The Concorso d’Eleganza is no Goodwood Festival of Speed: the cars are parked on the lawn of a fancy hotel. Because of this static nature, it’s not much of a video event, being much better suited to photography. Still, in breaks between photo sessions, we couldn’t resist turning on our trusty Flip camera to capture the few moments when the cars were in motion between the exhibition area and the garages.

If you click play, you can hear the sound of a 1955 racing Maserati, a 1969 Miura, a 1962 Ferrari 250 GT SWB—and Jason Castriota’s Stile Bertone Mantide.

And click here if you missed our video of the Aston-Martin One-77 idling its 7.3-liter V12.

While it may not be a record number for some automakers, Audi AG has, for the first time, exceeded one million global sales in 2008. Thanks to the recent release of the new 2009 Audi A4 and the small 2009 Audi Q5 SUV, Audi was able to attain a total number of 1,003,400 sales globally, a 4.1 percent increase over last year’s 964,151 sales. December 2008 sales jumped 17.4 percent (82,800) over the previous year’s December sales (70,523).

We congratulate you, Audi in your sales success, but can we ask you to please bring back the Quattro Sport now that you’re a proven sales success? Thanks, we won’t forget it.

[via Fourtitude]

As you'd expect from Audi, there are allegedly many other changes to this year's line, but you might be hard pressed to spot them. There's a new range of engines hiding underhood, including a 170 HP 2.0-liter TFSI, a 350 HP 4.2-liter FSI V8, a couple of 2.8-liter mills making 190 HP and 220 HP, and a brand new 290 HP 3.0-liter TFSI supercharged V6. All promise to offer greater fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance. If you like to burn a little oil instead of gasoline, there's also a 2.7 or 3.0-liter TDI V6 to choose from.

The Audi A6: An overachiever with new strengths

* The world's most successful business sedan just got better
* New engines - High efficiency and power
* Suspension refinements and new high-tech features

A winner always builds on his strengths: That's why Audi has again upgraded its luxury class A6 model. Efficient engines have been added to the drive-train lineup, with innovative technologies cutting fuel consumption by about 15 percent across the whole model range. An improved suspension and new high-tech assistance system give the driver even greater control over the car. And the new-generation MMI control system is out-performing itself. The revamped A6 will be launched in the German market in late summer.

It's the sportiest and most popular business sedan on the market. The Audi A6 is leading the Premium C pack - both in Europe and around the world. In 2007, Audi sold about 234,000 units, giving the A6 a 37 percent market share among its core competitors. Most of the A6's sold were equipped with six- or eight-cylinder engines, permanent 4x4 quattro and a luxury assortment of optional equipment - all evidence of the high regard Audi technologies is enjoying worldwide.

Its design is emphasized by a range of bold new accents, perfectly articulating the A6's strong personality. The single-frame grill, bumpers, air vents and fog lights have all gotten a facelift.

The optionally-available xenon plus, LED daytime running lights have been redesigned as horizontal strips with 6 LEDs each. Other options include Audi adaptive light, a dynamic cornering light system, and the high-beam assistant that automatically switches between the high and low beam.

An aluminum-colored molding traversing the sides emphasizes the A6's dynamic contour. At 4.93 meters (16.17 ft) long, 1.86 meters (6.10 ft) wide, and 1.46 meters (4.79 ft) high, little has changed in the sedan's generous proportions. The gentle lip on the trunk, integrated chrome strip on the bumper, broad diffuser and straight exhaust pipes are part and partial of the revamped rear end. The bipartite rear lights with LED technology have also gotten a new look: narrow and wide, they taper inward on the sedan. And there are 13 exterior colors to choose from, including five new ones.

The A6's spacious interior with its clean and elegant contours and perfect craftsmanship is characteristic of this luxury brand. The rear seats are extremely comfortable and the L-shaped headrests improve the driver's rear view visibility. As an option, the back seats can be fitted with a comfortable 2-seater bench. A package of elaborate features makes sure the noise level is cut by almost half, particularly within critical frequency ranges.

The instrument panel uses new higher-resolution graphics; and a new frame better accentuates the display (color in the optional MMI navigation system). Tastefully-appointed chrome trim, even on the spokes of the steering wheel, call attention to its overall elegance and inlays are available in either aluminum look or fine woods.

As is expected of an Audi, the interior designers have made sure all the colors and materials match. Standard seats can be optionally upholstered with a new material; the sport seats are available in Valcona leather. Soft armrests on the doors increase comfort, while the integrated headrest system reduces the danger of whiplash.

