Wolverine

I emailed Audi and received this response:

"Thank you for contacting Audi of America.

We certainly appreciate your interest in the Audi S6.

The S6 Avant, with automatic transmission, will be available in the American market in the near future. The launch date, MSRP and other details will be announced at a later date. Please watch our website for news of upcoming
vehicles and other Audi news.

For more information on future models, you may contact Audi Client Relations at 800-822-2834, option 3; they are available Monday through Friday from 8 am to 10 pm EST.

If we can help in any other way, please write again."

SO, I called the Audi Client Relations number. The person I spoke with knew less than the person who emailed me: "the S6 Avant will be available later this year, call back later for more information". He had no info on the tranny choice.

I asked about the multitronic rumor, plans to offer a 6 speed, confirm the autotragic, etc - he knew nothing.

I asked if he and his coworkers drove audis. He replied he had driven one a couple of times. Oh boy, a real hotbed on information, this Audi Client Relations Dept.

I lobbied very hard for the six speed, and told both people to pass on the word to Len Hunt that enthusiasts purchase S cars, enthusiasts frequently prefer manual transmissions, and enthusiasts actually SELL a lot of cars to the less knowledgeable coparts.

If everyone calls and shows them the demand, perhaps we will get the manual. Worth a few emails to find out...

Fingers crossed!!

Wolverine

97 S6's have good resaleconsidering: Many won't buy them b/c they are converted canadian models. Immediate questions of parts availability to the non-enthusiast.

97 A8's have bad resale b/c of high insurance, first year taboo (98 = better ride, better transmission, from what I read in CAR)

Muhammad notes the otherwise strong value of the 92-95.5 models, given they are strictly manual.

Automatics will help Audi sell cars, no doubt. And let's not forget that's their no. 1 priority .

HOWEVER, in order to earn a loyal following, the purists and enthusiasts of the mark best not be left behind, or the manufacturer loses the most valuable compnent of it's sales force and image keepers.

Racing efforts wave an important marketing flag, but costs BIG dollars.

Enthusiasts also wave an important flag WRT marketing (ask BMW why Dinan is now dealer supported, despite ALREADY having the M division!)

Enthusiasts prefer manual transmission by and large. Reason being they wish at all times to be involved in the process of driving the car.

Enthusiasts are a lot cheaper to maintain than a race team. So throw us a bone, audi - bring a six speed S6!

sandman

heck is running their marketing department? They believe that a wagon is more appealing than a sedan that people are drooling over. I dont get it.

muhammadc

S6 sedan would cut into A6 4.2 sales.

So we're left with a broken up s-car line, and continue to get laughed at by the Europeans.

map

The stick in the 2.7T is fine. Anyone that disagrees should get a life!

Brian-PA

sharp as a marble ;-)

alanbns

They import what they can sell. Statistics time and time again prove auto's outsell sticks in this country.

I prefer manuals too.. but if its an auto S6 avant, versus no S6 avant, then I'll take the auto. A few months ago, a high performance A6 avant (any version) looked about as likely as snow in Florida.

Bollinger

I'd actually like an automatic wagon, but I do understand your concern. However, if you are just deciding now that you want an M5, your chances of getting one are not very good.

Also, if you are selling your A8 to get rid of some debt, you will likely find the hole the M5 punches in your wallet a serious problem.

muhammadc

He said he's going to look for year-old cars... plenty of M5s if you don't have to have a new one...

bartlane

I would have never let the A8 go if it were a stick. I would sell other cars to get an S8 if it were available in a stick, same for manual sedan S6. Bottom line is that if it's something I really want there is no limit in my efforts to get it. So far Audi hasn't given me that desire. I pledged my loyalty to Audi for my performance sedans and now I feel as I've been slapped in the face by not offering the S8 in a stick and now only an Avant S6 and likely with Tip only. Why won't Audi give us a manually shifted V8 sedan? Why does only the hugely succesful BMW have this insight?

PS I know of several low mileage M5's that are for sale. But I would be plesed with a 540 stick too.