Motor Authority - blog Category: A6

Premium mid-level sedans are a tricky business, balancing just enough luxury and features with sporting performance to stand above the entry-level crowd, but taking care not to step on the toes of their bigger brothers. Audi's A6 and sportier S6 variant are among the better players of this delicate role, but the company has a tendency to lag a year or more behind rivals BMW and Mercedes. While Audi waits to unveil its next-gen A6 until 2011, an updated version is headed to market for 2009.

Pricing of the new car starts at $45,100 for the entry-level A6, moving to $50,100 for the supercharged 3.0T sedan, $60,950 for the 4.2 quattro sedan,... Premium mid-level sedans are a tricky business, balancing just enough luxury and features with sporting performance to stand above the entry-level crowd, but taking care not to step on the toes of their bigger brothers. Audi's A6 and sportier S6 variant are among the better players of this delicate role, but the company has a tendency to lag a year or more behind rivals BMW and Mercedes. While Audi waits to unveil its next-gen A6 until 2011, an updated version is headed to market for 2009. Pricing of the new car starts at $45,100 for the entry-level A6, moving to $50,100 for the supercharged 3.0T sedan, $60,950 for the 4.2 quattro sedan, and finally reaching $75,900 for the S6 sedan. The update brings a fresh face to the whole range and a new supercharged 3.0L TFSI V6 powertrain. Rated at 300hp (224kW) and 310lb-ft (420Nm) of torque, the supercharged mill will scoot the A6 sedan to 60mph (96km/h) in just 5.9 seconds - bordering on entry-level sport coupe territory. The new supercharged V6 will be available on all trim levels of the A6 sedan and Avant, and in slightly higher-spec guise on the all-new S5 coupe. For those not interested in forced induction, the Audi S6 makes power the old fashioned way - sheer displacement. The 5.2L V10 generates 435hp (324kW) at 6,800rpm and tops out at 398lb-ft (540Nm) of torque. For slightly tamer tastes, Audi also offers a 3.2L FSI V6 engine rated at 255hp (190kW) and for those that would like to split the difference, there's the 4.2L FSI V8 rated at 350hp (261kW) and equipped with quattro AWD, a Tiptronic auto transmission, S-line exterior enhancements and the Prestige (top-level) trim package as standard equipment. The primary appearance upgrades to the exterior of the new A6 include a high-gloss single-frame grille, doing away with the split grille of earlier models. New bumpers, air vents and fog lights spruce up the lower portion of the car, while new LED tail lights and chrome accents on the trunk and doors brighten the top half. Optional equipment now available includes 'xenon plus' headlights with LED daytime running lights. Inside, the A6 line also gets some upgrades. Aluminum trim is now available to accent the leather and wood previously available, and a new set of instrument cluster graphics provide visual impact. The A6 range will also get an engine start/stop button for the first time. Audi hopes the new A6 will bolster sales of the model until the next-gen car comes along in about two years. With Mercedes' new E-class and BMW's 5-series both due to hit the streets a year ahead in 2010, however, it will be playing its traditional game of catch-up, or leap-frog, depending on how you look at it.2009 Audi A6 Sedan and Avant2009 Audi S62010 Audi A6 and A6 Avant Read More

Joining the new RS6 Sedan at this October’s Paris Motor Show will be the 2009 model year facelift for the standard A6 Sedan and Avant models. Among the list of updates planned for the new lineup is a range of more efficient engines, significant suspension refinements, the addition of a number of safety assistance systems, and a new-generation MMI interface.

