FAST AND FRIENDLY; Audi's S6 packs a punch . . . and a lot of gear.(News)

Byline: NATALIE NEFF

In the first quarter of a yearlong test, our Audi S6 has already racked up more than 8000 miles-almost 10,000 if you count the 1375 miles our managing editor piled on when he took European delivery of the car six weeks before its arrival stateside (we don't count them).

Staffers lined up to lay claim to the S6 for road trips and vacations as soon as it arrived in port, including a week's excursion to northern Michigan. And as much as we love the car for its V10 power, its monster acceleration and its race-car road manners, these trips proved how amazingly the Audi handles the more mundane functions required by families. "The trunk held three large duffel bags, a golf bag, tennis rackets, baseball mitts, a cooler, a box of food and other items necessary for a week in Traverse City,'' commented an editor. "Being able to fold down the rear seats opens up more usable space, making this car not only a screamer but quite practical as well.''

We encountered no problems with the Audi in its first three months with us, though we did make a couple of trips to the dealership. After numerous complaints about the feel of the brake pedal, which is ...