Steering wheel is excellent...here's a pic:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12452/s6-steeringwheel-post.jpg">
I wish it had the radio controls on it, but that would likely clutter it up too much...the 3-spoker is cool...plus the little S6 badge...in case you forget
One thing I am really happy about is how Audi made sure the grain of the plastic covering the airbag matched the grain of the leather of the rim. In the S6, the grain is quite fine. In my '01 4.2, the grain is less so, but the grain matched perfectly in that also. When I looked at allroads with the similar wheel to the S6, I noticed that the plastic has a cheap feel and a pebbly texture that does not exactly (or even closely) match the texture of the leather. I was "fearful" that was going to be the case here too, but fortunately, as you can see, it matches perfectly...very nice touch...no cheapo look here
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12452/steeringwheelgrain-post.jpg">

I have not played much with the non-sport mode, but with the little I did, it is noticeable that the lower gears are held longer. Even in non-sport mode, the gears are held longer than in the 4.2.

Yes, it feels less nose heavy, actually it feels "lighter"...suspension?, weight balance?, I'm not sure, but it feels much more nimble and significantly lighter afoot.

Unfortuanately 17 inch Avi...not the 18s on the S8 which I would have preferred...but I believe those are 18x8 and the 17s, I think are 17x8.5?

Pics of the trunk with the seat folded down will come tomorrow.

I love the exposed pipes. I do not want them for my 4.2, however. I think Audi may have gone a bit too far with the exposed pipes...essentially making them ubiquitous throughout the A4/A6 lineup and really making them nothing special. There does not seem to be very much space around them, but I know what you mean, I have seen that "extra space" on some sedans, definitely on the A4 there is too much space, but I'm not sure of the A6 sedan. I think the exposed pipes fit the "personality" of the S6 and perhaps the 2.7T, but this is just my opinion...I do think they look great on all the sedans...but they may just get a bit cliche.

Red-line is 7k...the wife hit 6k within the first 1/2 mile! Since then have briefly nudged 5k once or twice...mostly keeping it in the 3k-3.5k range, although highway speeds are kept under 90. Here's the lovely speedo: (note the conspicuous lack of activity...the 155 mph pic at the speed-limiter will have to wait a little while
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12452/speedo-post.jpg">

Hey, what's that crack about the photographer thing?!?!?! I know I suck...but I'll get some good ones

Here's a few more gratuitous shots:

The beautiful grey birch wood:
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12452/greybirch-post.jpg">

And a pic of the shiny 4.2 *** next to it's new sister
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/12452/twofineasses-post.jpg">

I'll e-mail you on the sailing/weekend stuff

 

but I'll check in today's sun. I can't really compare handling to the 4.2, but I too feel that the S6 "feels" more balanced, lighter or maybe it's the quickness and tighness of the steering when compared to the 2.7T. Took it out last night through a forest reserve area, very winding roads. Need to have no snow on the ground and completed break in before I'll be hold'n the gears and run'n up the revs. But even so, great fun!! Wow, you're even more conservative then me with break in. I run up to 5500 before shifting -- it's really difficult not to go higher because the engine sounds sweet and willing.

 

time to debadge those cars and send me the s6 badge.

 

the ringed guages are okay to live with etc. I noticed the pipe tips are smaller on the 2.7., but didn't compare the valence cutout. Perhaps the exhaust tips on the S6 are even larger than the 4.2, filling in the space.

Use a pro photographer to reduce your exposure of flipping roles at work. No crashing!

Damn pics won't load on this crappy line, will check later...okay as I don't want to feel bad 'til later anyway. :-)

 

check out the allroad and/or A4 steering wheel and check for the "feel" of the plastic and the grain match...it is below Audi standards, IMO. I was dreading, actually, having to look at that crappy plastic for the next many years...I'm very happy it is perfect