The best of two worlds – the Audi A6 hybrid

Posted on 19 July 2011 by

Power like a V6, fuel consumption like a four-cylinder car – the Audi A6 hybrid, coming on the market in 2012, combines the best of two worlds. Its gasoline engine, a 2.0 TFSI, and the electric motor can briefly generate 180 kW (245 hp) of system power and 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft) of torque. Despite the high and spontaneous generation of power, the average rate of fuel consumption in the standard cycle is below 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.75 US mpg). The sedan can travel up to a speed of 100 km/h (62.14 mph) on electric power alone, and cover around three kilometers (1.86 miles) with zero local emissions at a speed of 60 km/h (37.28 mph).

Performance
Directly mounted behind one another, the 2.0 TFSI and the electric motor of the Audi A6 hybrid form a parallel hybrid system. Together the two units have a brief system output of 180 kW (245 hp) and a system torque of 480 Nm (354.03 lb-ft). The sedan accelerates from zero to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 7.3 seconds and has a top speed of 238 km/h (147.89 mph). In the European standard driving cycle, the Audi A6 hybrid consumes less than 6.4 liters per 100 km (36.75 US mpg) – that equals CO2 emissions of less than 146 grams per km (234.96 g/mile). The 73-liter (19.28 US gallon) fuel tank ensures a long range. (These performance and consumption data are provisional)

Drivetrain
The 2.0 TFSI in the Audi A6 hybrid has a displacement of 1,984 cc. The engine has an output of 155 kW (211 hp), with a maximum torque of 350 Nm (258.15 lb-ft) at 1,500 to 4,200 rpm. In the typical Audi manner, the four-cylinder engine combines three potent efficiency technologies: FSI gasoline direct injection, turbocharging and the Audi valvelift system (AVS). The AVS further increases power, torque and efficiency by switching the stroke of the exhaust valves between two stages depending on the load and engine speed.

For use in the Audi A6 hybrid the 2.0 TFSI underwent modifications in several areas. The alternator as an ancillary unit has been dropped, while the crankshaft bearing and the fine tuning of the turbocharger were adapted to the new requirements. A secondary air system at the cylinder head makes sure that the exhaust gas treatment cuts in particularly fast. Integrated in the engine control unit, the hybrid manager controls the efficient change and smooth transitions between the operating modes, and was fully developed by Audi alone.

A largely modified eight-speed tiptronic serves the power transmission, without the aid of a torque converter. Its place is taken by the disk-shaped electric motor. This is combined with a multi-plate clutch operating in the oil bath and joining or separating the electric motor and the TFSI. Controlled by intelligent management, the clutch operates ultra-precisely, gently and fast in all situations.

The highly comfortable and fast-shifting hybrid transmission, which guides the engine torque to the front wheels, greatly contributes to the efficiency of the Audi A6 hybrid – its gears are widely spread. When the 2.0 TFSI is deactivated, an electric pump maintains the oil pressure in the hydraulic system to safeguard the convenient start-stop feature.

Power electronics and electric motor
The power electronics, in the form of a pulse-controlled inverter, serve as a controller between the battery, which outputs direct current, and the electric motor, which operates on alternating current. Water-cooled by a separate low-temperature circuit, the component is distinguished by its low volume and weight. The power electronics include a DC/DC converter that couples the consumers in the 12V electrical system with the high-voltage network.

A permanent magnet synchronous machine serves as an electric motor, as a starter and – during deceleration – as a generator. It briefly outputs up to 40 kW (54 hp) of power and 210 Nm (154.89 lb-ft) of torque. The electric motor is integrated in the cooling circuit of the TFSI engine.

Battery
A lithium-ion battery system, weighing a mere 36.7 kg (80.91 lb), serves as the energy store for the electric motor of the Audi A6 hybrid. The compact battery, which takes up only 26 liters (0.92 cubic ft) of space, is located in the collision-protected area under the luggage compartment; the luggage capacity remains an impressive 375 liters (13.24 cubic ft), and can be enlarged to 850 liters (30.02 cubic ft) thanks to the standard folding rear seat backrests. The battery consists of 72 cells; at 266 volts its normal energy is 1.3 kWh and its power 40 kW.

