Audi has unveiled its all-new A6 sedan at the Detroit Auto Show. Despite se6veral shapely efforts, Audi has never made a major dent in the global midsize luxury sedan market, but the German automaker hopes that its redesigned 2012 model will reverse its fortunes.
Audi didn’t announces any U.S.-specs for the A6, but the global lineup is set to include two gas engines and three diesel options, ranging from 177 horsepower to 300. A 2.0L diesel is part of the mix, which Audi says will deliver 48mpg U.S. The range-topping mill will be Audi’s supercharged 3.0L V6
Other global markets will get six-speed manual and CVT gearboxes, but North American buyers will likely only get a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that Audi says has been substantially reengineered.
The A6 Hybrid will follow shortly after the gasoline unit hits the road.
Drawing from the A8
The 2012 A6 doesn’t just look like its larger Audi A8 sibling. Lightweight aluminum components make up 20 percent of the A6's body, meaning the 2.0-liter TDI model weighs just 3,472 lbs. Look for V6-powered all-wheel-drive North American models to add several hundred pounds to that figure, however.
Extremely sleek, the A6 features a paneled underfloor to direct airflow beneath the vehicle, resulting in a very low 0.26 Cd despite an upright front fascia designed to meet European pedestrian safety standards.
The new A6 is actually slightly shorter and lower than the outgoing model despite a longer wheelbase. As such, it boasts especially short front and rear overhangs. An available S-Line package will add a special body kit and unique alloy wheels. Audi says that the European model will be available in 12 paint schemes, ranging from typical grays and silvers to a pearl-effect Garnet Red.
LED headlamps with a daytime running strip will be optional in some markets but probably standard in North America.
Inner trappings
Inside, the A6 again draws heavily from its sibling and it doesn’t deviate too much – at least in terms of its overall theme – from the outgoing model. A wrap-around dashboard is canted toward the driver and upscale materials abound, including real metal trim and substantial use of matte-finish wood inlays in certain models.
Optional 18-way comfort seats feature available heating, air conditioning and massaging functions will undoubtedly be wrapped in leather for North American A6s, although cloth will be standard in Europe.
Audi’s latest generation MMI system will be fitted as standard. A seven-inch driver information system sits between the instruments, while the MMI’s controller is located in the center console thanks to an electronic parking brake switch that frees up space.
Look for A6 pricing info to be released closer to the car’s on-sale date in mid-2011.
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