Audi A6 News

... as a selection of the world’s most desirable cars are wheeled out in Melbourne.For some, it’s their first visit to Australia and the first time visitors to the Australian International Motor Show can see some of the hero cars of today – and in some cases, the future.Supercar fans get their first glimpse of the stunning Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, which replaces the Murcielago and that now sets the standard for exotic cars.Named after a champion Spanish bull, the carbon-fibre and alloy version of the Aventador rushes to 100km/h from rest in only 2.9 seconds and has a claimed top speed of 350km/h.The powerplant responsible for this is a 6.5-litre V12 with 515kW and 690Nm of torque running through all four wheels.But the exceptional performance pales against the coupe’s styling. It is all low-slung wedge and razor-sharp edges – a work of art that mesmerises from every angle.Lamborghini Melbourne managing director Andrew Smith says the car is two generations ahead in terms of design and technology."The Aventador is a truly exceptional package of design, style and technical perfection," he says.  "Its performance is simply astonishing and is unrivalled in the super sports car arena. It looks amazing in photographs but that is nothing to seeing it in the flesh."Sister company Audi won’t be outdone. It has unwrapped its fiercest R8 supercar, the GT, bristling with 412kW of power and 540Nm of torque from its 5.2-litre direct-injection V10. The all-wheel drive coupe has a price tag of $470,700 and even if you had the cash, Audi Australia says only five examples are allocated for our country."And they’re all spoken for," a spokesperson says.Audi will also show its new A6 that has taken Europe and the US by storm. The sleek sedan will enter Australia with a range of engines that all include fuel-saving systems, including stop-start and energy recovery technology.At the other end of the scale, the baby Audi A1 in its diesel form will make its debut in Melbourne. This will be available this year and become the third engine in the A1 franchise. Audi claims the 66kW 1.6-litre turbo-diesel will sip just 3.8L/100km and expects it to account for 25-30 per cent of the A1 sales.The Germans continue to dominate the performance stands with two Mercedes-Benz models on show for the first time. The first Australian showing of the breathtaking C-Class Coupe and C63 Coupe pair is so impressive they even overshadow the awesome CLS63 AMG – finished in a spectacular red paint and also on display for the first time.The CLS63 impresses with its 386kW/700Nm bi-turbo 5.5-litre V8 that averages 10L/100km – not much more than a Holden Commodore V6. In the AMG version, its output jumps to 410kW and 800Nm. Mercedes-Benz Australia says that despite the leap in power, the fuel consumption is 31 per cent – equal to 4.6L/100km – better than its predecessor.The two C-Class coupes are extensions of the recently upgraded C-Class range, but the styling exercise is condensed and the effect is a startling change from the previous models.Output for the C63 AMG Coupe’s 6.3-litre V8 is 336kW and 600Nm which pushes the two-door to 100km/h in 4.5 seconds. Yet it is surprisingly low on fuel consumption and emissions, recording an average of 12L/100km.These Mercedes newcomers are joined by 15 other models, including another first – the debut of the new SLK range – before it hits the showrooms in late July. For many prospective buyers, this will be the first time they can come face to grille with the latest Mercedes convertibles.The SLK will initially arrive with three engines – two four-cylinder turbo models, a 135kW SLK200 BlueEfficiency and 150kW SLK250 BlueEfficiency, and the 225kW SLK350 V6. New equipment includes a panoramic roof called "Magic Sky Control" that is made of glass and switches between light and dark at the press of a button.

