Meet the new Audi A6. Spied out in the open for the very first time, these spy shots show the saloon version of the car that has a lot of catching up to do. Newer rivals like the BMW 5-Series and Mercedes E-Class have outclassed the current A6.
But that means the newcomer will be packed with even more groundbreaking tech to bring it right back into contention when it arrives next year.
Set to debut in the second half of 2011, the new A6 shares its underpinnings with the new A7. The chassis features 20 per cent aluminium to reduce weight, while the rest is made from steel to keep costs in check.
The chassis has been engineered to take Audi’s 4-, 6- and 8-cylinder engines, front- and quattro four-wheel drive and six-speed manual, seven-speed S Tronic and eight-speed automatic gearboxes. The A6 will also get the A7’s electric power steering which helps save fuel.
Engine choices are likely to begin with 2.0-litre petrol and TDI diesel units, while six-cylinder 2.8 FSI and 3.0-litre TFSI petrols and two versions of the 3.0-litre TDI will also be offered. Stop start systems are likely. An Avant estate, and S6 version and a hybrid will join the range later, while an 8-cylinder RS6 could make production.
Technology shared with the A7 includes sat nav with a touch pad input, a parking system which automatically parks the car in a bay or a parallel space, and an active lane keeping assistant. For more details click here.
Thanks to: Auto Express