Audi looks set to deliver on its promise of A7 looks for the forthcoming next-generation A6, judging from the first spy images of its 5-series rival.
The relatively light disguise on this test car, spied racking up development miles in Germany, shows that the A7’s front end treatment is being transferred to its more conventional sibling.
See the spy pics of the next generation Audi A6
The body graphics can’t hide the fact that the headlights are extremely slim towards the centre and widen towards the wings. And the central bar of cladding that splits the front grille is likely to disappear, giving the A6 a one-piece aperture similar to the A7’s.
Expect a more conventional set-up at the rear, though. Audi wants the A7’s tail-light treatment to be one of its stand-out features, so the A6 is more likely to follow the A8’s lead on their design.
Read Autocar's full road test of the new Audi A8
Inside, the A6’s cabin is said to follow the feel of the four-door coupé’s — the two models will share more materials than the A7 does with the A8 — but feature a more traditional, less sporting dashboard architecture than that of its recently launched stablemate.
The A6 will also get a bench rear seat to allow it to cope with five occupants, instead of the A7’s strict four-seat layout. Legroom is likely to be the same, though, since the cars sit on the same chassis, a version of Audi’s MLP platform.
Full story on the new Audi A7, as well as exclusive studio pics
Engines will range from 2.0-litre petrol and turbodiesel units to a supercharged 3.0-litre petrol. Transmission options will include a seven-speed dual-clutch set-up and the eight-speed automatic introduced on the latest A8.
Due to make its public debut at the 2011 Geneva motor show, the A6 will be the third model in Audi’s ‘big car’ line-up to get the new styling language introduced on the A8 and subsequently modified for the A7.
The A4 is likely to follow suit, and by 2014 the A8 will get a mid-life facelift that will take the car through to an all-new generation in 2018.
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Re: New Audi A6 uncovered
We have, no problem ;-) That was posted before our other posts.
Works for me ;-)
Re: New Audi A6 uncovered
I have only just read your reply today and I hope we've moved on from here with discussions on another thread about the purchase of your new A3.
I am disappointed being honest that you've had a pop back at me and feel I am "attacking others" as that sounds a bit too aggressive to me, and I haven't called other posters on here ignorant. I did say that I struggle with particular types of people generally buying Audi's based on image and status alone. I will also temper that with saying I have calmed my views on Audi and attitude towards them, and you'll be pleased to hear that's after hearing your thoughts.
I just struggle with the "it crowd" buyers but I have cooled all the animosity down massively. I did see one yesterday - a woman in her late twenties, orange as, well, an orange, dyed black hair, massive fake nails and driving a white S3 Sportback with black wheels. Could be funded by a Northern dealer, could be bought outright through honest means, could be leased. Who cares. People like that can annoy me but I've let it go, I just have a little inner smile and that's it.
So what I am really saying here is thank you Lee for helping me to see things from another perspective - I was angry and now I am not. And if we could not lay into each other that would also be good! ;-)
Re: New Audi A6 uncovered
I wasn't born when WW1 and WW2 were going on but I could tell you a bit about it and reckon young people then had a hard time of it!
Seriously Moe, don't feel you have to defend young people all the time and please don't suggest that you represent them (us- I'm young). Maybe you'll deny this but it's an impression I get when reading some of your posts. Plus your comments about you being a 'poor young Asian lad' doing better than the 'white little rich kids' wasn't required. I don't give a stuff if you're Asian or not, your posts are often hard to read!!
Back to the Audi A6. It will undoubtedly be a success and in isolation it'll be an attractive car.
However, I agree with the comments around Audi being a fashionable brand at present. In order to turn that into a long term success and keep the branding high-end, the cars need to be innovative and imho have greater differences between the models.
Off hand I can't think of a USP or innovations. The engines aren't ground-breaking to the extent of BMW, or new clever safety features etc.
My prediction is Audi will continue to sell well but I think the brand value will detoriate and find themselves competing against Volvo or VW and not BMW/Mercs that it currently still is.