Audi A6: 2009 Mid-Life Update

Motoring Channel Staff - 12/August/2008

Ingolstadt, Germany — Audi will unveil it's new face-lifted A6 model at the Paris Motor Show, but has jumped the gun and released new details on the new models to  pre-empt any leaks.

As well as a number of subtle changes to the exterior design, the new Audi A6 models will benefit from an upgraded interior including a more advanced version of the MMI (multimedia interface) hooked up to a high-res 7-inch LCD screen.

Of most interest to German car watchers will be the new 3.0 TFSI engine. 

This new motor is a 3.0-litre V6 with direct petrol injection, but the twist is that it features a supercharger to boost power. 

While Mercedes-Benz has shifted away from superchargers (a.k.a kompressors), Audi has decided to give the 'charger a go.

We're not sure if the new engine will feature an intercooler, but we do know the blown 3.0-litre V6 engine outputs 213 kilowatts of power (290hp). 

And it's a good-looking engine, with red spark plug caps and an engine cover that incorporates cast aluminium.

The V6 engine's peak torque is an impressive 420Nm @ 2500rpm to 4850rpm, giving the car a solid mid-range kick.

This new supercharged V6 will also be the engine that powers the new generation Audi S4, albeit in a higher state of tune closer to 260kW (353hp).

When coupled with the tiptronic transmission and quattro AWD systems, Audi claims the new 3.0 TFSI A6 sedan will charge from zero to 100km/h in 5.9 seconds, which suggests strong overall performance from the new engine.

One of Audi's reasons for going down the supercharging route was to reduce fuel consumption. Instead of buying a V8 engine, Audi expects performance oriented customers to look at the new forced induction V6 model, which has an average fuel consumption of 9.5 liters per 100 kilometers (24.76 US mpg).

Like most German cars, the 3.0 TFSI A6 model is electronically limited to a top speed of 250km/h (155mph). 

There will be other A6 models in the range, including a wide range of petrol and diesel powerplants, when the new Audi A6 goes in sale first in Germany from late October, then followed by the rest of Europe.

Australian deliveries are expected early in 2009.

The 2009 Audi A6 model also features a new look on top of the debut of Audi's new supercharged V6.

Though the changes are fairly minor, limited mainly to the front and rear ends, they affect the cars appearance quite a lot.

For example the new headlight cluster at the front of the car features new LED daytime running lights that underscore the rest of the design quite well, especially when coupled with the xenon plus main beams.

Though it's hard to pick it, Audi has made slight changes to the bold single-frame grille and the front apron, including the air intake apertures and fog lights.

However it's the new rear end design that gives the A6 a more balanced profile, with a reshaped boot and rear apron.

New LED brake lights appear to be inspired from the A4 models', and a sportier looking rear end and boot lid design complete the exterior changes.

The 10-cylinder S6 sedan and wagon models keep their LED fog lights, which distinguishes the front ends of the sports models. The Audi S6 also gets new alloy wheel designs.

Audi has also retuned the suspension on the 2009 model A6. It has lowered the ride height which gives the new models a sportier stance and has also incorporated larger front shock absorbers to improve ride and handling qualities.

Sales of the updated 2009 model Audi A6 begin in Europe during October and the rest of the world in 2009.

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