the alcantera headliner, interesting.


I think he "is" impressed, but NOT $3,000 impressed! [:D]

Come on!...... PICS!!! (please).

[Alister]

Congrats on the new car - they're a fantastic package.

If you are shooting for an AMG-like sound, I'd recommend the SuperSprint exhaust. Makes a great noise, and very C63 like.

[SilverTT]

I think he "is" impressed, but NOT $3,000 impressed! [:D]

Come on!...... PICS!!! (please).

Promise pics are coming soon. The only one I have right now is a cellphone pic in my garage when the car is all wet and has never even been detailed yet as I told the dealer to hold off on any prep so I can get it done right. Will definitely snap a few this weekend and post.

[zcd2.7t]

Hey guys -

Picked up the car last night after spending a lot of time on the forum reading all of your thoughts and recommendations. Thought I would post my initial reactions...

Conclusion
Overall really, really happy with the car....Think the S6 wins hands down in the sub $90k, maybe even sub $110k segment. Only real competition is the 2018 E63 or M5 but those are going to be easily $30k more when fully loaded...

Congrats, enjoy, and I couldn't agree more!

[///S6///]

Congrats on the new S6, your gonna LOVE it, especially after you add the stage 1 mod. [:D]

[saxon]

Congratulations!

[SilverTT]

Still have not had a minute to take any good pics, but given if there are no pics it didn't happen here are some really bad ones! [;)]

Also adding a stock photo from a dealer, but of the exact same spec / options that I got so you can see the config (last pic below). Loving the car and can't wait to get the tune and exhaust sorted out as it really needs to wake up a bit.

Deleted pics as I took a few slightly better ones below.

[Ze_Nardo6]

Hot damn! That is one good looking car!

[JoeCaMotto]

Congrats on your awesome new ride 👍

[OmaHahn]

Congrats on your awesome new ride 👍

Love your signature!!! Are we mad about selling the GT-R - was it a mistake or just miss it?

[Julius_855]

Great car!

For the throttle response, not sure the TCU will fix it. I just installed a "pedalbox" and now it is great!!

http://www.pedalbox.com/en/product/faq/

[BASARAB]

Are you not afraid of loosing warranty after the car is chipped?

[gta7]

Great car!

For the throttle response, not sure the TCU will fix it. I just installed a "pedalbox" and now it is great!!

http://www.pedalbox.com/en/product/faq/

Tell us more about he pedal box. How is it different than sport mode?

[SilverTT]

Took two more pics this weekend...cars still dirty and it was like 15 degrees all wknd so couldn't clean but lighting a little better in these pics:

https://s23.postimg.org/lfim4lzjf/IMG_0857.jpg

https://s24.postimg.org/dme4k2uzp/IMG_0858.jpg

[Julius_855]

Tell us more about he pedal box. How is it different than sport mode?

It deserves a thread, definitely. I'll write about it tomorrow but that's no chip tuning, no trouble with the warranty.

[zcd2.7t]

Great car!

For the throttle response, not sure the TCU will fix it. I just installed a "pedalbox" and now it is great!!

http://www.pedalbox.com/en/product/faq/

In the US, something similar called "Sprint Booster" is available ($300.00):

http://www.sprintboosterusa.com/default.aspx

(Not an endorsement nor a recommendation - just information)

[Dguth]

Would like to hear more feedback from folks who have these sprint or pedal boosters.

Does it mess with tunes or launch control parameters.


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[jasejase]

I'd love to drive a car with it installed... In off position, and then again in sport/race....

[Julius_855]

OK I opened a thread here :

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/744879-Pedalbox-similar-gas-throttle-mod-users-club?p=12126926#post12126926

Yep sprintbooster must be a similar thing.

[SilverTT]

Think I had mentioned I have a 2018 M5 on order, I am slot #2 at the local dealer. Idea was going to be that I would wait until the 2018 M5 comes out and then reassess how I feel about the S6 at that time. After putting a few more miles on it, I really need to do the tune soon because I am just not that impressed with it in stock form. Such an awesome overall car, but when you want it to feel raw, it is kind of hard in stock form (or I am doing something wrong with the settings).

