Audi never sold the third-generation S6 Avant in the US, which prompted some to build their own. One of those fake S6 Avant is currently for sale on Cars & Bid.
According to the listing, the wagon is a 2006 Audi A6 Avant with powertrain from a 2008 Audi S6 sedan. Recall that both models were sold in the US when new; we just didn’t get the S6 in Avant wagon form. Even though the S6 Avant didn’t debut until the 2007 model year, the car is still listed for sale as a 2006 model because that’s how the A6 Avant sponsor was registered.
That means the wagon now has the same 5.2-liter V-10 engine used in the Audi R8 and Lamborghini Huracan supercars. Paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission, it makes 435 hp and 389 lb-ft of torque in this application. Audi’s familiar quattro all-wheel drive system is also tuned for a 40/60 front/rear deflection in this case.
2007 Audi S6 Avant clone (Photo Cars & Bids)
The modifications don’t stop at just swapping the powertrain. The exhaust system has been tweaked without a catalytic converter and includes a resonator sourced from Maserati, as well as a Milltek silencer. The stopping power is provided by Brembo front brake rotors from the 2008 Audi A8 and the 2008 Audi A6 Sport Package rear brake.
The builder also tried to recreate the look of a classic S6 Avant, adding an S6 front bumper, LED daytime running lights and mirror caps, as well as a European-standard tailgate. The Rocker panels are taken from the same generation Audi RS 6, while the 20-inch wheels are from the Audi S5. The Avant has also been repainted in Blue, the factory color.
The interior has all the necessary bits of the S6, including the S6 instrument cluster, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, Recaro seats, as well as the door sills with S6 badging. Aluminum pedals and carbon fiber trim are also included.
2007 Audi S6 Avant clone (Photo Cars & Bids)
The odometer is currently showing 109,000 miles, but since the original A6 instrument cluster has been removed, the car is listed as “true mileage undetermined”. The seller claims the S6’s engine and powertrain had driven about 101,000 miles when the swap was made. We also drove this car in 2018 and aside from the wooden brake pedal feel, it seems pretty solid.
This S6 Avant clone will likely prove to be a much cheaper way to accomplish wagon nirvana than a new car Audi RS 6 Avant. The latter is available at US Audi dealers, but with a base price of $117,595 (including destination) and without the special V-10 engine.
