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"640K ought to be enough for anyone." This quote by Bill Gates may be more famous but is no less misguided than the pontification I heard last year from an "expert" claiming that we had already reached the peak efficiency of the internal combustion engine. I'm not sure what the future holds for the aged internal combustion engine, but I do know that each passing year technology pushes past old limits. Take for instance the 2.7-liter, twin turbocharged engine powering the 2004 Audi A6. With four cylinders displacing less than half the volume of a 350 V8 this powerplant belts out 265 horsepower and 280 lb/ft of torque in smooth as silk harmony. Shod with the "S-Line" sport suspension, and controlled by the 5-speed Tiptronic Automatic Transmission sixty miles per hour can be reached in 6.4 seconds from a dead stop. An amazing fact considering this two-ton Quattro All Wheel Drive vehicle is being propelled by a mere 2.7 Liter four-cylinder engine. The biturbo chargers are smooth and provide discreet but effective boost. Audi is a niche automaker with a storied history and impressive relatives. The four interlocking circles of the Audi logo are similar to the five interlocking rings of the Olympic games but the four-circle logo had its origin as four companies Audi, DWK, Horch and Wanderer formed the Auto Union AG on June 29, 1932. Always pushing the envelop of higher performance, the Auto Union AG produced a 545 horsepower streamlined racecar capable of speeds exceeding 248 MPH way back in 1937. Audi now shares a place at the table alongside marquee nameplates such as Bentley, Bugatti, Seat, Skoda and Lamborghini within the Volkswagen family. The 2004 Audi A6 is a beautiful car with sculpted rounded lines hinting of family resemblance with the exotic Audi TT. And while the Audi A6 will undergo a major redesign in 2005, this 2004 A6 design is certainly not dated. Fit and finish are superb. The "S-line" badges on the rear doors as well as the "Quattro" in the grill are subtle reminders that this is no ordinary car. The diminutive little rear spoiler gives an understated hint at the sport within. I love the "switchblade" style key that folds into the remote. It doesn't scratch items in a pocket or purse and provides endless entertainment for those with a nervous twitch. Negatives are hard to find on the Audi A6 as the reputation of German engineering was earned for good reason. Aside from an annoying squeak of fresh leather seats against the center console the most egregious complaint that I have is the lack of usable cup-holders. Obviously Germans don't share our obsession with drinking and driving. Genuine burled wood inlays are exquisite and the layout of the interior is intuitive and clean. I am always shocked to find heated seats still an option on a vehicle of this class, however the comfort level is luxurious. Seats are comfortable and supportive, controlled by infinitely adjustable electronic memory controls. The 2004 Audi A6 2.7 T S line is a refined vehicle. Driving and handling is a pure joy. Quattro based all wheel drive All Wheel Drive provides security in inclement weather and performance under pressure. Providing refuge in an uncivilized world, this upscale Audi is at home everywhere. I'm sure the redesigned 2005 A6 will be an improvement. For if we have learned anything from words like Bill Gates uttered, we can't put limits on the future. Yet for here and now, the S-line 2004 Audi A6 biturbo powered 2.7 Liter is at the top of the game. A truly fortunate driver will be the owner of such a fine vehicle.
2004 Audi A6 2.7 T S line $43,150 Base MSRP
www.audiusa.com
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©2003 - Stan Risener