2012 Audi A6
By Mitch McCullough (newcartestdrive)
An all-new
Audi A6 will be launched this summer as a 2012 model. The 2012 Audi A6 is
completely redesigned with sporty, upscale styling intended to give it a
muscular appearance. Even more notable is its new chassis that uses aluminum and
technology to keep weight down.
The new version will be launched with a supercharged V6, and the resulting
2012 Audi A6 3.0T quattro will be rated at 310 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of
torque paired with an 8-speed Titronic automatic transmission. Audi says the
2012 A6 3.0T will be able to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in less than 5.5
seconds.
Quattro all-wheel drive directs 60 percent of the power to the rear wheels
for sporty handling.
The dimensions of the 2012 A6 will be about the same as the
previous-generation model, but the wheelbase on the new model is 2.7 inches
longer than before, a significant difference that should in theory translate to
a smoother ride and better high-speed stability. Also, the trunk on the new A6
is deeper and wider than before.
The muscular new body work is quite slippery: The new A6 achieves a
coefficient of drag of 0.26 Cd vs. 0.29 for the outgoing model.
Revealed at the North American International Auto Show at Detroit in January
2011, the new design is intended to give the A6 a sporty, distinctive look, a
look of precision engineering. Highlights such as the innovative full-LED
headlights and sharp lines sculpted into the aluminum body showcase Audi's
craftsmanship.
Audi said it took a "holistic approach to lightweight construction,"
optimizing every component in the design process. Reducing the weight of a
modern automobile is a challenging and worthy objective because a lighter car
gets better fuel economy, accelerates more quickly, stops more quickly and
handles better than a heavier car. Audi has not released the curb weight of the
upcoming A6 but said its body is more than 60 pounds lighter than the
current-generation model.
The new A6 is intended to compete with the Mercedes-Benz E-Class and BMW 5
Series and, to a lesser extent, with the Infiniti M, Jaguar XF and Lexus GS.
Audi said an A6 Avant wagon model is not planned for the U.S. with this
generation. | 
