Sneak Peek: New Audi A6

Audi is setting a new benchmark in the luxury performance segment. For the latest generation of the Audi A6 is a saloon combining supreme driving dynam-ics with high technology, plus outstanding comfort and exemplary equip-ment, thus striving for top position within this competition segment.

A new face in the business class Measuring 4.92 metres in length, 1.86 metres in width, and 1.46 metres in height, the new Audi A6 visibly sets a new standard. The lines of the car combine the clear architecture typical of Audi with other core elements of the brand's progressive design.

Seen from the front, the trapezoidal design of the single-frame radiator grille re-veals clearly that the A6 represents the latest generation of Audi models. The most advanced headlight technology, in turn, is equally visible behind the clear-glass headlight covers: the new A6 is the first Audi to feature as an option dynamic adaptive light technology incorporating powerful xenon plus units that help you see around corners.

The headlights thus follow the course of the road ahead as a function of steering angle and road speed, substantially improving the quality of illumination. The driver sees upcoming bends more clearly and precisely and is able to detect pos-sible obstacles at an earlier point in time. Obviously, this means a significant improvement in active safety.

Another brand-new feature, not only in the A6 but also in production cars the world over, is daytime driving lights featured in conjunction with xenon plus as well as the - likewise new - active cornering lights, xenon plus adaptive light.

Low-slung rear lights wrapped distinctly round to the inside characterise the rear end of the car. A chromium strip visually divides the luggage compartment lid horizontally, at the same time creating a striking connection between the light units.

Interior A quick look at the interior is also sufficient to show the change in generations, the high and wide centre console with controls and instruments in perfect reach accentuating the sporting architecture of the interior fully integrating the driver.

Sporting design and perfect ergonomics - these are the features that characterise the cockpit. A joint cover at the top connects the central instrument panel and the upper part of the centre console facing slightly towards the driver to form one common unit.

The round coolant temperature and fuel gauges are located in the corner of the newly designed, teardrop-shaped surrounds, next to the two large rev counter and speedometer dials.

The new generation of Audi steering wheels is also making its production debut in the new A6. The most outstanding visible symbol of both the three- and four-spoke steering wheels is the single-frame trapezoid centrepiece with the four Audi rings on the central airbag cap. And the oval exterior geometry also serves to vary the single-frame design.

The MMI control terminal is right behind the gearshift lever, again in perfect er-gonomic arrangement: this places its display exactly in the driver's line of vision, integrated beneath the top dashboard cover.

All the car's occupants benefit from a far higher standard of comfort and spa-ciousness inside: The wheelbase of the new Audi A6 is up by 83 millimetres over the car's predecessor to 2843 millimetres. This means extra comfort and safety as well as additional legroom for the front passengers, plus extra knee room at the rear. Shoulder room at the front is up by 23 millimetres, with an extra 6 millimetres at the rear. The luggage capacity on both front-wheel-drive and quattro models is 546 litres.

Drivetrain The new Audi A6 is entering the market initially with a total of five power units fitted in longitudinal arrangement - three petrol and two TDI engines. All these engines share a level of power and torque that is outstanding in this segment of the market:

- new: 4.2 V8 - 246 kW (335 bhp) - 420 Newton-metres - new: 3.2 V6 FSI - 188 kW (255 bhp) - 330 Newton-metres - new: 2.4 V6 - 130 kW (177 bhp) - 230 Newton-metres - new: 3.0 TDI V6 - 165 kW (225 bhp) - 450 Newton-metres - new: 2.0 TDI - 103 kW (140 bhp) - 320 Newton-metres

All of these power units, as featured in the new Audi A6, are entering the market for the first time and comply with the EU 4 emission standard.

The six- and eight-cylinder engines come from Audi's new V-configuration en-gine family with a 90° cylinder angle and a distance of 90 millimetres (3.54") between the cylinders. They are compact in design and feature maintenance-free camshaft drive by means of a chain, as well as low-friction roller arm valve drive.

Transmission The supreme fuel economy and dynamic performance offered by the new Audi A6 also results from the standard fitment of six-speed manual/six-speed automatic transmissions with a wide range of gear increments.

A new highlight of the manual gearboxes is the introduction of the ML gearbox generation, the abbreviation "ML" standing for "Manual/Longitudinal". The advantages for the driver are enhanced all-round efficiency combined with optimum gearshift operation featuring ultra-short, precise shift travel.

Equipment Even in standard trim, the new Audi A6 comes with a level of equipment by no means usual even in the luxury class. Right from the start, even at first sight, you will appreciate and enjoy this premium standard in the choice and qualities of materials and finish, aluminium inlays and aluminium wheels, for example, coming as standard features.

A unique asset versus the competition is the Multi Media Interface "MMI basic" comprising not only a 6.5-inch monochromatic display, but also a fully integrated radio complete with a CD player and four loudspeakers.

The electromechanical parking brake as well as a light and rain sensor are further standard fitments.

The range of safety equipment featured as standard in the new A6 is just as out-standing, active safety benefiting from the latest generation of ESP including brake assist and Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD).

In the event of a collision the car's occupants are effectively protected by the ro-bust structure of the body with predefined deformation and a highly stable pas-senger cell. And in conjunction with the seat belts, front and side airbags as well as the sideguard head airbag system give the driver and passengers superior safe-ty and protection.

The two full-size front airbags are activated in two stages, depending on the severity of an accident. Active front head restraints fitted as standard help to protect the occupants in a collision from behind.

Automatic high-comfort air conditioning plus makes a significant contribution to the occupants' driving pleasure, offering not only separate air distribution and temperature control for the driver and front passenger, but also indirect ventilation, centre air vents with separate temperature control, and an air humidity sensor system. Further features are the residual heat function, automatic air recirculation, and additional rear seat ventilation through the door pillars.

Steering wheels of the latest generation with either three or four spokes are available in wood or leather and may be fitted as an option with multifunction keys for operating the MMI as well as gearshift paddles.

Driving pleasure in the new A6 can be enhanced to an even higher standard by opting for adaptive air suspension or sports suspension with the body lowered by 20 millimetres. And to match this outstanding suspension, there is a choice of various alloy wheels up to 18 inches in size further refining the car's driving dynamics and sporting look.

2004-02-16 Please quote AUTOINDEX.ORG if You use this news article!