NAIAS: Audi A6

by Edward Niedermeyer

Published: January 13th, 2011

Audi’s A6 was one of the bigger single-model unveilings at this year’s NAIAS, and was rewarded with the “Eyes on Design” award for best production car design, beating the Bentley Continental GT, BMW 6-Series Convertible and Hyundai Veloster. The new A6’s dimensions are hardly changed from its long-serving predecessor, but the stance is closer in line with Audi’s current, long-hooded look. Audi hasn’t released fulls specs for the US market, but the 2.0 TDI version will weigh in around 3,472 lbs thanks to more use of aluminum. That engine will make 177 HP, and is the most efficient option in a global engine range that tops out with the 300 HP 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6. If Audi doesn’t bring the diesel stateside, our most efficient option will likely be the A6 Hybrid, which adds 45 HP and 156 lb-ft of electric power to the 2.0 TFSI engine. That option gives the A6 fewer than two miles of EV range, but allows it to use electricity at speeds up to 62 MPH… and is visually almost indistinguishable from gas-only variants (the silver model in the gallery is a hybrid). Oh, and those LED headlights that everyone instantly latches onto? Optional.

#Design #Hybrid #NAIAS2011 #NewCars

Edward Niedermeyer

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Ponchoman49 on Jan 14, 2011

This is supposed to be an award winning design? I can hardly tell the difference from the previous version or from other current Audis other than slight variations in size. About the only thing that stands out is the massive overwrought grille and the messy interior. Otherwise it's status quo- decontented plain uninteresting sides with re run window treatment, oversized grilles and outlandish interiors. Designers today really have little left with todays car styles that hasn't been seen and done before.

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Bimmer on Jan 14, 2011

Looks too much like the old one. Not impressed at all.

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