Also can't quite figure out the rhyme / reason between saving the driving modes. If I am in Dynamic and turn the car off it seems to start off next time in Dynamic. But if I switch to auto and then turn it off, it seems to go back to Dynamic again. Need to watch the videos on the drive selection.

Last ramble...I was a long time Camaro / Mustang fan before getting into M3s and now an S6. Have to say the changes to the 2018 Mustang and cars like the 2017 ZL1 both of which come with the new 10-speed auto trans which testers are saying is every bit as good as Porsche PDK makes me think really hard about not going for the M5 at all and just going straight to the 2018 GT500 if it is silly like 725hp stock (which I think it will be). Keep in mind we are ordering another car for long drives with the family (2017 GL 450 or 2017 Discovery when it comes out) so this is really just a fun weekend car. If not, then the S6/M5 would be the only option. But these things are tempting me for sure... Check out this review (http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/a32005/2017-chevrolet-camaro-zl1-first-drive/) of the transmission here which is shared by ZL1 and GT500 (as well as all Mustangs from 2018 on).

[jasejase]

Awd m5?

[SilverTT]

Awd m5?

Yep, would do the AWD version if there are two. Will be materially faster off line I would think and also gets you a ton more versatility like the S6.

[zcd2.7t]

...when you want it to feel raw, it is kind of hard in stock form...

Audi's "S" cars aren't really designed to do "raw" - that's what the RS cars are for.

In many ways, the S6 is forced to punch above its weight in the US because there's no RS6 (sedan or Avant) here, only the RS7, which some won't consider due to its design. So it ends up being compared with "M" and "AMG" cars, which are really a level above.

That said, your history includes a surplus of horsepower, so it's maybe not surprising that you find 500-ish HP (S6 4.0TT's true output) not really exciting/raw enough?

Try driving in "S" mode all the time - that may help, but I fear the S6 may not be what you're really looking for...(which sounds like it's probably "RS/AMG/M" power and performance)

[gta7]

Audi's "S" cars aren't really designed to do "raw" - that's what the RS cars are for.

In many ways, the S6 is forced to punch above its weight in the US because there's no RS6 (sedan or Avant) here, only the RS7, which some won't consider due to its design. So it ends up being compared with "M" and "AMG" cars, which are really a level above.

That said, your history includes a surplus of horsepower, so it's maybe not surprising that you find 500-ish HP (S6 4.0TT's true output) not really exciting/raw enough?

Try driving in "S" mode all the time - that may help, but I fear the S6 may not be what you're really looking for...(which sounds like it's probably "RS/AMG/M" power and performance)

This is exactly right.

I think a new Shelby would be impractical for most thing but fun as hell to drive!

I have a 67 GT 390 Fastback classic and beautiful but nothing like today's monsters!

[Ze_Nardo6]

Think I had mentioned I have a 2018 M5 on order, I am slot #2 at the local dealer. Idea was going to be that I would wait until the 2018 M5 comes out and then reassess how I feel about the S6 at that time. After putting a few more miles on it, I really need to do the tune soon because I am just not that impressed with it in stock form. Such an awesome overall car, but when you want it to feel raw, it is kind of hard in stock form (or I am doing something wrong with the settings).

Also can't quite figure out the rhyme / reason between saving the driving modes. If I am in Dynamic and turn the car off it seems to start off next time in Dynamic. But if I switch to auto and then turn it off, it seems to go back to Dynamic again. Need to watch the videos on the drive selection.

Last ramble...I was a long time Camaro / Mustang fan before getting into M3s and now an S6. Have to say the changes to the 2018 Mustang and cars like the 2017 ZL1 both of which come with the new 10-speed auto trans which testers are saying is every bit as good as Porsche PDK makes me think really hard about not going for the M5 at all and just going straight to the 2018 GT500 if it is silly like 725hp stock (which I think it will be). Keep in mind we are ordering another car for long drives with the family (2017 GL 450 or 2017 Discovery when it comes out) so this is really just a fun weekend car. If not, then the S6/M5 would be the only option. But these things are tempting me for sure... Check out this review (http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/a32005/2017-chevrolet-camaro-zl1-first-drive/) of the transmission here which is shared by ZL1 and GT500 (as well as all Mustangs from 2018 on).

