The RS 6 is entirely different from the A6
The A6 is a critical product for Audi, competing as it does with luxury sedans like the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5-Series to mention just a couple. As a result of this intense rivalry, changes are made constantly, but major revisions don't come along that often.
But for 2009, Audi has brought us what it calls a "new generation" A6 range with upgraded technology, more attractive bodywork and, as a bonus, a 15-percent reduction in fuel consumption right across the lineup – which includes, as always, an Avant wagon version.
To underline how vital this model is to Audi, it's interesting to note that in 2007 the Ingolstadt automaker sold no less than 234,000 A6s globally (including Avant wagon variants), bringing its market share in this key segment to 37-percent. The Mercedes-Benz E-Class is generally considered to be the market leader, but not by much.
The sheet metal is mostly new, but as with other Audis, changes are always subtle even when a new generation takes its bow. The sides seem to have a more sculptured look and up front, the low-set intakes either side of the full-depth grille appear to have a slight family resemblance to those on the all-conquering Audi R15 TDI Le Mans race car. It's almost as though Audi was confirming that there's a little Le Mans-winning DNA in every model it produces.
The headlights incorporate daytime running lights in the form of an LED strip running the length of the transparent housing. The effect when an A6 comes up in your rearview mirror is a very distinctive pair of "necklaces" glowing brightly like those of the R8 sports car. There are also LED turn signals on the door mirrors for added visibility and even more LEDs located in the rear lighting. Add it all up and you have a very worthwhile set of lighting safety features. This is one automobile you'll always see very clearly at night.
In Dusseldorf, Germany, where I attended the world launch of this car, Audi announced no less than ten A6 engine options, of which we get three (plus the V10 powered S6). No less than four of these are diesels, which underlines just how popular this type of powerplant is in Europe. Any automaker marketing a car in Europe without a diesel option just isn't going to sell many units.
The big news on the engine front is the addition of an all-new 290-horsepower 3.0-litre direct injection V6, which uses a fascinating Roots-type supercharger just like Auto Union Grand Prix cars of the 1930s. The Roots supercharger goes back well over 100 years, so can truly be described as "well-tried technology." As a reminder, superchargers are driven from the crankshaft using a belt to force more air into the engine for greater efficiency. Turbochargers achieve the same ends using exhaust gases to drive the compressor.
The new motor (TFSI in Audi-speak) is a real delight in this new A6 and driving one (sometimes on unlimited German Autobahns at high speeds) made me wonder why anyone would buy the V8 version, though of course, with that option you get added flexibility and refinement. More than likely, the new V6 will be the big seller when this range gets up to speed in the marketplace. Even though the A6 is a fairly large and roomy car and understandably quite heavy thanks to its lengthy equipment roster, it'll still top 100 km/h in just 5.9 seconds and cruise all the way to 250 km/h (155 mph), at which point an electronic limiter cuts in. The zero-100 km/h figure for the V8 is an identical 5.9-seconds, according to Audi tests.
The entry-level 3.2-litre non-supercharged V6 is still available, but only with (non quattro) front-wheel drive models. The 4.2-litre V8 is much the same as that fitted to the 2008 models and earlier. Incidentally, quattro (lower case intended) is very much a standard by which all-wheel drive systems are judged and is a great safety feature on wet roads in addition to having impressive traction qualities on snow and ice. The transmission is a 6-speed Tiptronic automatic, which offers full automatic or semi-manual modes.
The interior of the new A6 has been extensively re-worked with new trim, an updated instrument panel with aluminum dial bezels, better seats and even more convenience and safety features than the last model. Noise levels have also been reduced and this proved a very quiet car, even at highway speeds. Audi does great interiors and many critics argue that its designers handle the task even better than their opposite numbers at Mercedes-Benz and BMW, which is high praise indeed. Everything is nicely grouped together – an old Audi benefit – and liberal use is made of polished aluminum accenting, which remains very much in vogue right now. There are those who complain that automakers have gone a little too wild with bright metal cockpit trim in recent model years, but most buyers seem to like this approach. Naturally, wide use is made of wood veneers in more upscale trim levels – including an interesting open-grained ash. Other woods used are walnut and birch – the choice is yours and timber is, after all, a renewable resource.
