Following yesterday's leak, Audi has officially unveiled the 2011 A6.

While the design won't win any awards for originally or boldness, the car features elegant styling that wouldn't raise any eyebrows at the country club. It is slightly shorter than before, but the wheelbase has been stretched to measure 2910mm long. Key highlights include 16-inch alloy wheels, LED taillights, an integrated trunk-lid spoiler, a dual exhaust system, and optional LED headlights. If you want something sportier, the S-Line package adds modified bumpers, a sport suspension, a faux rear diffuser, and 19-inch alloy wheels.

Inside, the cabin echoes the A7 and comes nicely equipped with automatic climate control, MMI, a 6.5-inch monitor, and "micrometallic platinum" trim (aluminum and wood are optional). If that isn't impressive enough, you can order a 1,300-watt Bang & Olufsen sound system, internet connectivity (via a UMTS module), MMI navigation plus (with an 8-inch monitor and MMI touch), and individual rear seats.

Safety goodies include adaptive cruise control, active lane assist (which uses a camera to detect road lines and help steer the car), parking assist (provides assistance when parallel parking), side assist (detects vehicles in blind spots), and night vision assist with pedestrian detection.

At launch, five different engines will be available. The most efficient is the 2.0 TDI which has an average fuel consumption of 4.9 L/100 km (48.00 US mpg) and C02 emissions of 129 g/km. It produces 130 kW (177 PS) and 380 Nm (280 lb-ft) of torque, which allows the car to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and top out at 228 km/h (142 mph).

On the other hand, the new 3.0 TDI V6 produces 150 kW (204 PS) and 400 Nm (295 lb-ft). This enables the car to dash from 0-100 km/h in 7.2 seconds, before topping out at 240 km/h (149 mph). Its fuel average consumption is 5.2 L/100 km and CO2 emissions are 137 g/km.

For more power, a second version of the 3.0 TDI churns out 180 kW (245 PS) and 500 Nm (369 lb-ft) of torque. With this particular mill, the sprint from 0-100 takes 6.1 seconds and the top speed is limited to 250 km/h (155 mph). Average fuel consumption registers 6.0 L/100km and CO2 emissions are 158 g/km.

The naturally-aspirated 2.8 FSI V6 produces 150 kW (204 PS) and 80 Nm (207 lb-ft) of torque. Paired to a multitronic transmission, the engine allows the A6 to accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 7.7 seconds and hit a top speed of 240 km/h (149 mph). It consumptions 7.4 L/100 km (31.79 US mpg) and emits 172 grams of CO2 per km.

Lastly, the 3.0 TFSI V6 cranks out 220 kW (300 PS) and 440 Nm (325 lb-ft) of torque. This enables the car to run from 0-100 km/h in 5.5 seconds and hit an electronically limited 250 km/h (155 mph). In terms of efficiency, expect 8.2 L/100 km (26.68 US mpg) and CO2 emissions of 190 g/km.

Transmission choices run the gambit of virtually everything Audi has to offer: there's the traditional six-speed manual, the efficient multitronic CVT, and the seven-speed S tronic.

Dynamically, the A6 rides on a new aluminum-intensive chassis which is supported by steel springs (an adaptive air suspension is optional on some models). Front-wheel drive is standard (on lower-end models), but quattro all-wheel drive is available. The latter features a 40:60 rear bias and an integrated torque-vectoring function which can be further enhanced with the optional sport differential.

To reduce weight, the body features advanced steel and aluminum construction. While we won't bore you with the specifics, the front fenders, hood, and doors are made out of aluminum. This allows the A6 2.0 TDI to tip the scales at a respectable 1,575 kilograms (3,472.28 lbs).

On sale early next year, the 2011 A6 will be priced from €38,500 in Germany.



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