Changes to the new lineup's styling include a revised single-frame grille, restyled bumpers, larger air vents and new-shape fog lights. The optional xenon and LED daytime running lights package has also been updated, with a new adaptive light, dynamic cornering light system, and a... Joining the new RS6 Sedan at this October’s Paris Motor Show will be the 2009 model year facelift for the standard A6 Sedan and Avant models. Among the list of updates planned for the new lineup is a range of more efficient engines, significant suspension refinements, the addition of a number of safety assistance systems, and a new-generation MMI interface. Changes to the new lineup's styling include a revised single-frame grille, restyled bumpers, larger air vents and new-shape fog lights. The optional xenon and LED daytime running lights package has also been updated, with a new adaptive light, dynamic cornering light system, and a high-beam assistant to automatically switch between high and low beams also available. At 4.93m long, 1.86m wide, and 1.46m high, little has changed in the sedan’s proportions. The gentle lip on the trunk, integrated chrome strip on the bumper, broad diffuser and straight exhaust pipes complete the list of changes at the rear. There are also five new exterior colors to choose from. Inside, the cars receive an updated instrument panel, new chrome trim and optional Valcona leather for the seats. The sporty S-line package is once again available at launch, coming with 18in wheels and a 30mm lowered suspension kit. The most significant upgrade for the 2009 facelifted A6 is without doubt the new range of engines. New measures have been introduced to optimize fuel consumption without sacrificing performance, with fuel economy over the whole A6 family being improved by 15%. The improvements are brought about by the addition of a power steering pump that operates on demand, an alternator that regenerates electrical energy when the vehicle is coasting, a lowered ride-height and other aerodynamic fine-tuning. Also new is Audi’s latest valve lift system, which manages the inlet valve timing for improved torque levels. The smallest petrol engine is the 2.0L TFSI, a 170hp (125kW) turbocharged four-cylinder unit. At the other end of the spectrum is the 4.2L FSI, a 350hp (257kW) V8. The other petrol units include two new 2.8L FSI engines, developing 190hp (140kW) and 220hp (162kW) respectively, and a brand new 290hp (213kW) 3.0L V6 TFSI supercharged mill. This latter engine comes standard with tiptronic auto and quattro AWD, and is capable of accelerating from 0-100km/h in 5.9 seconds and on to an electronically controlled top speed of 250km/h. Fuel consumption rates at 25mpg (9.5L/100km) for the mixed cycle. The new diesel lineup consists of entry-level 2.0L four-cylinder TDI with 136hp (100kW) and is followed by a 170hp (125kW) version of the same engine. Next up the line is a 2.7L V6 TDI with 190hp (140kW) and 280lb-ft (380Nm of torque), and this is followed by a 3.0L V6 oil-burner with 240hp (176kW) and 332lb-ft (450Nm) of torque. The most fuel efficient model is the 2.0L TDIe (efficiency model), which rates in at 44.4mpg (5.3L/100km) for the mixed cycle. Audi quattro four-wheel drive is available on all engines with 190hp (140kW) or above and is standard equipment on high-end aggregates. Other mechanical changes for the 2009 A6 lineup include new large-diameter front-axle shock absorbers and modified spring rates. The facelifted Audi A6 will be available in European showrooms this October and will start at €34,200 (approximately $51,020) for the 2.0L TFSI sedan.2009 Audi A6 Avant Sedan Allroad2010 Audi A6 and A6 Avant Read More

Update: A few weeks back we spy images of an undisguised prototype for the upcoming facelifted Audi A6 sedan and now we have images of the car’s Avant wagon and Allroad siblings. As the images reveal, the only major changes for the updated model is the new front end with a single frame grille and a cleaner front bumper as well as a squared-out bumper at the rear.

Original: The premium mid-level sedan segment is due for a shake-up and Audi's next-generation A6 is expected to do just that when it arrives in 2011, though rivals from BMW and Mercedes will have a year's head start. Until that model comes along, Audi will be freshening the... Update: A few weeks back we spy images of an undisguised prototype for the upcoming facelifted Audi A6 sedan and now we have images of the car’s Avant wagon and Allroad siblings. As the images reveal, the only major changes for the updated model is the new front end with a single frame grille and a cleaner front bumper as well as a squared-out bumper at the rear. Original: The premium mid-level sedan segment is due for a shake-up and Audi's next-generation A6 is expected to do just that when it arrives in 2011, though rivals from BMW and Mercedes will have a year's head start. Until that model comes along, Audi will be freshening the car with a midlife cycle update and these latest spy shots reveal the update with no disguise. The broad bar across the grille in the current car has been removed in favor of a one-piece grille configuration, and the front intake and foglight areas have been updated with a series of detailing ribs. The headlights remain similar in shape, as do the tail lights, though the new car's units do not have the white reverse bar insert. The shape of the lower lip of the trunk is also changed, given a more square look, as opposed to the angular shape of the current model. The side profile is essentially identical to the current car's, however, as is the lower skirt portion of the car. The facelifted A6 is expected to make its debut at the Paris Motor Show in October. For more details on the next-generation A6, read our previous coverage. 2009 Audi A6 Avant facelift spy shots 2009 Audi A6 facelift spy shots2008 Audi A6 range facelift2009 Audi A6 facelift spy shots Read More

Though the new Audi A6 is still at least a year away from being shown in concept form and two years from its production debut, details about its construction and platform technology are already leaking onto the web. Building on technologies first developed in the TT platform, the next-generation A6 is expected to use the lightweight ASF II spaceframe technology as its base.