Audi is now offering an S-line sports package for the most dynamic of drivers. The package includes enhanced performance features like 18-inch wheels and sports suspension that lowers the ride height by 30 millimeters (1.18 in). Its sporty seats, decorative inlays and upholstery give the black-trimmed interior a feeling of even more exclusivity and the S-line exterior package provides more drama. Features from this Audi exclusive program are tailor-made to fit the A6's luxury-seeking mavericks.

One of the major strengths of the A6 lies in its broad selection of engines: six gas and four diesels use direct fuel injection and cutting-edge FSI, TFSI and TDI technologies in a choice of four, six or eight cylinders. Whether stick shift, convenient tiptronic or high-efficiency multitronic, the energy literally flows to the front wheels, or all four wheels for that matter. Its engines are both powerful and efficient. New measures have been introduced to optimize engines and minimize fuel consumption without sacrificing one ounce of driving pleasure. Fuel consumption over the whole A6 family has been lowered by about 15 percent.

The smallest gas engine is the 2.0 TFSI, a 125 kW (170 hp) turbocharged four-cylinder unit. On the other end of the spectrum is the 4.2 FSI, a 257 kW (350 hp) V8 engine. Audi V6 models can be equipped with one of its two new 2.8 liter FSI engines; the 140 kW (190 hp) or the 162 kW (220 hp). Both engines feature the innovative Audi Valvelift System (AVS), which manages the inlet valve timing so that there is more torque and less fuel consumption. Regardless of which 2.8 FSI engine the A6 sedan is fitted, average fuel consumption is only 8.2 liters per 100 kilometers (28.68 US mpg) for the 190 hp, 6-speed manual shift or 8.4 liters per 100 kilometers (28.00 US mpg) for the 220 hp multitronic CVT.

With its 3-liter displacement and 213 kW (290 hp) power output, the V6 is a particularly exciting newcomer. Audi has designed the perfect package for each one of its engine. That's why the 3.0 TFSI is fitted with a supercharger. From now on "T" doesn't just stand for turbocharged - it stands for supercharged. Supercharger technology does not mean increased consumption - but the short intake paths do mean instantaneous response. And it's got full power build-up even at low engine speeds: from 2500 1/min to 4850 1/min, the torque curve is broad and flat at 420 Nm (309.78 lb-ft).

The 3.0 TFSI comes with tiptronic and quattro drive train. The A6 sedan accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 5.9 seconds and keeps on going as it presses to its electronically-regulated maximum speed of 250 km/h (155.34 mph). This is the kind of performance that only an eight-cylinder engine would have been able to deliver a few years ago. At 9.5 liters per 100 kilometers (24.76 US mpg) on the EU cycle, the supercharged V6 is amazingly economical. The 3.0 TFSI's combination of dynamic performance and low consumption is one more example of Audi's successful efficiency strategy.

The A6 TDI engines give further evidence of just how closely Audi has been able to align sporty performance and efficiency. Fuel is delivered by the extremely sophisticated and quiet system of common rails with rapid-action piezo injectors and an injection pressure of 1800 bar (26,106.79 psi). The two V6 TDI engines (2.7 TDI with 140 kW (190 hp) and 3.0 TDI with 176 kW (240 hp) have peak torques of 380 Nm (280.27 lb-ft) and 450 Nm (331.90 lb-ft), respectively.

At the lower end of the diesel program is the four-cylinder 2.0 TDI engine, which is available in two versions: the 125 kW (170 hp), expected in fall 2008, and the 100 kW (136 hp). The basic version is an especially efficient e-model known as the 2.0 TDIe, which uses a six-speed manual shift or automatic multitronic transmission to deliver 320 Nm (236.02 lb-ft) of torque to the front wheels. With multitronic it sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 9.9 seconds, and continues on to a top speed of 204 km/h (126.76 mph). Yet its average fuel consumption with a manual shift gearbox is only 5.3 liters per 100 km (44.38 US mpg), equivalent to CO2 emissions of app. 139 grams per kilometer (224 grams per mile).

The key to achieving such exemplary values is the strategic deployment of innovative technologies. The power steering pump operates on demand; the alternator regenerates electrical energy when coasting thereby reducing load off the engine. By lowering the ride height by 20 millimeters (0.79 in) and other aerodynamic fine-tuning, the drag coefficient has been reduced to cD = 0.28.

