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The latest Audi model to move into the
vanguard of Vorsprung durch Technik is the A6 Saloon, which has been
redesigned from the ground up with the benefit of the brand’s most
advanced lightweight construction techniques, engine efficiency
measures, chassis developments and in-car technological innovations.
With weight kept in check through aluminium and steel composite
construction, despite enhanced equipment levels, the new A6 will not
only deliver dynamically, but also in terms of efficiency, with
57mpg-plus economy potential and low CO2 outputs of as little
as 129g/km. UK A6 orders will be possible from January 2011, and first
deliveries will begin in the spring.
Aluminium and high-tech steels make up
much of the completely reworked body of the new A6, the former
accounting for around 20 per cent of the surface area, rendering it
exceedingly light, rigid and safe.
Combining the two materials reduces the
shell weight by around 15 per cent, and enables the A6 2.0 TDI to tip
the scales at a relatively modest 1,575kg – an impressive figure by
class standards and one that works in favour of agility, economy and
emissions control. State-of-the art design methods and materials ensure
extremely low interior noise levels, while precision tuning of all
components and systematic hydraulic damping in the axle and drivetrain
bearings provides excellent refinement.
The range of four responsive and highly
efficient engines available at launch in the UK will certainly not
shatter this calm. The 2.0-litre TDI 177PS, 3.0-litre TDI 204PS,
3.0-litre TDI 245PS and 3.0-litre TFSI 300PS units all make use of
advanced direct injection technology for the leanest possible fuel burn
rate, and work in conjunction with important technologies from the
brand’s modular efficiency platform – the start-stop system, the energy
recovery system and the innovative thermal management concept. As a
result, fuel economy has improved by up to 19 per cent compared to the
previous model, pushing the A6 to the front of the class in this
discipline.
CO2 down to 129g/km
The real headline maker in the range
will be the 2.0-litre TDI allied to six-speed manual transmission, which
despite its impressive output returns an impressive 57.7mpg according to
the combined cycle test and emits just 129 g CO2 per km. The
headlines of the not-too-distant future are likely to be claimed by the
A6 hybrid, which by combining a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine with an
electric motor will be capable of zero emission urban driving and up to
45.6mpg, yet will also have 245PS on tap for strong performance.
As was the case with the previous
model, the new Audi A6 will also be available with a wide range of
drivetrains. The choice, based on the engine version, will include a
manual six-speed transmission or continuously variable multitronic CVT
for front-wheel-drive models, and the new seven-speed S tronic
twin-clutch transmission for quattros. Each unit features a wide
gear-ratio spread which makes a significant contribution to overall
efficiency.
The quattro permanent all-wheel drive
system fitted to the new A6 Saloon is of course the latest incarnation,
with a crown gear centre differential and a torque-vectoring function
for the ultimate in traction, stability and dynamic response. For the
top-of-the-line engines, the quattro sport differential that has already
won acclaim in performance cars such as the S4 will also be offered as
an option.
New energy efficient electromechanical
power steering, in conjunction with the lightweight suspension set-up
with its considerable aluminium content, will impart even greater
precision and composure in the new A6. The standard fit Audi drive
select adaptive dynamics system will allow drivers to fine-tune the
car’s responses as desired via the MMI screen, and in front-wheel-drive
models the latest Electronic Stability Programme with electronic limited
slip differential will imperceptibly boost agility and subtly maintain
order during challenging driving.
Comfort has of course been equally
highly prized in this executive class saloon. The now even more refined
ride can, as before, cosset even more completely if the option of
adaptive air suspension with controlled damping is chosen.
Economy-boosting aerodynamics
In pursuit of exceptional refinement
the body of the new A6, which measures 4.92 metres long, 1.87 metres
wide and 1.46 metres high, has been sculpted to pierce cleanly through
the air, a fact which its exceptional 0.26 Cd drag coefficient
substantiates. Its low, sleek roofline also lends it a purposeful air
which its optional LED headlights and LED daytime running lights
emphasise further.
The roomy interior with its cocooning
‘wraparound’ dash panel combines the latest Audi design language with
the most salient technological advances and the finest materials
constructed to the very highest of standards in time-honoured Audi
fashion. Supportive seats upholstered as standard in Milano leather
position occupants perfectly in relation to the cabin’s focal point, the
Multi Media Interface with its 6.5-inch retractable monitor and large
central control knob. MMI provides easy and intuitive access to the high
quality audio system, the Bluetooth phone interface and the SD
card-based navigation system – a much prized asset which, uniquely in
the premium sector at this level, is standard in the A6.
An 8-inch monitor and fingertip
sensitive touch pad are available to upgrade MMI to MMI Touch. The
system’s touch pad enables characters to be ‘drawn’ by the driver using
an index finger for navigation or telephone data entry. As well as
ultra-intelligent 3D navigation mapping, the new MMI Touch system can
store audio tracks and telephone data on its sizeable hard disk.
Navigation with Google Earth
mapping
Online services including news and
weather information supplied by Google will also be accessible if the
Mobile Telephone Preparation High option is specified. This option will
enable drivers to plot detailed routes on a home computer and download
them to the navigation system when they start a trip. Google Earth
images will also be beamed via the car’s internal UMTS module to the MMI
monitor for navigation purposes. Through its wireless local area network
link passengers will also be able to connect to the internet using their
own computers.
MMI navigation plus will be able to
work closely with the optional assistance and safety systems in the new
A6. It can forward route data to the control units for the headlights,
the automatic transmission and the adaptive cruise control with stop &
go function. This will enable these systems to recognise complex
scenarios and assist the driver. The Audi pre-sense basic system first
seen in the new A8 will also provide further safety back-up by analysing
the information from the ESP sensors and intervening to activate the
hazard warning lights, close the side windows and sunroof and tension
the seatbelts when maximum brake application or skidding is detected.
The pre-sense system is expandable in various stages: the full version
brakes the car automatically in order to minimise the consequences of a
nose-to-tail collision.
The list of optional driver aids will
also include a night vision assistant employing a thermal imaging camera
to highlight ‘warm-blooded’ road users in front of the car, a head-up
display projecting key information onto the windscreen so that it
appears to float about 2.5 metres ahead and a park assist system which
automatically takes care of the steering function for the driver when
manoeuvring into parallel or perpendicular parking spaces. More familiar
options such as the Audi side assist blind spot warning system and the
Audi lane assist lane departure detection system will also be available.
Two specification levels – SE and S
line – will be offered in the UK, each including alloy wheels, leather
upholstery, cruise and front and rear parking controls, SD-based
satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone preparation, split/folding rear
seats and light and rain sensors. S line models will add larger 18-inch
alloy wheels, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, sports
suspension, upgraded Valcona leather upholstery and an exclusive S line
exterior and interior styling treatment.
From the options list customers will be
able to choose features such as comfort seats with heating, cooling and
massaging functions, acoustic glazing, supple leather trimming for the
centre console, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with 1,200
watts of power, TV reception and various connectivity upgrades for the
MMI system.
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