The staggering number is a reflection of the rebounding climate in the Australian automotive industry, and the commitment that manufacturers are making to the new one-show-per-year format. “We have more new models and concepts coming than any show I can recall in recent times,” said Australian International Motor Show event director, Russ Tyrie. “A number of our exhibitors are displaying four or five new models and concepts, which is a tremendous coup for the motor show. “It promises to be an exciting event with visitors being able to see such a large number of vehicles that they have never seen before.” While concept cars will undoubtedly steal the show, there will be a number of very important new models being unveiled that are likely to get the attention of the new car buyer. At the top of the list are the upcoming supercars and high-end luxury cars, such as the outrageous V12 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4, the production version of the aurally intimidating Lexus LFA, the exclusive Audi R8 GT – one of only 333 in the world, Maserati’s fastest road car – the MC Stradale and the Bentley Continental GT. In addition to the R8 GT, Audi will also present the new technologically-advanced A6 luxury sedan for the first time in Australia. Hyundai will be one of the standouts at the Melbourne event, with the new Veloster three-door sports car, the curvaceous new Elantra and the Accent small car all taking their bows. Toyota has announced that it will debut its all-new Yaris city car, while a new Hilux will also be on show at the stand of Australia’s highest-selling car company. Jaguar will present its upgraded XF sedan, while stablemate Land Rover will reveal the highly-anticipated Range Rover Evoque five-door for the first time on Australian soil. Peugeot will launch the brand new, elegantly-designed, all-diesel 508 sedan and wagon, while the company’s most popular model in this market, the 308 receives a facelift for the 2012 model year. Skoda’s presence in the Australian market is rapidly growing, and the company will double its model range in coming months with the Fabia and the Yeti crossover adding to the Octavia and Superb ranges – all of which will be on show in Melbourne. A car that has been the subject of much lobbying for an Australian launch (by the media and public alike) has been the Volkswagen Scirocco R. The German car company has now given the sleek coupe the go-ahead, and it will make its first local appearance at the motor show. Subaru’s stand will be the venue for a world premiere, with the right-hand drive version of its important new Impreza sedan making its very first appearance at the Australian International Motor Show. In addition, Holden, Kia and Mercedes-Benz have promised glimpses of at least nine future and upcoming models between them. “It all adds up to an action-packed show – and a huge amount of choice for anyone looking for a new car!” said Mr Tyrie. The Australian International Motor Show is on at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre and opens at 6pm on Friday 1 July and runs until Sunday 10 July.

Audi has become the first prestige manufacturer to announce it will unveil an all-new model at this year’s Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) in Melbourne on Friday, 1 July 2011. The highly anticipated next-generation Audi A6 will make its Australian debut at the show and will go on sale shortly afterwards. AIMS director Russ Tyrie said the Audi announcement was the first of many expected to come from exhibitors. “The Audi A6 is significant because it features many innovations which epitomise developments in the industry – both in safety and environmental aspects,” Mr Tyrie said. “It features an array of new assistance, multimedia and safety systems, and is packed with innovative technology.” The A6 will be available with both of Audi’s renowned engine technologies – TFSI petrol and TDI diesel. One of the most exciting aspects of Audi’s A6 announcement late last year was that the European introduction of the vehicle will see a hybrid drivetrain – producing a combined maximum power and torque of 180kW and 560Nm respectively – launched as part of the range. Audi Australia says that no decision has been made on bringing the A6 Hybrid into Australia; however the technology is just an example of the vision and technology infused into the new Audi A6. Consisting mostly of aluminium and high-strength, low-weight steel, the body of the new A6 is exceedingly light, stiff and safe. “As with all new Audi models, we have applied the absolute latest technology to the new A6,” said Audi Australia managing director, Uwe Hagen. “Everything from infotainment to safety and efficiency has been improved – for example fuel consumption has been dramatically reduced across the range, by as much as 19 per cent in some cases. “I’m really looking forward to announcing specifications and pricing in Melbourne. I’m confident that the A6 really will take its market segment by storm – it is a deeply impressive vehicle in a market where impressions matter,” he said. The Australian International Motor Show opens at 6pm on Friday 1 July and runs through until Sunday 10 July at the Melbourne Convention & Exhibition Centre. Keep up to date at www.motorshow.com.au or via Twitter at #themotorshow.

Last year was the company's best ever year in global terms, with sales up 15 per cent to 1.09 million vehicles, the books in the black and a target of 1.2 million for this year.The brand's Australian arm also scored it's best-ever result - 12,900 cars last year, a 14 per cent increase thanks in no small part to seven new variants.  So far this year the brand is on target for it's volume aims, but Audi Australia managing director Uwe Hagen is determined to do more than watch the numbers."The cars need to be desirable as part of a premium brand, getting smiles from those on the side of the road.  It's not just about volume in the A7, if we get the right people into this car - in sales, you get the captain, you get the soldiers," he says.The Audi Australia product catalgue will have the 4.2-litre turbodiesel engine as well as a long-wheelbase model for the new A8 range, as well as the new A6 and the Q3 mini-SUV next year.Mr Hagen says it's a 9.5 billion Euro investment over the next five years in new product, done with the backing of the VW group - something for which he does not apologise."Volkswagen is a group of 7.2 million cars, if I'm buying 7.2 million batteries or one million batteries, VW gets them cheaper but it's the same quality, the market strength is an advantage," he says."If we develop a new electronic system, it's not a disadvanatge because the development can be integrated in different products, you can share the knowledge.  Saving money is an intelligent smart way, without losing the idea of the product - we are convinced of this with our brand, we would be stupid not to take advantage of this large group," he says.Leaner costs help the bottom line and new models boost the sales numbers, but Mr Hagen is also looking to the "pre-owned" side of the business to bring new people into the Audi family - "it's a huge chance to get people into the brand."Audi says its "Approved:plus" vehicles are inspected and come backed with a factory two-year unlimited-kilometre warranty with roadside assist.  Mr Hagen says the after sales side - and customer satisfaction - are also important weapons in building customer loyalty, likening it to interest in a bank account.Mr Hagen said the word of mouth is important for a brand, as people are more critical when giving a recommendation.  "The most challenging thing for a premium brand is customer expectation," he says.