The transmission can be used longer in the upper two gears. Any manual-shift A6 with Driver Information System, even the 2.0 TDIe, can opt to have the shift indicator displayed in the instrument panel. The icon lets the driver know which gear is most economical under actual circumstances.

Audi quattro four-wheel drive is available on all engines with 140 kW (190 hp) or above and is standard equipment on high-end aggregates. The manual shift, 140 kW (190 hp) 2.8 FSI notwithstanding, this is the very latest generation quattro with the newly emphasized rear-end design. It gives the A6 tremendous driving characteristics, remarkable grip and superior safety. Under normal conditions, the torque split is 40 percent to the front wheels and 60 percent to the rear. The mechanically-operated Torsen differential immediately diverts most of the power to the axle, providing better traction whenever the need arises - in extreme cases, up to 65 percent to the front or 85 percent to the rear.

In fine-tuning the A6, two key objectives were identified - increasing its comfort while retaining its sporty character. With new large-diameter, front-axle shock absorbers operating within an optimized valve system, Audi engineers were able to achieve both goals. Every other aspect of the suspension set-up has been improved, including the automotive spring response.

The A6 can be equipped with factory-fitted adaptive air suspension so that the driver can vary his response and the characteristics of the adaptive shock absorbers into three styles. High-powered engines come equipped with larger 17-inch wheel brakes. Audi can also be fitted with a tire pressure monitoring system, which is entirely wear-free and maintenance-free. The customer can opt for run-flat tires, which limit the car to 50 kilometers (31 miles) should there be a drop in air pressure.

Audi has integrated several new high-tech assistance systems. The new Audi side assist kicks in to help drivers when changing lanes at speeds over 30 km/h (18.64 mph), ensuring a stress-free and superior drive. Using radar sensors, Audi Side Assist is able to detect other cars up to 50 meters (164.04 ft) away: a signal on the outside mirror lights up should changing lanes pose a threat. Audi lane assist helps keep drivers in their own lane, radar-assisted adaptive cruise control keeps a steady distance to the vehicle ahead, and Audi parking system advanced has a rearview camera.

Since its debut in 2002, the Audi Multi Media Interface system (MMI) has been setting the standard for perfectly controlling any number of functions. The A6 comes equipped with the latest MMI generation, including the top-of-the-line MMI Navigation plus. Its basic construction has not changed. The central control knob can still be found on the middle console between the front seats and the operation is still carried out using large buttons. The new joystick capping the control knob means the MMI Navigation plus can be operated even more intuitively.

MMI Navigation plus is an ultimate solution, pioneering in an entirely new system generation with high-tech portfolio and ground-breaking standards. Special features include a CD/DVD/Navigation combination drive with a 40 GB hard drive capacity which can be used to store MP3s and up to 5000 addresses.

With its 7-inch, high-resolution screen, the monitor on this ultimate navigation system is truly innovative. The image is rich in contrast and incredibly sharp even under difficult lighting conditions. It also has an optional TV tuner that receives digital programs (DVB-T) in perfect quality.

The new navigation system has another innovation. A new bird's eye picture mode shows landscapes in topographical relief - in full detail, complete with three-dimensional images of landmark buildings. The monitor has a new operating principle: when adjusting specific functions like air conditioning or seat heating, a pop-up window appears at the right rather than taking over the whole screen.

Most of the new features found in the A6 sedan and Avant are also present in two other models: the versatile A6 allroad quattro and the dynamic S6. The A6 allroad quattro can be powered either by the new 213 kW (290 hp) 3.0 TFSI engine or one of the two powerful V6 TDI diesels. The V10 on the S6 has 320 kW (435 hp). Changes made to the sports model are limited to interior and exterior optical details.

The upgraded Audi A6 will be available in German dealer showrooms as of mid-October 2008. Starting at 34,200 Euros for the A6 2.0 TFSI sedan.

2009 Audi A6 Spotted
Prototypes for Audi's facelifted A6 are now running the streets almost completely free of camouflage. Only a few small areas of black tape to the A6's lighting and a fake chrome strip keep us from seeing the car in its completely finished form. The revised A6 gets a tweaked front fascia with low, flared intakes similar to the Audi's A5 coupe. The small round fog lamps are bogus, as the actual lamps will go all rectangular. A close look at the tail-lights reveals an additional blacked-out portion continues onto the trunk, mimicking the lighting designs applied to Audi's A4 and A5. The thin chrome strip that runs the width of this prototype's tail-end appears to be a fake piece, as it overlaps the tail-lights in an illogical fashion.