The lithium-ion battery is cooled by air in two ways, depending on the requirement. At low-temperature load, it draws temperate air from the vehicle interior by way of a fan. If its temperature exceeds a certain limit, a separate refrigerant circuit is activated. It is coupled to the climate control system of the Audi A6 hybrid and uses a separate evaporator. This powerful active cooling system greatly helps the sedan to travel relatively long distances on electric power alone.

Operating modes
The driver can decide which operating mode the Audi A6 should use – one of three driving modes can be selected at the press of a button on the center console or by means of the automatic selector lever. The EV characteristic map gives priority to the electric drive, while the D mode efficiently controls both the engine and the electric motor. The S mode and the tiptronic gate are designed for a sporty driving style. The hybrid sedan has five operating states: Driving with the combustion engine alone, with the electric drive alone or in hybrid mode is possible, as are recuperation and boosting.

Both drive sources are deactivated when the vehicle is stationary. In this convenient start/stop mode the automatic air conditioning remains active – its compressor has an electric drive. Once the driver releases the brake, the A6 hybrid starts rolling. It can be driven up to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) under electric power – and therefore with no local emissions.

At a constant 60 km/h (37.28 mph) up to three kilometers (1.86 miles) can be traveled – enough for many residential areas and inner cities.

When the accelerator is pressed beyond a certain threshold, the internal combustion engine takes over the drive function. At lower revs this engine will temporarily have a heavier load than is required for the drive – the load point shifts to a higher range and the efficiency improves. The excess torque benefits the electric motor, which then serves as a generator to recharge the battery and power the consumers.

In quick acceleration, or “boosting,” the electric motor operates together with the TFSI; at full throttle in the S mode the full system output is briefly available. The hybrid drive then supplies the propulsion power of a large, naturally aspirated engine, but with far more efficiency.

When the driver releases the accelerator, the electric motor serves as a generator again. In most situations the TFSI is then decoupled from the drive system, so as not to cause any drag losses. The electricity recovered by the electric motor when coasting and during braking is buffered in the lithium-ion battery.

If the driver only slightly brakes, the electric motor performs the deceleration itself; in more forceful braking the hydraulic braking system is simultaneously activated. Its brake booster has a second power supply through an electric vacuum pump. A complex rule-based strategy adapts the braking to the conditions of electric driving and energy recuperation. As elsewhere in the A6 family, an electromechanical unit serves as the power steering.

Operation
The Audi A6 hybrid comes with a display concept for making the driving states of the hybrid drive tangible to the driver. The tachometer on the instrument cluster has been replaced by a power meter, with a needle that indicates the total system output on a scale of 0 to 100 percent. A second scale is divided into colored segments – the green and orange sections clearly indicate the drive mode currently used by the sedan.

Operational readiness, recuperation, electric driving, boosting and ignition are indicated. An additional instrument displays the charge level of the lithium-ion battery.

At the same time, the energy flow display clearly depicts the mode of operation and active components of the hybrid drive. The driver can call up the graphic via the driver information system and in the MMI navigation plus display. The MMI screen gives a clearly arranged bar graph of the average consumption and recuperation quantity in five-minute increments.

Exterior
The Audi A6 hybrid is distinguished by the subtle differentiation on the outside. The tailgate, the fenders and the sill panel strips bear the hybrid lettering. The exclusive Arctic Silver, metallic paint finish is available. The 17-inch cast wheels feature a ten-arm turbine design – their ten spokes resemble turbine blades. The tires have the size 225/55 R17. Two-tone 18-inch wheels of size 245/45 R18 are optionally available in the same design typical of the hybrid vehicles.

The Audi A6 hybrid is based on the familiar A6 Sedan and embodies the same lightweight design technologies. At 1,770 kilograms (3,902 lb), it will be the lightest hybrid in its competiti.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.

