The 2012 Audi A6 may look somewhat similar to the existing model, but it is completely new. It features a lot of technology recently introduced in the A8 flagship.
When Audi’s new A6 hits the market later this year, expect to see a lot of features that debuted on the flagship A8.
As is typical of most new luxury sedans, The A6 is crammed with several new technology features impacting safety, entertainment and efficiency.
Anthony Foulk, product manager for the A6 and A8, said at the North American International Auto Show that the new car uses more aluminum – up to about 20 percent of the total weight, showing Audi’s extensive experience with the material.
The new car, which is virtually the same size as the current model, weighs about the same, despite increased equipment for infotainment and safety systems. Aluminum helps improve the car’s weight distribution from 60/40 to about 55/45 for the core model, the supercharged 3.0-liter V-6.
The A6 gets the next generation of the MMI system currently in the A8. It features a backlit touchpad that allows users to right out words with their fingers.
Adaptive cruise control with stop and go capability and emergency braking will also be available. Audi Side Assist is another option, as is Lane Assist, although the latter won’t be available at launch. Lane Assist helps keep the car in its lane unless the turn signal is used.
Foulk said the supercharged 3.0-liter TSFI engine is the core model. Audi has four other powertrains, including three diesels, for worldwide production, but the company has not announced what other engines will be coming to the States.
“We also believe in diesel in this market,” Foulk said. “We’ll have a wide range of models to announce.”
One of those models is a hybrid, which will use the familiar turbocharged 2.0-liter engine making 211 horsepower, backed up by a 45-horsepower electric motor.
The 3.0 will be backed by a new 8-speed automatic transmission. Front-wheel drive will be standard on the A6, but, of course, Quattro will be available.
Auto Drive Select will allow drivers to tailor the car’s throttle, transmission, suspension and steering to their tastes. For example, Foulk said he prefers heavier steering and more aggressive throttle and transmission settings, but tunes the suspension for comfort. Drivers will be able to select one of three pre-programmed settings or establish their own.
Audi Pre-Sense Plus provides full vision around the car, allowing it to sense an accident.
“The car can sense a critical situation around the car,” Foulk said.
The A6 will offer a heads-up display, combined with night vision that can detect a pedestrian within 100 yards.
Audi Online Services turns the car into a WiFi hotspot and provides a newsfeed and weather to the infotainment system. Traffic alerts come through Sirius.
A new Bang & Olufsen stereo will use “emerging” tweeters from the A8.
The A6’s styling is an evolution of the current car. Foulk said the goals for the design are sporty, muscular and prestigious with tight lines, which show its competence in forming aluminum. The interior design is focused on the driver, but has a design feature that wraps around the front of the cockpit and is continued on the rear doors, giving the everyone in the car a sense of connectedness.