The end result for the A6 facelift is a typical mid-cycle facelift, but the changes applied will bring the A6 a bit more in line, visually, with two of Audi's sportier, more nimble offerings.

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: No
Fashion Victims: No
Treehuggers: No
Mack Daddies: Yes
Tuner Crowd: No
Hairdressers: No
Penny Pinchers: No
Euro Snobs: Yes
Working Stiffs: No
Technogeeks: Yes
Poseurs: No
Soccer Moms: No
Nascar Dads: Hell no
Golfing Grandparents: No

Also Consider:
• BMW 5 series
• Lexus GS
• Jaguar XF
• Mercedes E class

Specs:
2007 Audi A6 3.2L Quattro AT6 - $45,100

Options:
•Phantom Black Pearl Effect Paint - $750
•Technology Package - $4000
-Voice recognition
-Advance key/advanced parking system
-Audi DVD-based navigation
-Sirius radio
•Convenience Package - $2750
-Bi-xenon adaptive headlights
-Bose premium sound system
-Auto dim int. mirror with compass
-Auto dim and electric folding ext. mirrors
-Memory for drivers side seat, mirror adjustment and steering wheel
-Homelink remote transmitter
-Storage package
-Power tilt and telescoping wheel
•Adaptive Cruise control - $2000
•Sense of disbelief Audi gave me this car for a week - No cost
•Premium Package - $1450
-Glass sunroof w/ power, tilt, slide
-Heated front seats
•Premium leather upholstery - $1000
•18" alloy wheels w/ all season tires - $900
•Cold weather package - $550
-Heated rear seats
-Ski sack and headlight washers
•Power rear and manual side sunshades - $400
•Audi music interface - $290
•Heated steering wheel - $200
•Destination - $775

Total price as tested - $60,165

Vitals:
• Manufacturer: Audi
• Model tested: A6 3.2L Quattro AT6
• Model year: 2007
• Base Price: $45,100
• Price as Tested: $60,165
• Engine type: 3.2 Liter FSI V6
• Horsepower: 255 @ 6,500 RPM
• Torque: 243 @ 3,250 RPM
• Transmission: 6-speed automated manual
• Curb Weight: 4,034 lbs
• LxWxH: 193.5" x 79.2" x 57.4"
• Wheelbase: 111.9"
• Tires: 245/40 R18
• Drive type: AWD
• 0 - 60 mph: 6.9 seconds
• 1/4-mile: N/A
• Top speed: 130 MPH (electronically limited)
• EPA Fuel economy city/highway: 17/25 MPG
• NHTSA crash test rating: N/A

Previously:

• 2007 Audi A6 3.2L, Part One
• 2007 Audi A6 3.2L, Part Two

Acceleration: ***
In Part One, I said the power from the 3.2L V6 felt faster than its 255HP rating. While that still holds true, the motor is not sweet-ba-jesus fast. It's quick enough off the line to make you smile, but once I got up to cruising speeds, there were times I wanted more power. Trying to pass going up a hill really highlighted this issue. I found myself thinking, "This is a pretty quick car, but how much fun must the 4.2L V8 model be?" Ahhh yes, the grass is always greener. Nevermind the S6, which is just incomprehensible.

Braking: ****
Bringing the A6 to a halt is quick and easy. Under hard braking, the car tracked forward, straight and true, with no lurching to the left or right. During extended periods of...oh, let's say "sporting" driving on my behalf, the brakes were consistent through the whole drive, with no signs of fade.

Ride: ****
Ride doesn't get much better than what you experience in the A6. "Smooth" is the only word you need to know. Though to really throw this car into the corners, you'd probably want a stiffer suspension setup or Audi's optional magnetic suspension. Then again, if you're driving the A6 like a track car, you've bought the wrong car altogether.

Handling: ****
I spent all week trying to get this car to misbehave and I failed. To the engineering teams that tuned the chassis, suspension and the Quattro all-wheel-drive system, I say, "Well done." I also ask, "How the hell did you do that?!" If I turned into the corner too hard, it didn't matter. If I accelerated out of the corner too early, it didn't matter. The front end never plowed, the rear end never broke loose, and the body roll was minimal. This chassis was telling me to attack the corners in anyway I saw fit. It would hold the line.