Tune. Do it.

[jasejase]

In all seriousness, the s6 compared to an m5 isn't that much different. Certainly not 30k different. On paper these cars are extremely close. Add a tune and you have a beast.

[zcd2.7t]

In all seriousness, the s6...isn't...$30k different...

And that's a big reason for my decision to buy the S6.

[Dguth]

Go to full stage 3 in your S6. You'll feel the raw power at that point and walk most M5s. Your other point on the new trans for the Camaro and Mustang. I'm all over the ZL1 and at that price point might be my new weekend and track car by this summer.


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[///S6///]

In all seriousness, the s6 compared to an m5 isn't that much different. Certainly not 30k different. On paper these cars are extremely close. Add a tune and you have a beast.

The M5 was a consideration, but chose the S6 due to the AWD and also could not justify the additional money. I feel that I made a great choice, especially since I added the tune.

[jasejase]

^ same. I then thought about waiting for the 18 model with awd. But... At 100k that would mean i would want to wait for 1-2 ys for cpo options. Then I'm 2-3 years out. And still at the price of a new and loaded s6. Screw that. LOL

[pez81]

Go to full stage 3 in your S6. You'll feel the raw power at that point and walk most M5s. Your other point on the new trans for the Camaro and Mustang. I'm all over the ZL1 and at that price point might be my new weekend and track car by this summer.


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You can walk a stock m5 with just a tune. But stage 3 will probably be even faster than a stage 1 m5

Sent from my XT1580 using Tapatalk

[Ze_Nardo6]

Have to say the changes to the 2018 Mustang and cars like the 2017 ZL1 both of which come with the new 10-speed auto trans which testers are saying is every bit as good as Porsche PDK makes me think really hard about not going for the M5 at all and just going straight to the 2018 GT500 if it is silly like 725hp stock (which I think it will be). K

Ya and that 725hp GT500 will be getting shit on by 550hp Audi's at the strip.

I came from American muscle too, had a Saleen with about 500rwhp, 4:10 gears and 305 drag radials. Although fun to whip around, you could never have full confidence behind the wheel. That's what Audi will always have over American cars, regardless of their transmissions getting better. They will still never be able to put the power to the ground like ze Germans

[jasejase]

4:10...?!

That's HORRIBLE for towing.


LOL

[OmaHahn]

Ya and that 725hp GT500 will be getting shit on by 550hp Audi's at the strip.

I came from American muscle too, had a Saleen with about 500rwhp, 4:10 gears and 305 drag radials. Although fun to whip around, you could never have full confidence behind the wheel. That's what Audi will always have over American cars, regardless of their transmissions getting better. They will still never be able to put the power to the ground like ze Germans

Not so fast my friend! And I know plenty of strips that also host roll racing events - thus the GT will smoke the Audi! Just saying! I too have a background in American muscle and the European flavors - I do not have a biased opinion on any brand - I love all cars which is my downfall with my pocket book!

[Ze_Nardo6]

Not so fast my friend! And I know plenty of strips that also host roll racing events - thus the GT will smoke the Audi! Just saying! I too have a background in American muscle and the European flavors - I do not have a biased opinion on any brand - I love all cars which is my downfall with my pocket book!

Roll racing [rolleyes]

[jasejase]

Rolling start performance is more beneficial in relation to real world driving conditions

[hide]

[Ze_Nardo6]

Rolling start performance is more beneficial in relation to real world driving conditions

[hide]

Yea and how many guys have roll racing figures in their signatures? LOL

[jasejase]

I hear ya, nonetheless, it's a relevant measure. I like to 'drive' my cars, but 0-60 or dead stop 1/4 mile pulls beat the sh1t out of the car, and I've never made a habit out of doing them. In real driving scenarios (merging, on ramps, screwing with punks on the highway lol), the moving start is usually where its at

[Ze_Nardo6]

I hear ya, nonetheless, it's a relevant measure. I like to 'drive' my cars, but 0-60 or dead stop 1/4 mile pulls beat the sh1t out of the car, and I've never made a habit out of doing them. In real driving scenarios (merging, on ramps, screwing with punks on the highway lol), the moving start is usually where its at

Touche. But the point we were originally discussing was putting power down. That 725hp GT500 is going to spin tires at anything under 40-60 regardless of a quicker shifting transmission.

