2006 Audi A6 Sedan

Audi set a new benchmark in the luxury performance segment when it introduced the Audi A6 to North America. A scant one year later, the successful V8 and V6 variants are being joined by an A6 3.2 sedan with Audi's revolutionary multitronic (CVT) transmission and FrontTrak front wheel drive. In all of its forms, the latest generation of the Audi A6 combines superior driving dynamÂics and sophisticated technology with exceptional comfort and equipÂment.

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Specifications

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Model: audi-a6-sedan

2006 Audi A6 Sedan

Specifications

Engine/Motor: 3.2 liter V6
Horsepower: 255@6500
Torque: 3250
Transmission: 6-Speed Tiptronic
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To up the ante in driving dynamics, Audi is now offering an S-Line package with appearance and hardware items for a specifically more dynamic driving experience. This package includes a number of exterior elements including a distinctive front grille with S-line badge, aluminum door sills with S-line badges, S-line front and rear bumpers and 18-inch 5-arm quattro GmbH wheels with 245/40 R18” summer performance tires. When equipped with this package, the standard wood trim in the A6 will be replaced with an elegant gray birch wood trim. A Misano red exterior is now available for the Audi A6 but only on S-line equipped cars.

Powerful engines with up to eight cylinders and 335 horsepower, the most advanced transmission technologies, and a choice between quattro permanent all-wheel drive or FrontTrak front wheel drive make Audi's current A6 range its most comprehensive ever. Thanks to the cutting-edge suspension combined with high body rigidity, this power and performance opens up a new dimension in driving dynamics.

A new face in the business class

Already acknowledged as classic, the fundamental proportion of Audi's sports sedan with its low-slung windows and coupe-like roofline now comes with even greater strength and energy. The contours of the shoulder line sweeping up and the movement of the dynamic line above the side sills give the entire body of the car a unique push in forward design. The distinctly curved dome on the middle of the engine compartment hood symbolizes the power and performance offered by the new Audi A6. Seen from the front, the trapezoidal design of the single-frame radiator grille reveals clearly that the A6 represents the latest generation of Audi models.

The most advanced headlight technology is equally visible behind the clear-glass headlight covers. The A6 was the first Audi to feature powerful Bi-Xenon adaptive headlight technology, standard on the 4.2 and optional on the 3.2, which helps the driver see around corners. The headlights follow the course of the road ahead as a function of steering angle and road speed to a maximum of fifteen degrees, substantially improving the visibility. The driver sees upcoming bends more clearly and precisely and is able to detect possible obstacles at an earlier point in time. At night, the driver can also benefit from the “coming home and leaving home” lighting system. This system lights the exterior of the vehicle under the rear view mirrors in combination with the front foglights to provide a clear picture of your surroundings. It can be activated from the multifunction steering wheel or MMI. Obviously, this means a significant improvement in active safety.

Another fascinating feature is programmable daytime running lights included in conjunction with Bi-Xenon and active cornering lights. Consuming very little energy, the daytime running lights offer the benefit of enhanced safety and visibility with virtually no additional fuel consumption and, as a result, no increase in CO2 emissions. Unlike use of the conventional low-beam headlights during the day, this new technology does not harm the environment in the slightest.

Low-slung rear lights wrap distinctly around to the inside and characterize the rear end of the car. A chrome strip visually divides the luggage compartment lid horizontally, at the same time creating a striking union between the rear lights and the trunk. The very dynamic rear contour line provides an additional design cue at the back and marks the rear upper end of the trunk.

Interior

The A6 continues Audi's recognized interior design leadership in terms of material quality and fit and finish. A truly driver-focused cockpit envelops the driver and passengers with materials such as aluminum, leather and wood. The round temperature and fuel gauges are located in the corner of the teardrop-shaped surrounds, next to the large tachometer and speedometer. The four-spoke multifunction steering wheel is highlighted by its single-frame trapezoid centerpiece with the four Audi rings on the central airbag cap.

The Multi Media Interface (MMI) control terminal, located behind the gearshift lever, is in perfect ergonomic arrangement and places its display exactly in the driver's line of vision, integrated beneath the top dashboard cover.

