What Changed for 2008:

• S line exterior treatment is standard on all models except the S6


• Headlight washers, Sirius satellite radio, and seat-back storage pockets are now standard


• Audi lane assist is now available


• New 18- and 19-inch wheel choices


• S line interior package is optional on all models except the S6

Overview
Although the 2008 Audi A6 is considered a third-generation derivative (the current model was launched in 2005) predecessors to the A6 family include the early Audi 5000 and 100/200 models from past decades. For 2008, consumers are offered the choice between sedan and wagon, with available 6-, 8- and 10-cylinder powerplants. For 2008, Audi offers a new standard exterior cosmetic package, and several new vehicle options including lane assist technology.

Model Lineup
Audi’s A6 lineup for 2008 comprises four models: A6 3.2 FSI, A6 4.2 FSI, A6 Avant 3.2, and the S6. All share the same basic sedan platform, with the exception of the 5-door Avant (wagon). While the standard model is offered with a choice of drivelines, all others feature Audi’s quattro permanent all-wheel drive.

All Audi A6 models feature a comprehensive list of standard equipment including 12-way power front seats with leather upholstery, automatic dual-zone climate control, and Audi’s Advanced MMI (Multi-Media Interface) system with high-resolution display. All accessories, such as windows, door locks, and exterior mirrors are powered. The standard audio system features 10 speakers and a 6-disc CD changer. Universal cell phone preparation with Bluetooth is standard.

New for 2008, all A6 models feature the S line exterior package as standard equipment. This includes larger 18-inch alloy wheels and a rear integrated spoiler. The S line interior package, including front sport seats, Milano leather upholstery, Birch Gray decorative inlays, 3-spoke sport steering wheel with shift paddles, black headliner, and aluminum door sills, is optional. Other option packages include the Premium package, Convenience package, Technology package, and Cold Weather package.

The high-performance S6 builds on the standard A6 options with upgraded Nappa leather upholstery, front sport seats, and special S6 appointments and badging on the interior and exterior. To better harness the power from the 10-cylinder engine, the S6 features a sport-tuned suspension, larger brakes, and standard 19-inch cast alloy wheels.

All 2008 Audi A6/S6 models come with a 4-year/50,000-mile new-vehicle limited warranty that includes a 12-year limited warranty against corrosion perforation. Road America provides 24-hour roadside assistance for the first four years of ownership.

Powertrain
The 2008 Audi A6 lineup offers three different engine choices, and a choice of front- or all-wheel-drive (FWD or AWD) powertrains. The A6 3.2 FSI and A6 Avant 3.2 are equipped with a 3.2-liter 6-cylinder engine rated at 255 hp and 243 lb.-ft. of torque. The A6 3.2 FSI sedan is available with Audi’s FWD 7-speed multitronic continuously variable transmission (CVT) called FrontTrak, or Audi’s quattro IV permanent AWD system with torque-sensing center differential. Quattro, standard on all Avant models, is matched with Audi’s 6-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. The Audi A6 4.2 FSI features a 4.2-liter 8-cylinder engine rated at 350 hp and 325 lb.-ft. of torque. It is only available in quattro AWD configuration with the 6-speed Tiptronic transmission. The performance-oriented Audi S6 features a 5.2-liter 10-cylinder engine rated at 435 hp and 398 lb.-ft. of torque. (The engine is derived from the powerplant used in the Lamborghini Gallardo.) It shares the same quattro AWD configuration and the 6-speed Tiptronic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates for 2008 range around 16 mpg city/27 mpg highway depending on model and powerplant.

All 2008 Audi A6 and S6 models feature a fully independent suspension front and rear. Audi’s Servotronic speed-sensitive power steering and 4-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock (ABS) are standard on all models. The suspension and braking system of the S6 is significantly upgraded to reflect the driving needs of the enthusiast, Audi says.

Safety
Driver and front passengers in the 2008 Audi A6 and S6 are protected by two-stage, next-generation front air bags and knee air bags. Front and rear seats are equipped with 3-point seat belts with pre-tensioners. Front seat side-mounted air bag supplemental restraints and Sideguard head-protection air bags are designed to offer additional protection for both front and rear outboard occupants. Rear seat side air bags are optional. The Lower Anchors and Tethers for CHildren (LATCH) system is standard in the rear outboard positions. All models receive a tire-pressure-monitoring system. The 2005-2008 Audi A6 has been crash tested by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). The A6 earned “Good” ratings for both the frontal offset test and the side-impact test—the highest ratings issued by the institute. By also offering electronic stability control as standard equipment, the 2008 Audi A6 was chosen by the IIHS as a “Top Safety Pick” for 2008.

Technology
Standard on the 2008 Audi A6 4.2 and S6, and optional on the A6 3.2 and Avant 3.2, is Audi’s advanced headlight technology featuring powerful Bi-Xenon adaptive headlamps. The headlights are designed to follow the course of the road ahead, based on vehicle speed and steering wheel inputs, and will turn up to 15 degrees to illuminate the vehicle’s path. This allows the driver to see upcoming bends and detect possible obstacles at an earlier point in time, according to Audi. The Bi-Xenon headlamps are also used during daylight hours as programmable daytime running lights. Unlike conventional halogen bulbs that draw significant power from the electrical system, Bi-Xenon headlamps consume very little energy, Audi says. With virtually no additional load on the vehicle’s systems, fuel consumption is unaffected and C02 emissions unchanged. According to Audi, their Bi-Xenon headlamps may be run at all times without the slightest harm to the environment.