2012 Audi A6 Launched

Audi decided to roll out the big guns at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show and presented the 2012 A6 model in all its glory, along with the hybrid version. Following the design lines of its bigger brother, the A8, the mid-range sedan is without any doubt a very beautiful car. Measuring 16.14 ft long and 6.14 ft wide, but only 4.79 ft high, it has the best sporty proportions in this segment. The dynamic overall look of the car was created by the prominent lines on the flank, the sweeping roofline and the long engine hood. In my opinion, it is one of the best looking cars launched at Detroit, along with Hyundai’s Veloster three-door coupe. Personally I like the hybrid’s color better than the red of the regular model, but it is only a matter of taste.

The 2012 A6 will be available with two gas engines and three diesel power units. The fuel consumption through the entire model line has decreased to max 19% in comparison with the outgoing generation. One of the most interesting engines would have to be the 2.0 TDI (linked to a manual gearbox) which will do 48 mpg (4.9 L / 100 km) and emit only 129g CO2 km. The engines available for the new A6 develop between 177 hp (130 kW) and 300 hp (220 kW), all of them benefiting from the Start/Stop function, thermal management concept and energy recovery system.

Regarding the drivertains available, customers will have to choose from one of the following: 6-speed manual gearbox, continuously variable multitronic and the all-new Sporty S tronic. Depending on the selection of the power unit, the 2012 A6 is available with either a front wheel drive or with the proprietary Quattro permanent all-wheel drive. For the top-of-the-line power units, the German manufacturer will offer an optional sport differential.

The 3.0 TDI engine is capable of outputting 245 hp and 368.78 lb-ft of torque between 1,400 and 3,250 revs. 0-60 mph is done in only 6.1 seconds, onto a limited top speed of 155 mph. The most powerful gasoline engine will be the 3.0 TFSI V6 that will output 300 hp and 324 lb-ft of torque. It will need only 5,5 seconds to reach 60 mph and to speed will be 155 mph. The car will do 26 mpg and emit 190g of CO2.

Later on, Audi will be introducing the A6 Hybrid which will be the second hybrid model after the Q5 hybrid Quattro. It will feature a 2.0 TFSI 211 hp engine that will work close in hand with the electric motor, capable of outputting 45 hp and 155 lb-ft of torque. The compact lithium-ion battery will be installed in the crash-protected area of the luggage compartment and will be capable of providing 1.3 kWh of nominal power, generating 39 kW.

The hybrid version of the A6 will be able reach 62 mph running only on electric mode and on a constant speed of 37 mph, it will have a range of 3 km. It will need 7.3 seconds for the 0-60 mph sprint, onto a top speed of 147 mph. The car will do 37 mpg and its CO2 emissions stand at 142 g / km.

As standard, the 2012 Audi A6 will come with MMI radio complete with a generous 6.5-inch monitor, adaptive brake light, tire pressure monitoring system, start-stop button, front center armrest,  two-zone air conditioning system, alloy wheels and Audi’s pre sense basic system. As far as safety is concerned, the car packs two front side and head airbags along with four belt tensioners plus Audi’s head restraint system.

Some of the most important optional features of the A6 include: the jaw-dropping 1,300-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system, TV module, digital radio tuner, Bose surround sound, Bluetooth car phone and others as well. In addition, the A6 can be fitted with xenon plus LED headlights with LED taillights, plus adaptive light with the headlight range control.

The car will be available for sale in a couple of weeks at a base price of 38,500 Euros (in Germany).

Post tags: Tags: a6, Audi, Hybrid