Audi has made its A6 Saloon greener by using some of the brand’s most advanced lightweight construction techniques and engine efficiency measures with the A6 hybrid capable of zero emission urban driving.
Weight has been kept in check with the use of aluminium and high tech steels and Audi says the new A6 will not only deliver dynamically, but also in terms of efficiency, with 57mpg-plus economy potential and low CO2 outputs of as little as 129g/km.
Combining the two materials reduces the shell weight by around 15%, and enables the A6 2.0 TDI to tip the scales at a relatively modest 1,575kg – a weight that works in favour of agility, economy and emissions control.
Four highly efficient engines will be available at launch in the UK. The 2.0-litre TDI 177PS, 3.0-litre TDI 204PS, 3.0-litre TDI 245PS and 3.0-litre TFSI 300PS units all make use of advanced direct injection technology and work in conjunction with the start-stop system, the energy recovery system and the thermal management concept. As a result, fuel economy has improved by up to 19% compared to the previous model.
The 2.0-litre TDI has been allied to six-speed manual transmission, which returns 57.7mpg according to the combined cycle test and emits 129g CO2 per km. The A6 hybrid, which by combining a 2.0-litre TFSI petrol engine with an electric motor will be capable of zero emission urban driving and up to 45.6mpg and will also have 245PS.
As was the case with the previous model, the new Audi A6 will also be available with a wide range of drivetrains. The choice, based on the engine version, will include a manual six-speed transmission or continuously variable multitronic CVT for front-wheel-drive models, and the new seven-speed S tronic twin-clutch transmission for quattros. Each unit features a wide gear-ratio spread which makes a significant contribution to overall efficiency.
Two specification levels – SE and S line – will be offered in the UK, each including alloy wheels, leather upholstery, cruise and front and rear parking controls, SD-based satellite navigation, Bluetooth phone preparation, split/folding rear seats and light and rain sensors. S line models will add larger 18-inch alloy wheels, xenon headlamps with LED daytime running lamps, sports suspension, upgraded Valcona leather upholstery and an exclusive S line exterior and interior styling treatment.
From the options list customers will be able to choose features such as comfort seats with heating, cooling and massaging functions, acoustic glazing, supple leather trimming for the centre console, a 15-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with 1,200 watts of power, TV reception and various connectivity upgrades for the MMI system.
A6 orders will begin from January 2011 with the first deliveries will start in the spring.