Gearbox: ***
Audi's triptonic transmission shifts effortlessly, quietly and without drama. It's also not much fun. While the mostly-automatic transmission will let you pick your own gear by moving the shifter over to the +/- gate, the A6's electronic nannies still watch over you to make sure you don't over-rev the motor. If you enjoy playing in the red zone of your tachometer, this car may disappoint you.

Audio: ****
As part of the technology and convenience packages, my A6 included a Bose sound system, coupled with Sirius radio. If I were Barry White, I would describe the sound quality as silky smooth (that word again). A Bang and Olufsen system would probably be the only factory stereo that could top the Bose. However, when the motor makes such a wonderful noise, why would you ever want to listen to music?

Toys: ****
The navigation system is about what you'd expect in a $60,000 luxury car. Unfortunately, entering your destination must be done with the Advanced Multi Media Interface control dial. That means you have to enter your location letter by letter. That process can be a bit cumbersome and time consuming. A touch screen that allowed you to punch in the address would have been a better, quicker option. You can try to speak your location to the car using the voice recognition system, but the computer might not hear you right the first time. Or the third time.

Speaking of Audi's Advanced Multi Media Interface, aside from entering nav destinations, it's really not bad. While this kind of system has gotten a bad name courtesy of BMW's iDrive system, Audi's MMI is really fairly logical. By my second hour in the car, I had the system figured out and the user's guide never left the glove box.

The other cool toy in the A6 is the key. As long as the key is in your pocket, the car will lock when you walk away and unlock when reach for the handle. The proximity switch inside the key also allows you start the car without putting the key in the ignition. Just push the "engine start" button on the center console and the motor comes to life. I'm not completely sure why, but, there is something very cool about an engine start button. Maybe it's that, for a moment, that button makes you feel like Dan Wheldon, the Indy car driver, and not Earl, the tax consultant from Racine.

Value: ***
The A6 I drove was fairly loaded, with a window sticker of $60,165. Is it worth that much? My guess would be no. 60 grand buys you an awfully nice BMW 5 series. A 5'er with a 300hp, turbocharged inline six, no less. That's 45 more horsepower than the A6. Don't get me wrong, the Audi is a great drive. But that window sticker ought to be $3000-5000 farther south.

Overall: ***1/2
Before getting behind the wheel of this A6, I wasn't much of an Audi fan. For the past year or two, one of my friends from college has always been telling me how fantastic Audis drive. I usually scoffed at his praise, for no reason in particular. I suppose it was because Audi's older products had fairly humdrum designs. Nevermind that I'd never actually, you know, driven one.

Well when I'm wrong, I'm wrong

The A6 is quite a nice drive for a larger, luxury sedan. I came away hugely impressed with the interior and handling. On the other hand, the six-cylinder model wasn't quite fast enough, and the overall exterior styling is in need of more Botox than has already been pumped into the face of Burt Reynolds.

In short: good, not great.

Also:

• 2007 Audi A6 3.2L, Part One
• 2007 Audi A6 3.2L, Part Three

The A6 I drove had the 255HP, 3.2-liter V6. Sure, it's the low-end engine, but don't be fooled. It certainly feels like more. Hitting red lights became one of my favorite things to do. It meant I got to blow everyone off the line, repeatedly. It also meant I got to hear the sweet reverberations of the engine as slipped through the gearshifts, repeatedly. Mmm-mmm good.

The power generated by this little V6 can be a little deceiving. You'll be cruising along at what must surely be 50 mph only to look down and see you're going 75 mph. Everyone who rode in the car during the week told me it didn't seem like we were going as fast as we actually were. A lot of that can probably be attributed to how smoothly the motor churns out that 255HP. It almost makes you wonder if your Mobile 1 has been secretly replaced with cream cheese. What's more impressive is that it's smooth through the entire range, not just modest cruising speeds. If 75 mph seems like 50 mph, triple digits feel like...uh, nevermind.

One person in particular was awfully impressed with how suave the power train was. I don't want to get anyone in trouble, but let's just say this passenger was a higher-up at a certain local agency whose mission is to protect and serve. I figured I wouldn't push the car very hard. Then this guy turned to me and said something along the lines of "Well come on man, do it." Oh. Allll-righty then. That was all I needed to put the windows up and drop the hammer down. Within a few seconds, the scenery was flashing by at an alarming rate and the car didn't even seem to be breaking a sweat. In the back of my head, I was secretly hoping we'd get pulled over just to see what would happen when my passenger got out. Assuming anyone could've caught up to us.

