Audi A6 gets styling, powertrain tweaks

Thu, 04 Sep 2014

The Audi A6 is already a fairly handsome, German luxury sedan, but the whole range is receiving some styling updates in Europe this fall. Audi's US arm would not directly confirm which of these updates will be coming to America, instead just telling us that an updated A6 will be coming next year.

On the outside, the tweaks are fairly minor. The company's single-frame grille, which shows up throughout the model lineup, gets some very subtle styling changes, and the lower bumper and its air intakes are also reshaped. More obviously, the headlights have a new form with the LED running lights cutting through them in roughly the shape of a T, as opposed to outlining them, as before. A similar shape is also used for the updated taillights, and there are now rectangular exhaust outlets around back, as well. In profile, the side sills also get a harder crease toward the rear of the sedan.

Inside, things are kept generally the same, as well. There's a new Flint Gray interior color for the A6 and Salsa Red for the S6. But the biggest change is a power-retracting eight-inch infotainment system using the Nvidia Tegra 30 graphics chip. The optional night vision assist system is also improved with new functions, according to Audi.

Europe, at least, is also getting some tweaks to the engine and gearbox range. The 3.0 TFSI is revised and produces 329 horsepower. The 3.0 TDI also gets its own updates with tunes of 215 hp or 268 hp and 315 hp or 322 hp in twin-turbo form. Perhaps confirming earlier rumors, the company is also dropping its Multitronic CVT from front-wheel drive models in favor of a dual-clutch gearbox. The six-speed manual is also improved to reduce its friction. Finally, models with over 268 hp and Quattro can be specced a sport differential to distribute power between the rear wheels. Scroll down to read the full announcement from Audi.

Fresh power for an established winner – the new Audi A6 and A6 Avant

Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg: "The Audi A6* represents innovative technology and Audi's premium claim"

New engines make the A6 family even more efficient and powerful

New infotainment and assistance systems set standards

The winner in the business class has just gotten better – Audi has thoroughly updated the A6 family. New engines, transmissions and headlights, plus a new infotainment system make the Sedan and Avant more efficient, more powerful, more attractive and more sophisticated than ever. The versatile A6 allroad quattro and the S6, S6 Avant and RS 6 sport models are also packed with numerous new features.

"With the new Audi A6, we are writing the next chapter in an excellent success story. It represents innovative technology and Audi's premium claim," says Prof. Dr. Ulrich Hackenberg, Board Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG. "The Audi A6 sets new standards in many technical fields: the lightweight body containing many aluminum components, the powerful and highly efficient engines, the sporty chassis and the advanced assistance and multimedia systems."

Sharp lines, emphasized horizontals, athletically taut surfaces – the design of the A6 models epitomizes precision and sporty elegance. It was carefully honed as part of the model refresh, with changes made to the Singleframe grille, the headlights, air inlets, bumpers, side sills, rear lights and tailpipes. Audi optionally offers headlights with LED technology or Matrix LED technology, combined with dynamic turn signals.

Thanks to its intelligent composite construction concept, the body is extremely rigid and safe. Numerous components of aluminum and hot-shaped steel form the backbone of a systematic lightweight construction concept. The new A6 1.8 TFSI has a curb weight (without driver) of just 1,535 kilograms (3384.1 lb). Vibrational comfort is excellent; cabin noise is extremely low.

The sinewy style of the exterior is echoed in the car's spacious interior. Every detail documents the uncompromising level of quality familiar to Audi drivers. Elegant colors and carefully selected materials emphasize the cultivated atmosphere. The new Audi design selection in the interior colors flint gray (A6 models) and salsa red (S6) address particularly discerning customers.

The front seats are available with optional ventilation and massage functions; the controls are simple. The MMI radio operating system and deluxe automatic air conditioning are standard. The luggage compartment of the Audi A6 Avant offers between 565 and 1,680 liters (20.0 and 59.3 cu ft) of space and many practical features. An optional sensor-controlled automatic tailgate combined with a power luggage compartment cover makes loading even easier.

The new A6 models are also way ahead of the competition when it comes to infotainment, with configurations ranging up to MMI navigation plus with MMI touch. The top-of-the-line navigation system with the power-retractable eight-inch monitor is now based on a new technology platform that uses the fast Tegra 30 graphics chip from Audi's partner Nvidia. The supplemental module Audi connect transfers data via the fast LTE standard and brings tailored online services into the car, including new media streaming apps.

The range of driver assistance systems is also extremely attractive, topped by adaptive cruise control with stop & go function. Audi side assist, which uses radar to check behind the car when changing lanes, works closely together with Audi active lane assist, which prevents unintended lane changes. The night vision assistant now includes even more functions, and the Audi pre sense basic safety system is standard. Important information can be called up via the optional head-up display.

