This is as close as you're going to get to the 2012 Audi A6 for awhile. It's not scheduled to arrive in the U.S. until late next year, but these photo illustrations are based on the latest prototypes that revealed much of the car's new shape.
Clearly the overall design is evolutionary, something we've come to expect from Audi as of late. The edges have been softened a bit and the greenhouse has been drawn back a little, too. As expected, the rear end mimics the styling of the already revealed A7, another midsize four-door that will slot just above the A6 in the lineup.
And like the A7, the 2012 Audi A6 will consist of a conventional steel chassis that uses numerous aluminum parts to keep the overall weight down. The standard suspension will use traditional steel coil springs, while an optional air suspension will also be available. Audi's Drive Select system will also be part of the offerings, so even if you don't opt for the air suspension you'll still be able to adjust the steering, throttle and damper settings.
Expect to see a fully revamped powertrain lineup that could consist of all forced-induction engines. On the low end, this A6 may introduce Audi's potent 2.0-liter, turbocharged four-cylinder as the base engine. Audi's TTS coupe already has a 272-horsepower version of that engine, so it wouldn't be giving up much power to its competitors' entry-level engines.
Midgrade models will likely use the 3.0-liter supercharged V6 already available in the current A6, while top-of-the-line versions will get Audi's new turbocharged 4.0-liter V8. That engine will likely offer an eight-speed automatic transmission or an optional seven-speed dual-clutch setup.
An official unveil of the 2012 Audi A6 is expected at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show, with sales beginning later in the year.
Photo renderings by Theophilus Chin
Add A Comment »
jscion says:
04:16 PM, 05/19/2011
Uniform style is one thing but Audi seems to be building small, medium, and large size versions of the same products. I know plenty about cars and even I have a hard time noticing the differences besides size. This certainly doesn't hurt Audi one but as they are all very beautiful cars and I would welcome ownership of one....but they do all look alike!!!
jm1212 says:
08:53 PM, 09/11/2010
i dont know if any of you have noticed, but alot of auto companies have similar-looking models. uniform design is good for a brand, because then there is no question that a car is that brand.
all BMW sedans look the same now that Bangle is gone. the 5-series/5-series GT look like a shrunken 7-series. the new 6 series will likely look just like a coupe version of the 5. the 3 series looks like a smaller 5 series. the X5 and X6 are nearly identical from the front.
the MB C-class looks exactly like a mini-s-class. the M and GL look the same, and the GLK looks like a shrunken GL. the SLK looks like a smaller SL.
the Infiniti M looks like a bloated G. the EX looks like a G wagon. the new QX looks like a G-style blimp.
i dont see why you guys are hating on Audi for doing this. their design looks great, and it has been translated successfully to all of their recent models.
rollk says:
02:24 AM, 09/02/2010
I'm getting tired of people saying all Audis look alike. Yes, there are similar attributes - it's called uniform design language. You have to be blind and stupid to look at a new A8 and confuse it for an A4, and this A6 has many more A5 and A7 attributes than the formerly mentioned. It's fair game with all the other contenders and the only real option if you want an understated/modest luxury vehicle; which is a rare description now-a-days.
hn4u says:
06:51 PM, 08/30/2010
I still go for a bmw or a mercedes
Audi's They all look the same. just from bigger, smaller, smalliest. from out side and inside. Only A5 looks cool, thats about it, oh ya and the R8. the rest of the cars they all look the same. Dont get me wrong audis are great cars but not diging the designs thats all.
Now this A6, is looking at aming at the older generation if you ask my openion.
audirs4 says:
06:30 AM, 08/30/2010
A top end Prestige 2.0T A4 with a sport pacakge is 45k.
So even if the upper end engine from the TTS makes ino the A6, you're still probably going to be @ 50-52k. And upper 50's for the supercharged model.
After sitting in the new A8, I'm looking forward to a newer MMI system and differnet interior & seats in the next generation cars.
I might just buy my car off lease and wait until the new A7 or A6 comes out.
Debunker says:
05:59 AM, 08/30/2010
I'm on my second Audi A4 with a combined 75,000 miles and not one problem in five years of driving between the two. I've had less luck in the past with various Toyotas and Hondas.
lucien4 says:
05:39 PM, 08/29/2010
The base engine for the A6 is already 4cyl 2.0 TFSI. Well in Europe that is...
So not sure if they change their mind for the US for the next model which would then lower pricing by about $3K.
delpiero1980 says:
09:29 PM, 08/26/2010
This design doesn't exactly screams "Never Rest on Your Laurels"
herrstreet says:
06:02 PM, 08/26/2010
I think this is a well realized design - but I just don't like it. I was a big fan of the styling of the previous generation and to my eye, this is a bit too feminine and pretty. It's not at all sporty. As far as the roofline goes, stylists usually maintain headroom in the back seat by raising the trunk but keeping the backlight sloped. Audi have done neither and instead have pushed the seatback of the rear seat forward. I don't think it looks particularly good so I don't think that sacrificing legroom here is worthwhile.
Overall, it's a very nice car and well excecuted, just not to my taste. I much prefer the E or the new 5.
audirs4 says:
12:42 PM, 08/26/2010
I'm really excited about the possibility of the 4 cyl A6's.
I've driven the 2.0T and 3.2 Q5's back to back, and actually like the new 2.0T better. And so do a lot of Audi folks. It feels quicker off the line, lighter weight, better balanced and 3-4 MPG better.
If the new A6 pulls ~ 270hp / 260 lb ft of torque from the 2.0T, that will be an awesome motor in the A6.
Turbos are fun to drive and with a new 8 speed transmission, it's a good set up.
Who needs a 6 cyl entry level motor whrn you've got that to offer?