Of course, power is useless unless you can direct it. And God, can you ever. One night a neighbor of mine asked if he could take a ride in the Wünderkar. We zipped down a few roads that both of us drive on a fairly regular basis. The speed at which I was able to corner caused his voice to go up an octave or three. That is until he realized the car was handling it with great ease. At the end of the night he told me, "Oh man, I'll never forget that. I've never driven that road like that before. That was like riding in a slot car!"

Press Release:

Abt Sportsline 2007 - press release calendar week 39
The power pack from Kempten: The Abt AS6 3.0 TDI with 300 hp

The newest brilliant invention forthcoming from the Bavarian art of engineering is the 3.0 TDI Diesel with a work performance of 100 hp per liter. A real steam hammer from the engine fitness center of Abt Sportsline. The performance data of the Abt AS6 3.0 TDI are impressing, more than ever in comparison with the serial engine. The power increase amounts to around 20 percent; instead of 233 hp (171 kW), now 300 Diesel horses are available. And they push the car forward with overwhelming power. The maximum torque, getting free at 4000 rpm, is breathtaking 600 Nm. At the same torque, the already powerful serial self-igniting engine gives 450 Nm to the crankshaft. 33 percent torque increase is enough reason that the Abt AS6 3.0 TDI becomes more sporty. The 300 Diesel horses do not only offer a sporty feeling, also the acceleration data correspond to sporty top-class cars. Within 6.9 seconds the AS6 is catapulted to 100 and to a top speed of 249 km/h (serial 242 km/h). This enormous additional performance potential of the Abt V6 TDI is made possible by the new programming of the engine management and by the assembly of the Abt supercharger which is especially adjusted to the engine. As usual for the leading tuner of cars from the Volkswagen group, also this Diesel steam hammer is stable and absolutely suitable for everyday use.

In order that the powerful AS6 3.0 TDI always remains controllable, the team from Abt installed the Abt brake system and this proves to always cope with the additional requirement. And so does the adjustable suspension, perfectly adjusted by the DTM Pro Christian Abt, which optimally brings the power onto the road. Diesel and driving pleasure are finally joining their forces in the A6. Of course, the designers from Kempten also developed a tailor-made suit for the premium sportscar. Abt side skirts create a dynamical line from the elegant but outstanding front with the unobtrusive front spoiler lip to the brawny rear. The broad fenders with the outwards aligned rims are extra emphasized by the Abt rear skirt. Anyway, most road users will only see the Abt AS6 from behind and there an impressive view is offered. With the rear spoiler and the four chromed Abt end-pipes also the car's back view appears optically powerful. Appearance and performance are a good match. As a matter of course, Abt Sportsline also offers suitable wheels and wheel-tyre sets for the AS6 and recommends, e.g., the sports wheel AR20 in the size 9.0 x 20 inch.

Related:
Spy Photos: Audi RS6 Caught Testing On Nürburgring [internal]

From the Set of "The Bourne Ultimatum" [aLive From New York via Fourtitude]

Related:
Audi A 6 Allroad Quattro [internal]

There are a million stories in the naked city. Folks buy an expensive German sedan just as the company launches a new generation. We've seen the symptoms, as jealousy gives way to indignation ("Yuck. They've ruined it!) Secretly, however, there's a longing for smoother lines, radical noses and uprated mechanicals. Now, owners of the previous Audi A6 can give their aging hoopties a modern makeover, courtesy of Racedesign Automotive. The company offers a head-to-foot aero kit that subtly mimics the late-model A6's sleekness and its most distinctive trait — that grille. With products like this, cruising the lease returns may even be fun again. – Mike Spinelli

Face Lift: Racedesign Helps Old A6s Hide Their Age [Edmunds]

Related:
Audi Gives Jalopnik the Keys to an A6 [internal]

Our boy Zerin at Dubspeed sent his man Wes Grueninger off to French Canada to flog the V10-powered angry brothers of the A6 and A8, and came back...well, we're not entirely sure. He had nits and picks about both models, but as if seemed like he liked them and was suitably impressed with the precision of most everything but the brake modulation. Plus, there's an entertaining bit about airborne pomme frittes and an irate Quebecois woman, and we're always suckers for that kind of nonsense. – Davey G. Johnson

Dubspeed Driven First Drive: 2007 Audi S8 & S6 [Dubspeed Driven]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Audi RS4 - He Said Supercar, He Said 'Meh' Edition, Part 1 [Internal]

Audi's new ad slogan should be "Have we mentioned lately how much we rocked LeMans?" The company is launching a special-package A6 powered by a 3.0-liter diesel (sorry, no 650-horsepower TDI V12). The A6 LeMans is based on Audi's S-Line spec, including 19" alloys; a lowered suspension; interior accoutrements like in Volterra leather upholstery and decorative inlays, and special paint schemes. Sure, it's the automotive equivalent of the Franklin Mint's Elvis plates, but if you collect commemorative editions, this one will look great up on a giant credenza in the living room. Only 1000 right-drive models will be built, according to the company.

