2007 Audi A6 Sedan

Chassis and Transmission

The dynamic suspension of the Audi A6 relies on tried and tested sports technology – the typical Audi four-link front suspension with links made of aluminium and the self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension carried over from the A8. This combination is used both on the front-wheel drive versions and the quattro versions.

The servotronic hydraulic rack-and-pinion steering combines sporty precision with extreme comfort; the degree of assistance depends on the road speed. As an option, the suspension can be upgraded with adaptive air suspension, which features shock absorbers that adapt their characteristics to the driving situation. The system offers four basic modes well as three ride heights and also functions as a self-levelling suspension.

The adaptive air suspension achieves the perfect synthesis of sporty handling and supreme ride comfort. The brake system measures up to the immense performance potential of the Audi A6. Even the entry-level engines are provided with a 16-inch system; the 4.2 FSI has a 17-inch brake system. The ESP system, which can be deactivated, has been enhanced with convenience functions such as a dry-braking function for the discs in wet weather. In terms of safety it is particularly watchful – if the vehicle is understeering heavily it can intervene at all four wheels in extreme cases. It will also monitor a trailer to detect any pitching.

All versions of the new Audi A6 are fitted with alloy wheels and are either 16 inches or 17 inches in diameter. Optionally, ten wheel sizes of up to 19 inches are available. The range also includes a pressure monitoring system and run-flat tyres.

Transmission

The improved fuel economy and dynamic performance offered by the Audi A6 family also results from the advanced transmission choices: a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission or a multitronic CVT transmission with its unique “shift-without-lift” power delivery. Audi’s impressive multitronic CVT – standard on A6 3.2 FrontTrak - uses a variator, a set of pulleys and a chain link belt of vanadium-hardened steel to constantly change gear ratios. Without gears, there is a constant balance of ideal power being transferred from the engine to the wheels in a shift-less operation resulting in improved performance and fuel economy. Both transmissions allow for manual gear selection if the driver chooses.

Audi’s reknowned quattro all-wheel drive system comes standard on A6 Avant, A6 3.2 quattro sedan, and A6 4.2 quattro models. A typical feature of all high-performance Audi vehicles, quattro models come with a torsion center differential distributing engine torque in a straightforward but very effective flow of power to the front and rear axles and thus making a significant contribution to the driving dynamics and superior safety even in extreme situations so typical of quattro drive.

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Safety and Equipment

The A6 comes with a long list of standard safety equipment. Active safety components include the latest generation of ESP including brake assist and Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD).

In the event of a collision, the car’s occupants are protected by the robust structure of the body with predefined deformation and a highly stable passenger cabin. In conjunction with the seat belts, front and side airbags as well as the Sideguard ™ head curtain airbag system, the driver and passengers are provided with superior safety and protection. The two full-size front airbags are activated in two stages, depending on the severity of an accident.

All of this technology helped the A6 to achieve a “Top Saftey Pick” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for its occupant protection in both frontal and side impact crash tests. When combined with the excellent performances of the Audi A4 and A3 models in the same tests, these results make Audi the first manufacturer ever to receive three “Top Saftey Pick” ratings from the IIHS.

Equipment

The Audi A6 comes with a high level of standard equipment right from the start. Customers will appreciate and enjoy this premium standard wood trim and the quality and finish of the interior materials such as aluminum surrounds, wood inlays and leather seating surfaces. The advanced MMI with its seven-inch color display and a fully integrated radio complete with an optional Bose® Surround Sound system shines above the competition (standard on the A6 4.2).

Other standard features include the electromechanical parking brake, a tire pressure monitoring system and a light and rain sensor to add a sense of comfort and security. Another standard feature on all A6 models in the range is automatic climate control with enhanced output and optimized noise control, featuring indirect ventilation and B-pillar outlets, air quality, humidity, and sun angle sensors.

Drivers of the A6 4.2 have an even higher level of standard equipment with such amenities as a sunroof, standard heated front seats and Bose surround sound. New options make the A6 even more advanced than before. Adaptive Cruise Control is available which keeps the A6 at a driver-programmed distance away from the vehicle ahead. A wood and leather segment multifunction steering wheel with shift paddles and a coordinating wood shift knob can be chosen as well. The driver of the Audi A6 is rarely required to hold the car key in hand the conventional way when it is equipped with Audi’s optional advanced key system.

The key incorporates an electronic pulse transmitter sending a signal to a proximity sensor in the door, where the signal received is checked and verified. Following approval, the system unlocks the doors as soon as the driver or passenger pulls the door handle. Using the keyless entry feature, the driver is also able to release the steering and ignition electronically through wireless remote control before setting out. A simple touch of the starter button on the center console starts the engine.

MMI can be further upgraded with a DVD navigation system and a new Color Driver Information Center (also standard when equipped with Adaptive Cruise Control). All Audi A6 models come standard with the Bluetooth® interface for mobile telephones, which can be operated through the multifunction steering wheel or the MMI system. An optional voice recognition system can also control the Bluetooth interface, as well as, the CD player, radio and navigation system.

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Pricing and specifications

Pricing

Model	Body Style	Transmission	Drive Train	MSRP
A6	Sedan	Multitronic Auto CVT	FrontTrak	$41950
A6	Sedan	6-Spd Automatic Tip.	quattro	$45100
A6 4.2	Sedan	6-Spd Automatic Tip.	quattro	$55300

Engine

Type	V8 spark-ignition direct injection
Arrangement	Front mounted, longitudinal
Displacement	4163
Horsepower	350@6800 rpm
Max. Torque	325@3500 rpm

Performance

0-60 mph	5.8 sec
1/4 mile	14.2
Top Speed	electronically limited to 130 mph

Drive train