Boardwalk Audi Presents the 2012 Audi A6

Posted on 21 February 2011 by

Boardwalk Audi A6

The most popular business Sedan and its class now present its successor. Just as expected the Audi A6 is not only is making its mark in the realm of automobile design and stylistic vocabulary. The new Audi A6 boast larger dimension, the more spacious interior and agile engines with significantly reduced consumption and low CO2 emissions. And the A6 Hybrid represents a very special highlight that will complete the range at a later date.

This popular Sedan’s predecessor already offered a singular driving experience. When something has provided such satisfaction how can it be improved on? For one, we placed the steering in front of the front axle to improve the steering response considerably. Another improvement was moved in the front axle 17 millimeters forward, for a significantly better distribution of the total weight.

Another contributing factor to the improvement of driving quality and the models with front wheel drive is ESP, featuring electronic cross axle lock and models with permanent Quattro four-wheel drive profit from the selected torque distribution. For continuously variable deployment of driving tool between the rear wheels and racing the driving dynamics of the Audi A6 to new levels.

All of these measures have lead to a significant increase in agility and driving pleasure. The standard feature “Audi drive select” has three pre-defined modes: auto, comfort and dynamic. The additional individual configuration allows the driver to adjust the systems to his own specifications. For the first time the new efficiency mode of its drive assistant’s inefficient driving at the push of the button.

As the manufacturer of the most popular business Sedan in its class, you have to offer absolutely convincing comfort in the successor model. With the generous space of its luxurious interior, the new Audi A6 does not disappoint. Continuous decorative inlays surround the driver and place him at the center of the interior. All of the entire interior details emphasis Audi diligence.

For the customer when operating, every control should see like premiums. We want the operating sound of all the Audi controls to be similar, that’s one of the reasons that we decided to specially to create new ways of simplifying operations for the customers by reducing the number of buttons that have to be used. Simultaneously, we positioned a menu button where they have the indentation in the center. This means that the driver can select menu functions practically without ever having to divert his eyes from the road. Then the customer can choose the desired menu using the centrally located rotary knob.

And we have yet another function that’s a highlight in this vehicle, the so called MMI Touch. It’s a touch pad and with this particular touch pad, I can simply push the map about with one finger and choose whichever destination I need. Then I just tap on the chosen destination to confirm the whole action and the target of choice is registered. Then I just activate navigation and off we go.

Light weight construction has been a core competence of the brand with the four rims for sometime now. Because it’s considered as sort of unwritten law that because of safety regulations and the increase demands in comfort, cars are becoming heavier from one generation to the next.

But in times or limited energy sources no other alternative would allow Audi to turn this spiral of weight around.

Audi has been deemed with aluminum for a long time now. Only a thorough understanding of its characteristic traits and of all the details with the processes of its production will allow us to make full use of its construction potential.

The most elaborate part is the B-column. In the interest of passenger safety its upper section is extremely hard, while its lower section is ductile and resilient, all that in just one part. Despite all this economy of weight, the Audi A6 doesn’t scheme on comfort, the Saloon car is 4.92 meters long, 1.87 meters wide and has a luggage compartment volume of 530 liters.

The front suspension mount in the Audi A6 is made of pressure cast aluminum. This is where all of the experience that Audi has gathered in this technology comes together. From special casting processes that allow for extremely spindle shank structures to the design of ribbing that similar to naturally occurring structures. Position the material exactly where the load is greatest. And despite increase safety requirements, the body work of the Audi A6 is 30 kilograms lighter than that of its predecessor, making the entire vehicle with 3.0 TDI Quattro in this case, 80 kilograms lighter than before.

In times of ever increasing density and constantly growing complexities and road traffic, Audi is continually developing its adaptive systems. The adaptive cruise control for example is not only capable of maintaining in setting travel speed, but is also able to react intuitively to road traffic conditions.

Another highlight of the Audi A6 is the night vision system. The night vision system has a range of up to 300 meters and is located in the center display panel as a black and white image. The system also recognizes pedestrians who are highlighted in yellow to catch the driver’s attention. If the system recognizes the situation is critical, the color changes from yellow to red. Also, a warning is communicated with a gong sound and an image in the head.

