kansaiwalker1

(08:30 Jan. 27, 2004)

Audi's upgraded 'S Line' models are sportier, faster


By RALPH KISIEL | Automotive News



Audi of America wanted something sporty between its traditional lineup of "A" models and its high-performance "S" models.

So it came up with the "S Line," models that are a little sportier in appearance with some more horsepower.

The Audi TT was the first to get S Line treatment, and the A6 goes on sale in a few weeks with the S Line badge.

Additional S Line vehicles could follow later this year, says Len Hunt, vice president of Audi of America Inc.

The S Line should help Audi dealers to sell the aging A6 sedan, which is in its run-out year. A redesigned A6 debuts late this year as a 2005 model.

S Line treatment includes some sporty exterior modifications such as spoilers and grille vents, a boost in horsepower, different wheels and an S Line badge.

Audi of America has just begun marketing the S Line versions of the TT 3.2 and A6 2.7 T models.

"Mostly when we do an S Line car, it will have exterior differentiation," Hunt says. "But sometimes it will also be horsepower enhancements."

For example, the S Line version of the A6 2.7 T has 265 hp, up 15 from 250 hp. It also has different wheels and a spoiler. The new TT 3.2, with a V-6 engine, is Audi of America's first S Line model. Horsepower was increased to 250, up from 225 hp in the four-cylinder model. Moderate exterior changes were made.

Pricing on the S Line A6 2.7 T is $43,870, which includes a $720 destination charge. It is priced $1,000 more than the regular A6 2.7 T model, which Audi will discontinue selling.

The S Line TT 3.2 Coupe has a suggested retail price of $40,620, including the destination charge. The S Line TT 3.2 Roadster carries a suggested price of $43,620, including destination.

Audi also markets the S Line in Europe, says Ralph Weyler, an Audi AG board of management member in charge of sales and marketing.

While Audi of America attempts to pump some new life into the outgoing A6, Weyler notes that the parent company, Audi AG in Ingolstadt, Germany, will do a better job at spotting trends in markets such as the United States.

For example, Audi was too slow in bringing an SUV to market, Weyler says. The automaker unveiled its Pikes Peak quattro concept at the 2003 Detroit auto show, and the production version of the crossover is expected in 2006.

"As trends start here, and volumes grow, we have to consider these trends more effectively," Weyler says. "We have to address these trends earlier than in the past. For example, the Pikes Peak definitely could have come earlier to the market."

While acknowledging that Audi will arrive late to the SUV party in the United States, Weyler says the automaker will go after those buyers who most likely have been in two or more SUVs and are looking for something fresh.

KavexTrax

that is confusing as F**K. First of all they already have the moniker "S4, S6" and now

you have absurdities like S line A6??? what in friggin hell is that? It's not like the ALPHABET is out of letters. Pick one, and stay with it, don't combine it with other letters. Jeez.

gavriil

I saw this article yesterday but when I read it, I saw nothing of significace and nothing new other than the 15 extra HP on the A6 TT S.

Also, I agree with KavexTrax. Audi is confusing the market with this "new" denotation.