All of the car's occupants benefit from a higher standard of comfort and spaciousness inside. The wheelbase of the Audi A6 is a spacious 111.9 inches. This means extra comfort and safety as well as additional legroom for the front passengers, plus extra knee room at the rear. The luggage capacity on all models is 15.9 cubic feet.

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Concept and design

The bodies of the A6 boast exceptional torsional rigidity. This lays the foundation for its sporty yet harmonious handling and superior vibrational comfort, the latter in turn contributing towards the interior’s excellent acoustics.

The outstanding behaviour of the occupant cell in collisions earned the A6 business saloon five stars in the Euro NCAP crash test. The design of the A6 and A6 Avant brings the clear and unmistakable Audi styling to the large vehicle category. After the debut of the saloon at the beginning of 2004, the single-frame grille at the front became part of the formal idiom of the entire brand. A light, narrow glasshouse rises above the taut flanks of the powerful base structure.

Whereas the shoulder line is virtually horizontal, the dynamic line rises gently above the sill – giving the impression that the body is pushing forward. Inside, a wide centre console, which is angled towards the driver, emphasises the sporty yet elegant architecture. It is linked with the instrument panel by a joint cover to form one unit. The teardrop-shaped surrounds of the speedometer and rev counter have room to accommodate the fuel and coolant temperature gauges in the corners. The outline of the single-frame grille is displayed on the airbag cap in the steering wheel. Build quality of the highest standard is a point of honour for Audi, as is a clear and logical ergonomics concept.

The highlight of the latter is the MMI operating system, much praised in a host of tests, with a central monitor in the dashboard and a large control unit on the centre tunnel. The parking brake operates electromechanically – a typically convenient technical detail from Audi. The A6 saloon measures 4.92 m in length, the Avant is one centimetre longer. The generous 2.84 m wheelbase provides luxurious cabin space in both models and excellent comfort for all seats.

While the luggage compartment of the saloon has 546 litres of luggage space, the Avant offers 565 litres, which can be increased to 1,660 litres by folding down the rear backrests. A lift-up luggage compartment floor, roller cover, load guard, two aluminium rails with practical lashing points as well as roof rails come as standard. Optionally available are an electrically operated luggage compartment lid and a storage box for fitting behind the rear seats. Added to this there is a load retention set with a tensioning strap and telescopic bar, which keep items of luggage safe.

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Engines

Eight potent and cultivated engines power the A6 – five petrol units and three TDIs, the diesel versions being equipped with particulate filters. The power output of the engines ranges from 103 kW/140 bhp to 257 kW/350 bhp. In addition to front-wheel drive, most versions are available with quattro permanent four-wheel drive incorporating the self-locking centre differential; this is standard on the 4.2 FSI and 3.0 TDI. Three modern technologies transmit power to the wheels – a manual six-speed gearbox, a tiptronic transmission, likewise with six speeds, and the continuously variable multitronic.

The petrol engines

The entry-level petrol engine in the A6 model line is the 2.0 TFSI with turbocharger and direct injection; it delivers 125 kW (170 bhp). Its impressive torque of 280 Nm is permanently available between 1,800 and 4,200 rpm. The next engine in the series, the 2.4-litre V6, belongs to the modern family of V power plants with an aluminium block and 90-degree included angle between cylinder banks. It develops 130 kW (177 bhp) and 230 Nm, constantly available between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm. From November, Audi will be offering a new six-cylinder power plant for the A6.

The 2.8 FSI musters up 154 kW/210 bhp and 280 Nm, the latter between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm. In addition to FSI direct injection and four adjustable camshafts it boasts a fundamental innovation – the Audi valvelift system. This technology for variable valve lift control saves a remarkable amount of fuel in the partial load area – over the standard cycle Audi anticipates consumption figures of only 8.7 litres per 100 km.

The 3.2-litre V6 petrol engine operates with four continuously adjustable camshafts, a variable intake manifold and FSI direct injection. With a sonorous tone it develops 188 kW (255 bhp) and puts 330 Nm of torque on the crankshaft at 3,250 rpm. The mightiest engine in the A6 is now the V8 with a displacement of 4.2 litres. Equipped with the same technological package as the 3.2 FSI, it pumps out 257 kW (350 bhp); at 3,500 rpm it puts 440 Nm onto the crankshaft. The 5.9 seconds it requires to sprint from zero to 100 km/h and its top speed of 250 km/h illustrate the impressive performance of the potent V8. The Audi A6 4.2 FSI is available exclusively as a quattro model with six-speed tiptronic.

