Cosmetic changes for Audi

The midlife update involves modest cosmetic changes to the front and rear, updated alloys and some interior trim changes.

At the front, the current model's broad bar across the grille behind the numberplate has been removed, replaced by a one-piece plunging grille.

The air intake and foglights surrounds have also been given more pronounced ribs.

The headlights and tail-lights are largely untouched, although the rear lights lose the white reverse bar of the current car.

The shape of the lower lip on the boot has been squared off but the car's profile remains the same. The next-generation A6 is not due here until 2011.

Meanwhile, fuel price spikes and a projected $250,000 price tag haven't turned queues away from the ultimate Audi, the RS6 sedan and the RS6 Avant wagon.

Audi Australia says it expects to sell 50 sedans and wagons a year. Audi's Nadine Giusti says 25 people have expressed interest.

The sedan arrives here early next year with the wagon arriving before Christmas.

The 5.0-litre twin-turbo V10 engine borrowed from Lamborghini has direct injection and dry-sump lubrication.

It is mated to Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive via a six-speed tiptronic automatic tuned for quicker shift response.

The car's peak torque of 650Nm is available from 1500 to 6250 revs. Peak power of 426kW is generated between 6250 revs and 6700 revs.

The sedan accelerates to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds and to an electronically limited top speed of 250km/h. Upgraded suspension copes with the extra oomph.