Extensively updated: the engine lineup

The engine lineup for the new A6 and A6 Avant includes three TFSI units with output ranging between 140 kW (190 hp) and 245 kW (333 hp) and five TDI units ranging from 110 kW (150 hp) to 240 kW (326 hp). All engines comply with the limits of the Euro 6 emission standard, and their CO2 emissions have been reduced by as much as 22 percent. At Audi, the most efficient gasoline and diesel engines bear the "ultra" label. Combined with the all-new S tronic transmission, the 1.8 TFSI ultra consumes just 5.7 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (41.3 US mpg), corresponding to 133 grams CO2 per kilometer (214 g/mi). The 2.0 TDI ultra with 110 kW (150 hp) achieves the extremely low consumption figure – with no restrictions with respect to equipment – of 4.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (56.0 US mpg) corresponding to 109 grams CO2 per kilometer (175.4 g/mi).

The top gasoline engine, the 3.0 TFSI, has been comprehensively revised. The engine developers have also completely redesigned numerous aspects of the 3.0 TDI clean diesel, which is available with either 160 kW (218 hp) or 200 KW (272 hp). The 3.0 TDI clean diesel biturbo produces 235 kW (320 hp). Another version with 240 kW (326 hp), which can be boosted briefly to 255 kW (346 hp), powers the A6 3.0 TDI competition and A6 Avant 3.0 TDI competition special-edition models, with which Audi is celebrating the 25 years of TDI technology.

The high-performance diesel is paired with an eight-speed tiptronic. All other engine variants work together with either a newly designed six-speed manual transmission that is particularly lightweight and low-friction, or a seven-speed S tronic. In the versions with front-wheel drive, a fully redeveloped dual-clutch transmission replaces the multitronic. In engine configurations starting at 200 kW (272 hp), quattro permanent all-wheel drive can be supplemented with the sport differential, which actively distributes power between the rear wheels.

The chassis with its sophisticated wheel suspensions also combines supreme comfort with sporty handling. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system is standard, and Audi offers a choice of two sport suspensions and adaptive air suspension as options. In the A6 Avant 2.0 TDI ultra with 140 kW (190 hp), the springs are made of glass fiber-reinforced polymer (GFRP) – an Audi innovation that saves approximately 4.4 kilograms (9.7 lb) of weight, reduces fuel consumption and improves both driving precision and vibrational comfort. The wheels measure between 17 and 20 inches diagonal.

Sophisticated and masculine – the new Audi A6 allroad quattro

The new Audi A6 allroad quattro, which is based on the A6 Avant, features a raised body and stainless steel linings that encapsulate the underside of the front and rear ends. The design is robust and masculine, with vertical slats in the Singleframe grille. There are four 3.0-liter, V6 engines from which to choose – the 3.0 TFSI and three versions of the 3.0 TDI. The adaptive air suspension is standard.

Sportiness to the third power: the new S6, S6 Avant and RS 6 Avant

The new Audi S6 and the S6 Avant are sports cars for everyday. The 4.0 TFSI, a biturbo V8 producing 331 kW (450 hp), accelerates the Sedan from 0 to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 4.4 seconds. The S6 Avant completes the sprint in 4.6 seconds. Average fuel consumption is just 9.2 liters per 100 kilometers (25.6 US mpg) in the Sedan and 9.4 liters (25.0 US mpg) in the Avant, the equivalent of 214 and 219 grams CO2 per kilometer (344 and 352.4 g/mi), respectively. This efficiency is due in large part to the cylinder on demand (COD) system, which only activates four of the eight cylinders when under part load.

Standard equipment in the new Audi S6 and S6 Avant includes quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the adaptive air suspension, which lowers the body by 20 millimeters (0.8 in). Matt black brake calipers grip the front discs mounted behind the 19-inch wheels.

The dynamic top model of the new A6 family is the Audi RS 6 Avant. The high-performance sports car for everyday driving and recreation accelerates to 100 km/h (62.1 mph) in 3.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 305 km/h (189.5 mph). Its 4.0 TFSI engine produces 412 kW (560 hp), yet consumes on average just 9.6 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (24.5 US mpg, corresponding to 223 grams CO2 per kilometer (358.9 g/mi). The COD system is also largely responsible for this efficiency.

An eight-speed tiptronic transfers the power from the biturbo V8. The standard quattro drivetrain uses a center differential with a higher locking rate. The RS adaptive air suspension lowers the body by 20 millimeters (0.8 in). Audi offers the taut RS sport suspension with Dynamic Ride Control (DRC) as an option. The large brake discs feature a weight-saving wave design, and the wheels measure 20 inches in diameter. 21-inch wheels are available as an option.

Delivery of the new Audi A6 family will begin in fall 2014. The base price in Germany for the Sedan with the 1.8 TFSI will be €38,400; the A6 Avant 1.8 TFSI begins at €40,900 and the A6 allroad quattro 3.0 TDI at €56,650. The Audi S6 is priced at €75,400, and the Audi RS 6 Avant lists for €108,900.

Fuel consumption of the models named above:
Audi A6 family:

Combined fuel consumption in l/100 km (US mpg): 9.6 – 4.2 (24.5 – 56.0);
Combined CO2-emissions in g/km (g/mile): 224 – 109 (360.5 – 175.4)

By Chris Bruce