Related:
Audi Launches New Titanium Package in Chicago [internal]

Why you should buy this car: It's one of the most stylish, fast, and comfortable cars available on the market. And it's got more technology in it than the Space Shuttle.

Why you shouldn't buy this car: The A6 isn't nearly as fun to drive as the performance number or price tag would suggest. Also, for anybody that can't afford a $65,000 car, it's not worth a second mortgage.

Suitability Parameters:
Speed Merchants: Yes
· Fashion Victims: No
· Treehuggers: No
· Mack Daddies: Yes
· Tuner Crowd: No
· Hairdressers: No
· Penny Pinchers: No
· Euro Snobs: Yes
· Working Stiffs: No
· Technogeeks: Yes
· Poseurs: Yes
· Soccer Moms: No
· Nascar Dads: No
· Golfing Grandparents: Yes

Also Consider:
· BMW 550i
· Mercedes-Benz E500
· Infiniti M45

Vitals:
· Manufacturer: Audi
· Model tested: A6 4.2 Quattro
· Model year: 2006
· Base Price: $53,770
· Price as Tested: $64,640
· Engine type: 4.2-liter DOHC 40-valve V-8
· Horsepower: 335 hp @ 6600 rpm
· Torque: 310 ft.-lbs. @ 3500 rpm
· Transmission: 6-speed manumatic
· Curb Weight: 4145 lbs
· LxWxH: 193.5 x 79.2 x 57.4 in
· Wheelbase: 111.9 in
· Tires: P245/40R18 Continental ContiProContact
· Drive type: all-wheel-drive
· 0 - 60 mph: 6.0 sec.
· 1/4-mile: 14.5 sec. @ 98 mph
· Fuel economy city/highway: 17 / 23
· NHTSA crash test rating: not tested

[by Mike Austin]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro, Part 1; Part 2 [internal]

Exterior Design: *****
Consider the competition: Mercedes-Benz E-Class (too old), BMW 5-Series (too ugly), and Lexus GS (too boring). It's not hard for the A6 to be the best looking car in its segment, but it goes a step further and is just plain good looking. Not an easy feat for a large sedan.

Acceleration: ****
We live in a world where 335 horsepower is not that shocking any more, which means it's a great time to be alive. And taking off in the A6 4.2 is a great place to be alive, but it's lacking the kick-in-the-pants torque or audible engine howl that should go along with such terrific power.

Braking ****
Good initial bite with solid pedal feel. Very little fade. This category brought to you by Consumer Reports a leading consumer magazine.

Ride ***
Too stiff to be comfortable, but too soft to be sporty. And the suspension is just plain bad over rough surfaces from 30-50 mph. I suppose it would be great if you live in Germany or California, but anywhere the road isn't perfectly smooth the A6 makes you wonder out loud "shouldn't they have done a better job on this?"

Handling ***
To quote the late Douglas Adams, "Looks like a fish, moves like a fish, steers like a cow." It's as if, Audi engineers arrived at steering feel on par with the Lexus GS and just quit working on it right there.

Gearbox ****
Six speeds of smoothness, plus sport mode and a choose-your-own-adventure manumatic mode.

Audio/Video ****
The Bose surround sound system and the seven-inch navigation screen make it easy to forget about driving, which is bad but still a testament to the level of entertainment. Too bad the CD changer is over in the glove box instead of integrated into the center console.

Toys ****
All it's missing is a power trunk (I miss you, Passat Wagon). Okay, and cooled and massaging seats. But the keyless ignition — and keyless entry for that matter - is a luxury that's all too easy to get used to. And the A6 has voice recognition and Bluetooth.

Trunk ****
The short decklid is deceptive, because this trunk is huge. Unfortunately the short decklid also means that the trunk opening is not analogous to Julia Roberts' mouth.

Value **
You are not buying this car for value, there are other A6 models for that. You are buying it because you want people to know that you have lots of money. Value is for suckers when you can drop this much cash on a ride. Just keep telling yourself that and you'll be fine.