The TDI engines

The basic diesel unit in the model line is the two-litre TDI engine developing 103 kW (140 bhp) and a torque of 320 Nm, which is available between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. The 2.7-litre TDI with common rail injection and piezo injectors delivers 132 kW (180 bhp) and is extremely cultivated. Its torque of 380 Nm is constantly available between 1,400 and 3,300 rpm.

The ultra-smooth and masterful 3.0 TDI quattro delivers 171 kW (233 bhp) and 450 Nm, the latter available between 1,400 and 3,250 rpm. With the large diesel power pack the A6 sprints to 100 km/h in 6.9 s, reaching a peak of 247 km/h. Over the combined cycle it uses only 8.0 litres of diesel per 100 km. The high-torque 3.0 TDI is firmly coupled with quattro drive.

New high-tech engine in the Audi A6

A new ultra-modern V6 power unit with a displacement of 2.8 litres will be available for the Audi A6 and A6 Avant from 20 October 2006. The engine has an output of 154 kW (210 bhp) and achieves 280 Nm of torque, available constantly from 3,000 to 5,000 rpm. As well as FSI etrol direct injection, the V6 thus for the first time features a highly efficient but astonishingly simple valve control technology – the innovative Audi valvelift system. What this means for Audi drivers is even more driving fun, on appreciably less fuel.

The new technology has the purpose of controlling valve lift variably in two stages. The Audi valvelift system implements so-called cam pieces, which are located on the inlet basic camshafts and can be displaced longitudinally. They carry two cam contours, side by side, for small and large valve travel.

Depending on their position, the inlet valves are opened in accordance with the prevailing load requirements via roller cam followers. In conjunction with an array of complementary measures that promote reduced friction at numerous components, the Audi valvelift system reduces fuel consumption by around ten percent. The 2.8-litre FSI, which has plenty in reserve in every situation thanks to its substantial torque and high output, will
use only on average 8.7 litres of premium-grade petrol in the Audi A6. The A6 2.8 FSI accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in only 7.9 seconds and continues on rapidly to reach its top speed of 243 km/h.

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The chassis

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.

Driving dynamics and motoring comfort

Torsional stiffness is improved by more than 34 percent from the previous generation Audi A6. Qualities of this kind offer significant advantages in terms of both comfort and driving dynamics. With vibration reduced to a minimum thanks to the exceptional body stiffness, the interior is now the perfect foundation for excellent acoustics.

The supreme stiffness of the steel body is the result of consistently enhanced joining technologies plus optimized panel profiles. At the same time the improvement of vibration behavior ensured by numerous optimized details quite literally sets the basis for the harmonious but nevertheless sporty set-up of the chassis. In conjunction with the direct, extremely stable link connecting the steering column to the module sub frame, this body configuration is the basic prerequisite for the A6 sedan's precise handling.

Audi's dynamic suspension featured on the A6 is likewise based on sporting, proven technology: the enhanced four-link front suspension acknowledged as a particular Audi stronghold and the self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension carried over from the Audi A8.

The result is a standard of dynamic driving behavior beyond comparison. Like the A8, the A6 is a sporty and dynamic car, benefiting from speed-dependent Servotronic ® and supplementing the precise handling of the new A6 by even more sensitive steering precision.

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Equipment

The level of equipment offered as standard on the Audi A6 can by no means be taken for granted in the luxury class. The MMI basic operating system, for example, includes a radio with CD drive as well as a large display. Even the deluxe automatic air conditioning comes as standard. A new feature is the Bluetooth car telephone, which replaces the built-in version.

An option recently introduced in the model line is the Audi parking system advanced, a visual parking aid that helps the driver by means of a wide-angle rear-view camera. Optional extras such as adaptive light – a combination of xenon plus headlights, daytime running lights and cornering light – or adaptive cruise control, which automatically maintains the correct distance from the vehicle in front, underscore the high-tech character of the Audi A6.

Audi's revolutionary multitronic transmission is the other transmission choice available on the A6 3.2 with FrontTrak front wheel drive. This transmission, perfected by Audi, is the first application of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a high torque engine giving extreme smoothness with high performance.

Safety

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. Active front head restraints help to protect the occupants in a collision from behind.