And finally, another of Audi’s core competence as it rounds out the new Audi A6 package, efficiency does not aim with the development of more economical engines. For Audi that’s only the beginning. Audi believes in a more all encompassing approach.

We’ve employed various different technologies from our efficiency modulus system. For one thing we’ve used our optimize engines and the optimize transmissions. Then, there are the aerodynamics, the rolling friction of the tires, the demand actuated regulation of the ancillary units. And for the first time in an Audi A6 electromechanical steering is being implemented. If we use the 3.0 TDI here as an example, there’s a whole new engine at hand. It has an output of 180 kilowatts combined with the electronic, the A6 accelerates from zero to 100 kilometers in 6.1 seconds with its engine making it 0.7 seconds faster than its predecessor. And consumption was reduced from 7.1 liters per 100 kilometers combined cycle to 6 liters. That corresponds to 158 grams in comparison to 189 grams of CO2 emissions.

Its little brother, the 3.0 TDI with 150 kilowatts achieves 5.2 liters with multitritonic that’s 137 grams. And the 2.0 TDI with manual transmission manages 129 grams CO2 per kilometer, 4.9 liters combined cycle consumption. The most popular executive Saloon car in its class has a most convincing successor, the new Audi A6.

The New Audi TT: More Attractive, Sportier and More Efficient

Posted on 14 February 2011 by

Boardwalk Audi TT

After 1998, the Sport Coupe segment was never the same again. The Audi TT was a legend and the design icon right from its debut a market position that has only been improved upon since the introduction of the second generation.

And now in 2011, the product improvement of the new TT is coming and we want to take it to a step further with regard to the exterior, the interior, the power train elements and to the driving experience in general.

When you take a look at the TT from the outside, especially from the front, then you’ll see the new masculine bumper. It makes the vehicle wider, sporty and that’s the first eye catcher. The second eye catcher is the new revised single-frame grille with its black super glossy finish, a very noble, a very stylish element. As an additional option the new TT can be equipped with LED daytime running lights, appearing rather like human eyes in the front end, the exclusive effect. An Audi has an unmistakable face.

Seen from the side, two things become apparent. First of all, the new 17-inch wheel rims with a 5-Spoke V design, then 10-Spoke design, 18-inch wheel rims. New exterior colors are also available.

And the usual unmistakable element, the timeless architecture with its distinctive design. It is impossible to confuse the Audi TT with another automobile. Very important here is the fact that the engine range has been revised as far as efficiency is concerned. The result, up to 14% less CO2 emissions.

Despite the considerable gain in efficiency, the Audi TT engines are still well-conditioned athletes. This is particularly true of the new comer a 2.0 TFSI, its 155 kilowatts or 211 horsepower mean a gain of eight kilowatts compared to its predecessor. And the 350 newton meters of torque are a gain of 70 newton meters. The vehicle objective, driving pleasure, objective achieved.

The Audi TT, like every Audi, sets standards in interiors already today. And since, this is particularly important for our costumers and for the brand, we have sharpened things up here as well.

This is where the stylish glossy back finish comes in and the aluminum look as well. As usual under statement is the TT interior strong statement, premium quality and the sporty appearance are apparent in additional details rendered in an aluminum look. Like for example, the controls for the air conditioning and further details on the steering wheel. The new glossy black is also unassuming and efficiently placed as seen in the casing of the display of the onboard computer on in the interior rings of the air vents. The new Audi TT, even more attractive, sportier and more efficient.

The Audi A8: True Luxury Redefined at Boardwalk Audi

Posted on 07 February 2011 by

True luxury is revealed in the smallest details. Upon entering the Audi A8 the driver and passenger are embraced by the wrap around design of the centerpiece. Starting beneath the windshield and sloping towards the passengers, the horizontal line created by sculptural art emphasizes the breath and roominess of the cabin. Interior doors echo the exterior designed nuances by utilizing wedge shape lines and subtle arcs to create visual balance.

