Audi’s S6 — Controlled High Output
German automakers, especially BMW and Mercedes-Benz, have dominated the lofty category of high-powered, midsize sports sedans with their M and AMG offerings. Audi’s S4 and RS4 models have made some inroads in the smaller segment and its bigger S8 sedan is an interesting alternative to the over-the-top S65 AMG. But until now, Audi did not go head-to-head with BMW’s M5 and Mercedes’ E63 AMG.

Audi could have easily installed its 420-horsepower RS4 V8 in the S6 and created a worthy competitor for this segment, but that strategy would only offer the advantage of Quattro all-wheel drive and a lower price. Instead, Audi borrowed a high-performance V10 engine from its corporate sibling, Lamborghini, and reworked it to create a winning powertrain.

Audi doesn’t care for references to Lamborghini, since it completely revised the Gallardo motor. In fact, the Audi S6 V10 shares little with the Italian except its basic architecture. Displacement was increased, breathing modified, and cams reworked to create the right balance of power and torque for the big sedan. Although the result doesn’t hit the mystical 500-horse number, its 435 figure is plenty to bring to the game.

Building a competitive luxury sports sedan takes more than a muscular engine, fat tires, and painted brake calipers. Audi’s S6 connects to the pavement with all-wheel drive, offering a significant advantage over its competition, especially in wet or icy conditions where raw power can be a disadvantage. And even on dry road surfaces, the Quattro system keeps this big sedan well glued in the turns without the harshness of track-tuned suspension.

The S6 also strikes a nice balance of luxury and spaciousness, with Audi’s class-leading interior design and a roomier cabin. Even fuel economy, a category with little to brag about in this class, is a bit better than its 500-horsepower rivals.

Buyers in this rare category seldom shop price, unless it’s to pay no more than full retail. And many are quite brand loyal. But Audi’s S6 price strategy makes the car a bargain compared with its top German rivals. Our fully-loaded test car was nearly $20,000 less than the comparably-equipped M5 and E63 models. — Brian Douglas

Specifications

Type: Front engine, all-wheel drive

Engine: 5.2 liter, DOHC-V0

Horsepower: 435 @ 6,800 rpm

Torque: 398 foot-pounds @ 3,000 rpm

Base Price: $72,000

As Tested: $78,320

Fuel Economy: 15 city/21 hwy

Wine, Dine, And Yoga
As of this month, DeLoach Vineyards in Sonoma County will host a series of monthly weekend-long yoga retreats at the winery’s private guest houses. Limited to 18 people per retreat, each will offer two levels of yoga — a gentle, restorative flow and a more vigorous vinyasa or power flow. The two-night retreats will offer a unique way to experience DeLoach Vineyards and the Russian River Valley. Organic vegetarian meals from DeLoach’s own garden, vegetarian cooking classes, and samplings from the wine cellar round out a healthy weekend away. (415/289-4544, www.deloachvineyards.com) — Alicia Garcia

Conner’s Cause For Children Golf Classic
The 11th Annual Golf Classic is set for Monday, May 21, at the Lomas Santa Fe Country Club. Celebrity participants include Lori West, 25 years LPGA Golf Pro, along with jockey Julie Krone, who will also donate a horseback riding lesson to the silent auction. An entry fee of $200 per person includes greens fees, golf cart, box lunch, tee prizes, awards dinner, contests, and silent auction. Tickets for the dinner only are $40 each. Reservations are required and sponsorship opportunities are available.Founded by John and Judy Champ 14 years ago when their son Conner, then four years old, was diagnosed with a fatal brain tumor, Conner’s Cause for Children is a San Diego-based nonprofit organization that offers direct family assistance for out-of-pocket expenses relating to any and all life threatening illnesses associated with children. (760/804-5948, www.connerscause.org) — Jane Shiomi