NAIAS 2011: 2011 Audi A6
Audi seems destined to repeat BMW’s formula from the ’90s by making one sausage at 3 different lengths. Just as the 3, 5 and 7-Series sedans were clones of each other in sizes small, medium and large, so too has Audi developed a lineup of A4, A6 and A8 sedans that are nearly indistinguishable. We aren’t implying that’s a bad thing. Audi’s clean, tidy lines contribute to a timeless design that has served the company well.
This A6 is powered by a familiar lineup of gas and diesel engines and feed power through a manual, continuously variable or dual clutch transmission. But the only powertrain Audi wanted to talk about yesterday was the new A6 Hybrid. The company’s first hybrid sedan uses a 1.3kW Lithium-ion battery and a 45 hp electric motor aides the 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder to move the sedan to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. Audi expects a highway EPA rating of 38 mpg. There was no announcement about a V8-powered A6 but we expect to hear more on that front at auto shows down the road.
Photos by Jason Muxlow