Just as the design is pleasing to the eye the materials and craft, they should delight with the slightest touch. Leathers are of the finest quality. Exotic wood inlays are hand burnished while metallic ascents create a tactile experience all their own.

And to ensure optimal fit and flawless finish, tolerances where wood, leader and polished aluminum intersect are stringently controlled and can not exceed a 0.2 millimeter variance. The result is an interior that is solid, welcoming and luxurious. Simply no other car offers the comfort and total luxury of the new Audi A8.

The Audi A8: True Luxury Redefined at Boardwalk Audi

Posted on 29 January 2011 by

True luxury is revealed in the smallest details. Upon entering the Audi A8 the driver and passenger are embraced by the wrap around design of the centerpiece. Starting beneath the windshield and sloping towards the passengers, the horizontal line created by sculptural art emphasizes the breath and roominess of the cabin. Interior doors echo the exterior designed nuances by utilizing wedge shape lines and subtle arcs to create visual balance.

Just as the design is pleasing to the eye the materials and craft, they should delight with the slightest touch. Leathers are of the finest quality. Exotic wood inlays are hand burnished while metallic ascents create a tactile experience all their own.

And to ensure optimal fit and flawless finish, tolerances where wood, leader and polished aluminum intersect are stringently controlled and can not exceed a 0.2 millimeter variance. The result is an interior that is solid, welcoming and luxurious. Simply no other car offers the comfort and total luxury of the new Audi A8.

Boardwalk Audi A6 Interior Redefines Executive Class

Posted on 25 January 2011 by

The new 2012 Audi A6

Elegant forms, supreme comfort, a logical ergonomics concept and extensively networked intelligence: In the interior as well, the new Audi A6 documents its leadership role in the executive class. In its display concept, the new head-up display is a special highlight.

The interior of the Audi A6 is an emotional space full of expanse and lightness. Its lines take up the sinewy sportiness of the exterior. The defining element of the cockpit area is the wrap-around inlay, beginning at the driver’s door and running in one large arc beneath the root of the windshield, then all the way to the front passenger’s door. Curved elegantly around the driver’s seat, the instrument panel with its large application area rounds out the concept of sweeping lines.

The wide, asymmetric center console is oriented toward the driver. The sporty seats in the A6 are mounted low, yet most drivers can see the entire engine hood thanks to the low front end, which reinforces the impression of open expanse and freedom.

The new Audi A6 offers space in abundance. The comfort-optimized door arrester and the long, low doors make getting into the car easy for all occupants. Audi also offers an electric power closing option.

At every seat, there is plenty of headroom, elbow room, legroom, and footroom, even for tall people. Compared with the previous model, the head clearance at the front, interior length and shoulder width have all increased slightly. The headrests in the rear compartment can be positioned extra low to avoid obstructing the view from the interior mirror. The optional electric roller blind for the rear window, which extends and retracts along tracks in the C-pillar paneling, provides nearly complete shading of the window. The blinds for the rear side windows are operated manually.

Redesigned: the front seats

The standard front seats in the Audi A6 can be manually adjusted ten ways – height, fore and aft, and backrest angle, plus the height of and distance to the headrests. The seats have been completely redesigned and feature ergonomic seat surfaces. The innovative foam in each seat provides varying degrees of softness and firmness depending on the zone.

Audi also offers a host of attractive options. The sport seats with contoured side bolsters have seat cushions that can be adjusted in depth and inclination; they provide electric four-way lumbar support. The lumbar support is also available separately, as are seat heaters for the front seats or for all four seats. The fully electric adjustable front seats are equipped with a memory function for the driver’s seat.

The highlight of the A6 amenities are the comfort seats, featuring electric adjustment plus memory function for both seats and outside mirrors. Their backrests, side bolsters and lumbar support can be adjusted pneumatically. On request, Audi will upgrade the comfort seats with a ventilation system for the seat surface and backrest that makes use of a novel and particularly effective aspiration technology. The technology employs four fans that can be operated at three levels. Also available is a massage function featuring ten air cushions, five programs and four intensities to pamper the back.