The Ingolstadt-based car maker has developed the Aluminum and Steel Spaceframe (ASF II) technology to provide a platform that weighs half as much as steel, but is half again as rigid, reports Car. ASF technology allows the chassis to be build from a conglomeration of... Though the new Audi A6 is still at least a year away from being shown in concept form and two years from its production debut, details about its construction and platform technology are already leaking onto the web. Building on technologies first developed in the TT platform, the next-generation A6 is expected to use the lightweight ASF II spaceframe technology as its base. The Ingolstadt-based car maker has developed the Aluminum and Steel Spaceframe (ASF II) technology to provide a platform that weighs half as much as steel, but is half again as rigid, reports Car. ASF technology allows the chassis to be build from a conglomeration of bonded subframe members, modular nose and tail structures and a passenger cell made of aluminum with steel and foam reinforcements. Pioneered in the TT, the ASF architecture is expected to become the standard method of construction for all future Audis, making the A6 the first of the new generation. The next A8 is expected to get the ASF II treatment as well, and the technology will trickle down the line-up from there. Weight savings is expected to be as much as 300kg on the next-gen Q7. A full line of engines is expected for the A6, from a 2.8L V6 pushing 190hp to the top-end 4.2L V8 at 350hp, to the S6's 5.2L, 420hp V10. Two diesel engines are also expected, a 2.7L V6 making 185hp and a 3.0L V6 with 238hp. Front-wheel drive is likely to remain standard, but AWD quattro variants will be available. The new model's styling will move forward with the language of the new A5 and A4 designs, and will take its LED headlights from the A3 Cabrio. The rear is expected to bear the influence of the 2007 Cross Cabriolet quattro concept. 2011 Audi A6 Preview 2011 Audi A6 Avant renderingPreview: 2010 Audi A6Preview: 2011 Audi A6 Avant Read More

The next couple of years will see the release of three crucial models in the premium segment with BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi all expected to release new versions of their volume mid-level sedans. Audi will be the last to launch its revitalised model, with its next-gen Audi A6 set to arrive a year after the new BMW 5-series and Mercedes E-Class.

The A6 will once again be released in both sedan and ‘Avant’ wagon bodystyles and as this latest rendering shows the new model will feature the same fluid lines as the new A5 and A4 models and will sport intricate LED headlights like those on the A3 Cabrio.

Under the new sheet metal... The next couple of years will see the release of three crucial models in the premium segment with BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Audi all expected to release new versions of their volume mid-level sedans. Audi will be the last to launch its revitalised model, with its next-gen Audi A6 set to arrive a year after the new BMW 5-series and Mercedes E-Class. The A6 will once again be released in both sedan and ‘Avant’ wagon bodystyles and as this latest rendering shows the new model will feature the same fluid lines as the new A5 and A4 models and will sport intricate LED headlights like those on the A3 Cabrio. Under the new sheet metal will be an extended version of the modular platform used in the A4 but expect to see more exotic materials such as aluminum and magnesium employed to help save weight and improve dynamics. The engine lineup will likely mirror the A4 range but expect to see some new additions including a 300hp twin-turbo diesel V6 as well as a new TFSI V8 with around 430hp. The base model will remain FWD but AWD variants will feature the latest quattro torque vectoring systems, which distribute drive individually between each axle and between the rear wheels for improved traction and stability. A concept version of the car is tipped to be unveiled next year before the production version debuts in early 2010.Preview: 2010 Audi A6 Avant Read More

We’re used to seeing plenty of highly modified petrol cars but every now and then a tuned oil-burner crops up. This time it’s from the Bavarian-based Abt Sportsline, which has taken the wraps off its new AS6 3.0L TDI. The new car boasts a rare 100hp (75kW) per liter output, with a total 300hp (225kW) churned out by its 3.0L TDI mill. The maximum torque, which arrives at 4000rpm, is a staggering 600Nm.

The increases come from a series of upgrades including new engine management software and more boost from a custom Abt compressor. With the new performance numbers, the AS6 completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds and a top... We’re used to seeing plenty of highly modified petrol cars but every now and then a tuned oil-burner crops up. This time it’s from the Bavarian-based Abt Sportsline, which has taken the wraps off its new AS6 3.0L TDI. The new car boasts a rare 100hp (75kW) per liter output, with a total 300hp (225kW) churned out by its 3.0L TDI mill. The maximum torque, which arrives at 4000rpm, is a staggering 600Nm. The increases come from a series of upgrades including new engine management software and more boost from a custom Abt compressor. With the new performance numbers, the AS6 completes the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.9 seconds and a top speed of 249km/h. Ensuring all that torque reaches the ground, engineers added a set of 20in wheels measuring 9in across. They also upgraded the brakes, added an adjustable suspension set-up and a complete bodykit. The latter consists of a set of side skirts, front spoiler and pumped fenders. Read More