Safety features abound, both as standard equipment and as options. Some of the newer features include a lane assist system, parking aid technology, adaptive cruise control and other items of technical wizardry. Incidentally, I've always found Audi's navigation systems to be among the very best on the market.
It's sad (at least, for those who could afford one) that we won't be getting the truly awesome RS 6 here in Canada. In Germany, I managed to get my hands on one for a fairly long test drive, which included everything from winding country roads to unlimited Autobahns. With 580-horsepower on tap from its twin-turbo V10, this potent Audi will rocket to 100 km/h in just 4.5 seconds and then effortlessly to 250 km/h when a limiter cuts in. On request, Audi will tinker with the electronics to get you 280 km/h, but I'd guess it'd top 300 km/h if pressed – Porsche Turbo territory. The uncanny thing is that even at very high speeds the car feels solid as a rock and the huge brakes haul it down with no fuss at all – no squirming, no snatching and no drama. It feels supremely safe, but as with all performance cars, drivers need to give the job of driving their total attention if the outer limits are to be explored. As one might expect, Audi has engineered an outstanding suspension for the RS 6 and handling is more sports car than sedan. The car will be aimed right at the heart of the BMW M5/Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG market. This super-Audi benefits greatly from quattro all-wheel drive when it comes to getting all that power safely on the road in all conditions.
Overall, the 2009 A6 is a most welcome new Audi, which will please buyers replacing their earlier A6 or trading up, not to mention fine car enthusiasts moving from rival makes. Certainly, Mercedes-Benz and BMW will be watching this very competitive automobile closely, though it's worth pointing out that Mercedes has an all-new E-Class set for launch quite soon. This market segment is going to become very exciting in 2009!
Specifications (2009 Audi A6, S6, RS 6):
Price Range (min – max): $52,900 - $103,000
Body Type: 4-door, 5-passenger sedan / 5-door, 5-passenger wagon
Layout: front engine, AWD (FWD in base model)
Engine: 255 hp, 243 lb-ft, 3.2L DOHC V6 / 300 hp, 310 lb-ft, 3.0L supercharged V6 / 350 hp, 325 lb-ft, 4.2L DOHC V8
Transmission: 6-speed auto w/ manual mode and optional paddle shifters (CVT transmission in base model)
Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc, ABS, EBD, BA
Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 4,927 / 1,855 / 1,459/ 2,843 mm (193.9 / 73.0 / 57.4 / 111.9 in)
Curb Weight (3.2/3.0T/4.2 sedan): 1,750 / 1,930 / 1,915 kg (3,858 / 4,217 / 4,222 lb.)
Curb Weight (wagon): 1,890 kg (4,167 lbs)
Acceleration (0-100 km/h): 6.9 sec (3.2) / 5.9 sec (3.0T, 4.2) / 4.5 sec (RS 6)
Top Speed: 250 km/h (electronically limited)
Tires: 245/45R17 / 245/40R18 / 255/35R19
Cargo Volume (sedan trunk): 450 L (15.9 cu. ft.)
Cargo Volume (wagon seats up/down): 566 / 1659 L (20.0 / 58.6 cu-ft)
Fuel Economy Range (city/hwy) 11.4 / 7.4 L/100 km (3.2); 12 / 8 (3.0T); 13.1 / 8.8 L/100 km (4.2)
Warranty (mo/km): 48 / 80,000
Competitors: Acura TL / RL, BMW 5-Series, Cadillac STS, Chrysler 300C, Hyundai Genesis, Infiniti M, Lexus GS, Jaguar XF, Lincoln MKS, Mercedes-Benz E-Class, Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8, Saab 9-5, Volvo S60 / V70 / S80, VW Passat.
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