While Australians will be able to choose from three versions of the new A6 from July, including two petrol versions and one diesel, the petrol electric hybrid is not currently an option. Audi in Germany has figured the biggest market for the hybrid A6 will be the US, so the car will only be built as a left-hand drive, at least for now.  Australian customers are likely to get their first taste of an Audi hybrid when the petrol electric Q5 crossover wagon touches down in around a year from now. A right-hand drive version of A6 hybrid could be added at a later date, but Audi Australia is not as keen for it as it is for the Q5 hybrid which is likely to be a far stronger seller. Audi Australia managing director, Uwe Hagen, explains that the diesel A6 bound for Australia is so efficient it makes missing out on a hybrid less of an issue. "When you compare this (diesel) with hybrid cars, there is no huge difference. Take the fuel consumption of an A6 3.0-litre (diesel), it will be around 6 to 6.2 litres per 100km, the C02 emission is under 160g/km.'' Hagen says Audi Australia would still import the A5 hybrid if it was made available because there are some customers who would like one despite the efficiency of the diesel.  He feels the electric car will eventually be a better solution. "Personally I think the future is the E car, the hybrid is only something in between,'' Hagen says.  The hybrid A6 uses a new lithium ion battery pack that allows it to travel a short distance on electric power alone, but this is not such a great feature Hagen says. "I don't want to criticise it, but it is running on just electricity for a range of 3km, which is the average with all those cars. With all respect, what can you do in 3km? You get your newspapers in the morning and you get your breakfast.'' Audi has focused heavily on cutting fuel consumption of all A6 models and not just the hybrid, introducing stop-start technology, which switches the engine off when you come to a stop, across all models along with an energy saving alternator. "Every new Audi uses at least a 10-15 per cent less fuel consumption. This mandatory in our development,'' Hagen says.  "In this way we are able to bring this to everyone and not just someone who wants to spend more money (on a hybrid).''

But Carparazzi ensures we don't need to wait until 2011 to see what the 2012-model A6 will look like.  It's easy to see that the next model is more angular and aggressive than the current A6, which has always struggled to make a major impact against the 5-Series BMW and Benz's E Class.A6 mules have been testing for around a year but the real cars are out now, with heavy camouflage during the day and boring black bodywork for after-dark work.  The frontal treatment is obviously new, with angular headlights cutting across the nose and a deeper front spoiler.New doorhandles and side mirrors are also obvious in the pictures of the prototypes.  But the biggest change to the twenty-twelve A6 is under the bodywork, where the `top hat' is fitted above an all-new Audi chassis package.Carparazzi says the current car is built up from the C-chassis used by the Volkswagen Group but the new car will used Audi's own MLB modular aluminium chassis.  The petrol engine range should include the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 and a new 4.0-litre V8 Audi is currently working on with turbodiesel choice as well.Two new transmissions will be fitted to the next A6 an eight-speed automatic and a seven-speed dual-clutch manumatic.  Production should begin in the first half of 2011 at Audi's factory at Neckarsulm in Germany, with a public preview likely at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The A8 flagship has broken free this year and, despite a growing emphasis on spin-off cars like the A5 and A7, the German company is going all-out on the new A6.Test mules have been running for more than a year but now Carparazzi has first pictures of the real thing, running on the road in Germany.  Its sources point to a major shift for the next A6, which will cut its ties to the Volkswagen Passat. Instead, it is being developed on Audi's own modular aluminium chassis.The most-obvious visual change to the new A6 is a different treatment to the nose, with angular new headlamps, but the Carparazzi pictures also show everything from new door handles and side mirrors to a cabin with a more-rounded look.The camouflage stickering, similar to the design used by BMW on its prototypes, also cannot hide a slightly more aerodynamic shape to theA6 body.  The engine range for the new model should include the supercharged 3.0- litre V6 and a new 4.0-litre V8 Audi is currently working on. Sophisticated TDI motors will be part of the range, too.  Two new transmissions will also be fitted to the new A6 – an eight- speed automatic and a seven-speed dual clutch.Production of the A6 should begin in the first half of 2011 at Audi's Neckarsulm factory in Germany, pointing to Australian sales in the final quarter of next year at the earliest.

Congratulations Ford Falcon

Congratulations to the Audi A6, Winner 2009 People's Choice Best Prestige Car.

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.