Only a few switches are needed to operate the seats. All primary adjustments are made using switches that mirror the shape of the seat. A multifunction switch controls the secondary functions, such as adjusting the side bolsters or the massage function, with the MMI monitor showing each step.

The new Audi A6 offers plenty of spacious, practical storage features. The locking glove box is very large, and the front door pockets can accommodate one-liter bottles. Two additional cupholders are located on the center tunnel, where there is also a center armrest plus storage compartment with continuously variable tilt adjustment.

In the back is an additional armrest with a small storage compartment. A 12V socket, drawers under the front seats and nets on the front-seat backrests round out the range of storage amenities. Audi also offers an optional storage package, which includes two cupholders in the rear armrest, two sockets in the rear compartment and a net for the luggage compartment.

All functions under control: vehicle operation

The new Audi A6 offers more than twice as many functions as its predecessor, yet its operation is easy and intuitive – typical of Audi. The large, clearly delineated dial instruments and the center display are situated beneath an elegantly arched cowl. Rich in detail with three-dimensional styling, the instruments can be read at a glance. In their initial position, the needles point to six o’clock. When the car is started, the needles briefly rise up then fall back into place, adding a sporty touch. Additional instruments provide information about the fuel level and the coolant temperature.

Starting with the trim level that includes the MMI radio plus, the new Audi A6 comes equipped with the driver information system, with either a 5-inch or 7-inch screen and a monochrome or color display, depending on the version. The system combines all key information and settings in an intuitive menu structure that works with one main area and two additional info bars. These can be easily read without requiring the driver to look away from the road for long.

Integrated into the driver information system is what Audi calls the efficiency program. It shows the contribution each technological component is making to fuel efficiency and also gives the driver tips for fuel-efficient shifting – a practical feature, given the fact that driving style accounts for approximately 30 percent of overall fuel consumption.

The driver information system is operated via the standard leather multifunction steering wheel. This latest-generation concept featuring two additional paddles enables convenient operation of the telephone, audio devices and onboard computer.

Audi offers a number of different steering wheels – with three or four spokes, shift paddles for the automatic transmission, a heated rim and a power adjustment system with an easy entry feature. The skeleton of each steering wheel is made of ultra-light magnesium materials.

The center console is home to a series of secondary switches, the slot for the CD or DVD player and the memory card slots. The lower section of the console contains the control unit for the deluxe automatic air conditioning system, with rotary controls surrounded by red and blue LEDs. The system provides indirect ventilation with virtually no draft. It takes into account the position of the sun and has a moisture sensor to prevent window fogging.

Powerful and efficient: deluxe automatic air conditioning

Quiet, discreet and highly efficient, the deluxe automatic air conditioning in the new Audi A6 is far superior to systems offered by the competition. Compared with the air conditioning system in the previous model, it delivers better performance while saving an average of 0.2 liters of fuel per 100 km.

The brushless fan motor requires little power and is both small and light. The internal heat exchanger is a coaxial line, with the intake end on the inside and the discharge end on the outside. The heat exchange between the two ends boosts the performance of the evaporator. The refrigerant mass flow is reduced, which in turn reduces the power consumption of the compressor. Thanks to a new oil separator, it does not have to continuously circulate lubricant and cooling oil. The deluxe automatic air conditioning continuously analyses humidity levels in the inside and outside air to determine the optimal mixing ratio for the lowest energy consumption.

Audi also offers an optional four-zone deluxe automatic air conditioning system, featuring a separate control panel and display for the rear passengers. Throughout the interior, three climate-control styles can be chosen – mild, medium and intense. For winter a fourth variant is available, which directs lots of heat to the footwells. A residual heat function uses the heat of the engine when the A6 is parked.

As an option, Audi also offers a programmable auxiliary heater with a novel operating concept. All the customer needs to do is choose a time to start the car, and the control unit does the rest. Its intelligent strategy lowers electricity and fuel consumption by 30 to 50 percent.

