The Audi A6 is a German-made, executive luxury car that was introduced in 1994 when Audi switched to an alpha numeric naming system. This new, refined design was based on the Volkswagen Group C5 platform and had all-new internal combustion engines. With its upscale features and solid performance, it is a sedan designed to impress both the European and North American market.
Audi A6 Origins
The Audi A6 is the successor to the Audi 100. This luxury sedan was released in 1994 when Audi switched to an alpha numeric naming system. The first engines for the A6 were 1.8-liter four-cylinder, 2.8-liter V-6, and the 2.3-liter five-cylinder which was later dropped from most markets. Diesel engines were also available. Every A6 offers either front-wheel drive, Torsen four-wheel drive, or the Quattro system. The first generation Audi A6 came in a five-speed manual, six-speed manual, or a four-speed automatic.
About the Audi A6
Audi is a German company and is the independently owned luxury branch of the Volkswagen Group. The Audi A6 was introduced in 1994 and is said to have increased in quality throughout the years, beginning with the 1997 model year. Since 2000 the Audi A6 has been an acclaimed luxury vehicle, winning several awards and soaring to the top of “best-in-class lists” when compared to other popular models such as the BMW 5-Series, Mercedes Benz E-Class, Jaguar XF, and the Infiniti M.
Audi A6 Features
The 2012 Audi A6 is a faster and lighter version of past A6 models. It is a premium luxury vehicle. This year’s Audi A6 is also more fuel efficient. The A6 has been the recipient of best in class. The 2012 model has a steel-aluminum frame for increased performance and safety. Vehicles have the option of Quattro all-wheel drive for even the harshest road conditions.
The 2012 Audi A6 is available in the Premium, Premium Plus, or Prestige package. Some of the highlighted features include driver seat memory, eight-way power front seats and four way power lumbar adjustment on the driver seat, a multifunction steering wheel, LED taillights, keyless start, Audi drive select, music interface compatible with iPod, iPhone, and more, and HomeLink remote transmitter. There are many more features available with the Premium Plus and Prestige packages.
Each A6 offers a choice of front-wheel drive, Torsen four-wheel drive, or the Quattro system. The first engines for the A6 were 1.8-liter four-cylinder, 2.8-liter V-6, or the 2.3-liter five-cylinder engine which was later dropped from most markets. Diesel engines were also available.
Audi A6 Evolution
Since 1994 Audi has released one model for each year’s lineup, but with a number of varying options from different engines and on-board technology to slight modifications to the body style. Audi uses a classification for each platform noted with an alpha numeric system starting C. The Audi A6 production platforms starting in 1994 are: C4 1994-1997, C5 1997-2004, C6 2004-2011 and C4 for the 2012 model.
In 2000 the A6 was available in a wide range of engines including 1.8-liter regular and Turbo, 2.0-liter, 2.4, 2.8, 3.0, all V-6 engines, a 2.7-liter V-6 Turbo, 4.2-liter V-8, 1.9-liter turbodiesel, and finally a 2.5-liter, V-6 turbodiesel. It came with the option for manual or a five-speed tiptronic automatic transmission.
The 2002 model had a different look with a redesigned grille and headlights and a change in the body molding. Again a number of engines were available, many tweaked to produce more power. Each subsequent year’s models received minor revisions up to 2004.
The last major upgrade in the A6 line debuted in 2004 with new styling and a more powerful and fuel efficient engine line. Engines included 2.0-liter, four-cylinder turbo, 2.4-liter V-6, 2.8-liter V-6 FSI, 3.2-liter V-6 FSI, 4.2-liter V-8, 2.0-liter four-cylinder TDI, 2.7-liter V-6 TDI, and the 3.0-liter V-6 TDI. These models are regarded as some of the most luxurious and powerful vehicles in their class, including the 2005 A6 which won the World Car of the Year award.
