2009 Audi A6 Preview

Introduction

Audi's popular A6 sedan traces its roots back to the first Audi 5000 and 100/200 models from the 1970s. Those early sedans offered buyers a comfortable and capable front-wheel-drive European sedan with 4- and 5-cylinder powerplants. In the mid-1980s, Audi introduced turbocharging and its quattro permanent all-wheel drive to the Audi 100/200 models. These innovative technologies improved engine power, and dramatically increased vehicle traction in slippery conditions. In 1995, the fourth-generation Audi 100 became the Audi A6 as the company switched to a new alphanumeric nomenclature. Now in its fifth generation (new for 2005), the Audi A6 is offered in both sedan and wagon body styles, with a variety of engines and drivelines.

Design

The 2009 Audi A6 lineup receives several updates for the new model year. The front fascia has been updated with a redesigned front bumper, new fog lamps, and more pronounced air intakes. Audi's LED front driving lights are positioned just below the headlamps. The updates to the rear are more pronounced as the taillights now continue to the trunk and the chrome accent strip has been eliminated. To modernize the appearance, the taillights now feature new red LED bulbs surrounding a long white strip of reverse lights (inspired by Audi's flagship R8 model).

Model Lineup

The updated Audi A6 will be sold in three different models (in both sedan and Avant wagon body styles). Front-wheel drive is standard on the base A6 sedan, while the performance models (and Avant) receive the latest updated version of quattro all-wheel drive with a rear-bias 40/60 torque split.

The standard Audi A6 will feature a new supercharged 3.0-liter V-6 engine rated at 300 hp. The suspension has also been recalibrated for 2009-Audi has reengineered the shocks and springs to improve the ride. The next model up is the Audi S6. This performance-oriented sedan offers buyers a race-bred 5.2-liter ten-cylinder engine rated at 435 hp (the basic engine configuration is shared with the powerplant used in the Lamborghini Gallardo). As the competition from the Mercedes-Benz E63 and BMW M5 continues to raise the bar, Audi is demonstrating that it is not content with keeping the playing field level. With that in mind, the German automaker has recently introduced the . Available in either sedan or Avant body styles, the twin-turbocharged 580-hp RS6 is the most powerful A6 model to date.