The center tunnel console in the new Audi A6 features additional controls. The standard start-stop button replaces the ignition switch – the key can stay in your pocket. The system can also include a convenience key for keyless vehicle entry. The pushbutton for the electromechanical parking brake, which can act as an emergency brake when the vehicle is in motion, and the terminal for the Multi Media Interface (MMI) operating system are also located on the center tunnel console. Audi offers the MMI radio version as standard.

Intelligent ergonomics: the MMI operating system

The MMI terminal is a clearly organized touch & feel landscape whose design presents a new evolutionary development. In its full version, MMI navigation plus, five hardkeys take the user to the main zones: Navigation, Telephone, Radio, Media and Vehicle. Two additional hardkeys (the menu overview and back button) complete the system. The central rotary pushbutton and the four adjacent softkeys are used to navigate through the menus. A dedicated cluster with volume control knob controls the audio zone. Another section holds the MMI touchpad for the optional MMI navigation plus system, which can be transformed into an area containing six radio station buttons.

The large onboard monitor for the MMI system comes with a standard 6.5-inch screen or an optional 8-inch screen. It is surrounded by a high-gloss black frame. In standby mode, the onboard monitor is recessed in the center of the instrument panel, with only its chromed top edge visible as a decorative molding. When the ignition is switched on, the monitor extends forward, then upward and outward in a gentle movement at graduated speed. Just like the optional driver information system, the MMI display is divided into three zones, and the menu control system follows a clear logic. The new selection menus, called wizards, have an especially classy appeal thanks to the circular arrangement of their icons. Elegant three-dimensional graphics and newly introduced animations give a striking presentation of the menu hierarchy.

All information at a glance: the head-up display

The head-up display – a new, optional high-end feature offered by Audi in the A6 – projects key information onto the windshield in the form of symbols and digits. The display appears as a virtual image in a window 262 x 87 millimeters (10.31 x 3.43 in) in size. It seems to hover over the engine hood at a distance of approximately 2.3 meters (7.55 ft), precisely in the driver’s primary field of view. The image window is height-adjustable.

To assimilate the information, the driver does not need to look away from the road and the eyes, accustomed to distance vision while driving, do not need to adjust. It takes only about half as long to look at the head-up display as it does to read the display on the instrument cluster – an important advantage especially at higher speeds.

The MMI system can be used to program which information will be shown on the head-up display – such as speed, navigation symbols, lists from the infotainment systems or indicators from the assistance systems. The speed limit display and night vision assistant also make use of the system.

Audi is the first manufacturer in the world to offer a full-color head-up display with TFT screen technology. In addition to red-green-blue color filters, new polarization filters are used; their high contrast is sufficient even for difficult lighting conditions. 15 blue-white LEDs provide especially bright backlighting for the TFT monitor on which the images are generated. A sensor in the base of the interior mirror adapts the display to the brightness of the surroundings. The driver can also adjust it at any time.

The light-emitting diodes and all other components have extremely low energy requirements. All components are designed to easily withstand the temperatures that arise in the head-up display. The system requires no active cooling mechanism – an additional efficiency-enhancing factor.

The windshield onto which the image is projected acts as a concave mirror; it enlarges the picture, creating certain distortions in the process. Two curved corrective mirrors in the light path, made of plastic with a special coating applied, even out these distortions and increase the optical imaging capacity. These new technologies from Audi keep space requirements low and give the designers free reign when designing the windshield. To avoid ghost images, the windshield and its noise-insulating safety film have a minimally tapered design.

When windshields are manufactured, tiny deviations from the ideal surface are impossible to avoid. Although only a few hundredths of a millimeter in size, such imperfections would produce a slightly uneven image on the head-up display. Audi has come up with a solution to avoid this effect: During production of the A6, the display is precisely calibrated to the windshield for each car.

Handcrafted quality: the finish

The great care that Audi devotes to the smallest detail defines the entire interior of the new A6. Materials are chosen with the utmost care; the workmanship is on a craftsman’s level. All of the switches move easily and without play. The gaps are even and narrow, measuring just a few tenths of a millimeter in some areas. Quality knows no compromise – this Audi maxim becomes tangible in the interior.