[jasejase]

Yep.

Along the same lines with the hellcat. Don't get me wrong, it's a sweet car, but with all that power, I feel a bit underwhelmed with the stats.

Anyways, holy crap. Derailed! Sorry OP.

[SilverTT]

I agree with what all you guys are saying here about the refinement and the fact the S6 in stock form should not be compared to M5/E63 given price difference but I was cross shopping CPO M5s and E63s with like 8-15k miles actually at about 10k less than S6 so for me that was a relative comparison.

I really enjoy the S6 and think I will a lot more with a tune. And no question a ZL1 or GT500 is no where near as liveable on a daily basis. Wife will hate it, not classy if you live in an area where everyone drives German but for the true car enthusiast the American muscle has come a LONG way last 5yrs and with these new transmissions and street legal drag radials they will run 10s stock and still take corner with the magnetic dampers which my GT350 had and they are awesome.

I'll do the tune and see where I stand after that. Also want to get a lot more seat time as I still have had very little.

[Ze_Nardo6]

I agree with what all you guys are saying here about the refinement and the fact the S6 in stock form should not be compared to M5/E63 given price difference but I was cross shopping CPO M5s and E63s with like 8-15k miles actually at about 10k less than S6 so for me that was a relative comparison.

I really enjoy the S6 and think I will a lot more with a tune. And no question a ZL1 or GT500 is no where near as liveable on a daily basis. Wife will hate it, not classy if you live in an area where everyone drives German but for the true car enthusiast the American muscle has come a LONG way last 5yrs and with these new transmissions and street legal drag radials they will run 10s stock and still take corner with the magnetic dampers which my GT350 had and they are awesome.

I'll do the tune and see where I stand after that. Also want to get a lot more seat time as I still have had very little.

Make sure to get the TCU tune as well to compliment the ECU tune!

[Chris@EPL]

And there is only 1 tuner that lets you sell the tune within the first 2 years of ownership if you do decide to get rid of the car. ;)

[jasejase]

Stupid question, but isn't the tune married to the car?

[Chris@EPL]

Not not with EPL. You can sell the tune and flash back to stock yourself and then the new owner of the tune pays a $250 transfer fee.

[jasejase]

You mean you can sell the tune to someone else to use on another car? Wouldn't every tune be specific to the car? Or are these OTS style tunes? I come from the subaru world, so forgive my ignorance here!

[SilverTT]

Make sure to get the TCU tune as well to compliment the ECU tune!

Can you describe what the TCU tune actually does and how it impacts daily calm driving as well as more aggressive driving? Is it active all the time or only in Sport mode on the transmission? Or is it related to the Comfort / Auto / Dynamic mode settings?

If this info exists somewhere feel free to point me to that link instead. Thanks man.

[Chris@EPL]

You mean you can sell the tune to someone else to use on another car? Wouldn't every tune be specific to the car? Or are these OTS style tunes? I come from the subaru world, so forgive my ignorance here!

No these are OTS tunes and every tune is based on the car's specific box code so they all change.


Can you describe what the TCU tune actually does and how it impacts daily calm driving as well as more aggressive driving? Is it active all the time or only in Sport mode on the transmission? Or is it related to the Comfort / Auto / Dynamic mode settings?

If this info exists somewhere feel free to point me to that link instead. Thanks man.

Our TCU tune is not even noticeable in normal daily driving. You get much faster shifts, better fast shifts, slightly raised shift points, the 200 launch limit disappears, increased clamping pressure at high torque loads and more. The least amount of changes are to D mode and more to S and M.

[A6sport]

I love the understated sound of the OE sport exhaust, it's just enough rumble on the 3.0, I have an mtm exhaust on my C5 and it drives the wife mad...me too sometimes :-)