All of this technology helped the A6 to achieve a “Double Best 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 performance of the Audi A4 in the same tests, these results make Audi the first manufacturer ever to receive two “Double Best Pick” ratings from the IIHS. Only four cars ever have received this rating, two are Audis.

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The A6 series at a glance

Audi A6 2.0 TFSI

Engine: displacement 1,984 cc, power output 125 kW (170 bhp) between 4,300 and 6,000 rpm, maximum torque 280 Nm between 1,800 and 4,200 rpm. Performance and consumption (A6 saloon with manual six-speed gearbox): 0 – 100 km/h in 8.4 s, top speed 227 km/h, consumption (combined) 7.9 litres of Premium fuel per 100 km. Drive combinations: front-wheel drive with manual six-speed gearbox or multitronic.

Audi A6 2.4

Engine: displacement 2393 cc, power output 130 kW (177 bhp) at 6,000 rpm, maximum torque 230 Nm between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm. Performance and consumption (A6 saloon with front-wheel drive and manual six-speed gearbox): 0 – 100 km/h in 8.9 s, top speed 231 km/h, consumption (combined) 9.7 litres of Premium fuel per 100 km. Drive combinations: front-wheel drive with manual six-speed gearbox or multitronic, quattro drive with manual six-speed gearbox.

Audi A6 2.8 FSI

Engine: displacement 2,773 cc, power output 154 kW (210 bhp) at 5,250 rpm, maximum torque 280 Nm between 3,000 and 5,000 1/min. Performance and consumption (A6 saloon with front-wheel drive and manual six-speed gearbox): 0 – 100 km/h in 7.9 s, top speed 243 km/h, anticipated consumption (combined) 8.7 litres of Premium fuel per 100 km. Drive combinations: front-wheel drive with manual six-speed gearbox or multitronic.

Audi A6 3.2 FSI

Engine: displacement 3,123 cc, power output 188 kW (255 bhp) at 6,500 rpm, maximum torque 330 Nm at 3,250 rpm. Performance and consumption (A6 saloon with front-wheel drive and manual six-speed gearbox): 0 – 100 km/h in 6.9 s, top speed 250 km/h, consumption (combined) 9.7 litres of Premium fuel per 100 km. Drive combinations: front-wheel drive with manual six-speed gearbox or multitronic, quattro drive with manual six-speed gearbox or six-speed tiptronic.

Audi A6 4.2 FSI quattro

Engine: displacement 4,163 cc, power output 257 kW (350 bhp) at 6,800 rpm, maximum torque 440 Nm at 3,500 rpm. Performance and consumption (A6 saloon): 0 – 100 km/h in 5.9 s, top speed 250 km/h, consumption (combined) 10.8 litres of Super Plus per 100 km. Drive combination: quattro drive with six-speed tiptronic.

Audi A6 2.0 TDI

Engine: displacement 1,968 cc, power output 103 kW/140 bhp at 4,000 rpm, maximum torque 320 Nm between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. Performance and consumption (A6 saloon with manual six-speed gearbox): 0 – 100 km/h in 10.3 s, top speed 210 km/h, consumption (combined) 6.3 litres of diesel per 100 km. Drive combinations: front-wheel drive with manual six-speed gearbox or multitronic.

Audi A6 2.7 TDI

Engine: displacement 2,698 cc, power output 132 kW (180 bhp) between 3,300 and 4,250 rpm, maximum torque 380 Nm between 1,400 and 3,300 rpm. Performance and consumption (A6 saloon with front-wheel drive and manual six-speed gearbox): 0 – 100 km/h in 8.1 s, top speed 230 km/h, consumption (combined) 7.0 litres of diesel per 100 km. Drive combinations: front-wheel drive with manual six-speed gearbox or multitronic, quattro drive with six-speed tiptronic.

Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro

Engine: displacement 2,967 cc, power output 171 kW (233 bhp) at 4,000 rpm, maximum torque 450 Nm between 1,400 and 3,250 rpm. Performance and consumption (A6 saloon with manual six-speed gearbox): 0 – 100 km/h in 6.9 s, top speed 247 km/h, consumption (combined) 8.0 litres of diesel per 100 km. Drive combinations: quattro drive with manual six-speed gearbox or six-speed tiptronic.

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