Chromed bezels frame the air vents, fine aluminum-look strips accentuate the optional fine wood bezels. The buttons have an appealing black soft-touch finish; the aluminum look turns the control knobs into miniature works of art. The shift gate and the start-stop button feature subtle red backlighting, and the door sills have aluminum inlays. The upper section of the instrument panel is covered in a soft-backed, leather-look material. The frequently used components in piano finish black in the Audi A6 are coated with a novel, UV-cured topcoat making them extremely scratch-resistant.

Audi is offering a wide range of decorative elements, colors and upholsteries at the launch of the A6. In addition to the standard and optional fabric upholsteries, the selection also includes the robust and durable Milano leather and the high-grade Valcona leather, whose varnish application only lightly covers the skin structure, allowing the material to breathe.

Another fine alternative is the Alcantara/leather combination. A leather package for the center console, the door armrests and the door pulls round out the selection.

The seat coverings are available in black, goa beige, nougat brown, titanium gray and velvet beige, the roof lining in black, silver and beige. The interior comes in black, gray, brown and beige hues. The sedan is fitted with micrometallic platinum inlays as standard; Audi also offers trims in Aluminum Trigon as an alternative. Two wood veneers – brown, open-pored fine grain ash and dark brown walnut – are available. An especially classy variant are the inlays in piano finish black.

A novel veneer of layered oak will be available soon. Using a technique developed especially by Audi, it is cut from a block in which extremely thin layers alternating between untreated and dark-stained wood lie one over the other. A special treatment at the end of the process produces a fine finish.

The S line sport package gives the interior a particularly elegant look. The sports seats are upholstered in Valcona leather; combinations of perforated Alcantara and leather are available as an alternative. The upholstery, as well as the carpeting, the instrument panel and the roof lining are draped in black, with stitching adding visual touches. The inlays are in matt brushed aluminum; S line badges gleam on the fenders and door sills. The steering wheel is specially designed, and the selector lever is wrapped in perforated leather. Sport suspension with 18-inch or 19-inch wheels rounds out the package.

Emotional effects: the interior lighting

Audi can equip the new A6 with an optional interior and exterior lighting package. It includes surround lighting, active door reflectors and a series of white LEDs in the interior – around the door handles, the door trim panels, the front footwells, the sun visors and the center tunnel console.

Another option is the ambient lighting, a complete emotional orchestration that uses light guides in many areas. It provides a series of additional effects – around the door sills, the door pockets and the reading lights in the rear compartment. Dramatic lighting makes the console on the center tunnel appear to float.

When it’s dark outside, the ambient lighting – whose luminous power can be configured via the MMI – gives the interior a larger, more expansive appearance. When the A6 is unlocked, the lighting in its interior illuminates in a wavelike pattern, starting with the driver’s seat. When a door is opened, it focuses on the corresponding seat.

The large, roomy luggage compartment in the new A6 is the same in the front-wheel-drive and quattro-drive models. The luggage compartment is precisely lined with fine carpeting, and its low loading lip and wide loading aperture make it easy to use. It provides a loading width of 1,050 millimeters (41.34 in) and a volume of 530 liters (18.72 cu. ft), enough for four large suitcases or four golf bags. Audi also offers an optional rear seat back with a 40/60 split.

The trunk opens automatically when unlocked. Two bag hooks, four solid, chrome-covered lashing hooks and a practical bin in the right wall of the luggage compartment help to get things stowed. A reversible mat with a rubberized back, a locking load-through hatch with ski bag and an electric drive for the trunk lid are available as options.

With the optional trailer hitch, the new Audi A6 can tow up to 2,100 kilograms (4,629.71 lb). If the trailer starts to fishtail, an additional function of the electronic stabilization program (ESP) intervenes. By applying the brakes to the sedan’s wheels in opposite phases, it brings the fishtailing motion back under control.

The equipment and data specified in this document refer to the model range offered in Germany. Subject to change without notice; errors and omissions excepted.