Overall ****
This is a very generous four stars, if only because any car this fast and this comfortable is still pretty awesome. But when you consider the price, and that both the BMW 5-series and Mercedes-Benz E-class drive better, the A6 doesn't sparkle quite so brightly.

[by Mike Austin]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro, Part 1, Part 3 [internal]

The Audi A6 4.2 is a lot like a Michael Bay movie. Bear with me. It's got all the gizmos and gadgetry to make your wildest dreams come true, all centered around a 335-hp V8. Plus, it looks good (more on that later). The A6 4.2 is the automotive equivalent of the summer blockbuster because despite the big stars, jaw-dropping special effects and explosions, it still feels like something is missing, like a plot. Sadly, this analogy still holds true, because underneath all its gadgetry the A6 4.2 is flawed.

But, to really pound this analogy into the ground, neither Michael Bay movies nor the Audi A6 4.2 are bad. They both have plenty to offer, and you cannot be faulted for owning one. Still, Bad Boys II is hardly The French Connection in the same way that the A6 is no E39 (1996-2003) 5-series. It's not exactly a fair comparison, but the point is that sometimes the underlying substance is more important than any amount of gee-whiz gimmickry.

There is plenty about the A6 to praise. First, it's a sharp looking car. I received more complements on the looks of the A6 than any other car I've driven in the last month. It has a very cab-backward look, where the long, flat hood is given more visual length by the fast profile of the roof and the short trunk deck. It's almost a two-box shape. At any rate it's a different take on large-sedan styling, and it works.

Inside the A6 is almost every electronic toy you could dream of. The keyless ignition system is par excellence, if only because you (or your mom, in our case) can ignore it and use a standard key to start the car. But that's just the beginning. The A6 also has smart cruise control, voice recognition, power rear sunshade, and the all-singing-and-dancing MMI interface, which controls the radio and navigation system. There are far too many buttons for a something that's supposed to simplify things for the driver, but it works well and without any delay in input. Yes, it's better than the iDrive, but so is a razor-blade-and-thumb-tack sandwich. Cheap shot? Maybe. True? You betcha.

The A6 4.2 is supremely comfortable, and it cruises at triple-digit speeds with an ease that borders on hilarity. And it arrives at such speeds in a hurry, although without the audible excitement suggested by the V8 at lower speeds. It's just too quiet sometimes, which comes across as a mixed message. The 4.2 is the second-sportiest of A6 models, slotted right below the Gallardo-V10-powered S6. And in that role, should the A6 be a poor man's S6, or more of an executive highway rocket? In truth, it is neither, because the suspension is stiff enough to suggest a level of schportiness that is not supported when it's actually pushed. And the ride on Michigan's third-world roadways is just too damn harsh.

Remember that scene in the The Island where Ewan MacGreagor - no, wait I didn't see The Island either. And until another free one winds up in my driveway, I won't be seeing an A6 4.2 Quattro, even if I could afford it. [by Mike Austin]

Related:
Jalopnik Reviews: 2006 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro, Part 2, Part 3 [internal]

Related:
Allroads Lead to Geneva: Audi Causes the Worst Jalopnik Headline Ever [internal]

GM's Saab and VW's Audi announced prices of two wagons, albiet in different price ranges, the 2006 9-3 SportCombi five-door and 2006 Audi A6 Avant. The Saab, introduced at this year's Geneva auto show, will start at $27,620 for the base model — including a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine — and $33,620 for the turbocharged Aero version — powered by a 250hp 2.8-liter turbo V6. The Audi wagon — powered by the standard 3.2 FSI V6 — will be priced at $47,590 (includes $720 destination charge). What do these two models have in common? Just extra room for the kids to elbow each other into a mottled catalog of hematomas.

Optional equipment on the A6 can add several thousands to the sticker price, with add-ons including a power tailgate for $450, adaptive air suspension for $2,300, adaptive cruise control for $2,100, heated steering wheel for $200, and manual rear and side window sunshades for $250.

For the Saab, it's ikely the the course of GM's new value pricing strategy that the company announced it was cutting prices the entire 2006 9-3 line, with the starting price of a 2006 9-3 2.0T sport sedan down $950 since 2005 to $26,620 and the 9-3 2.0T convertible is down $600 to $37,220.

Related:
Geneva Premiere: Saab 9-3 Combi; Cadillac, Saab to Get New Sport Wagons [internal]