Audi has announced the new A6, and it has a host of upgrades that improve power, efficiency, safety and make it look better. No official word on it yet, but it may make its way to India sometime next year.
The single-frame grille, 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.
At 4.93 meters long, 1.86 meters wide, and 1.46 meters 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 make up the revamped rear end. The rear lights have also gotten a new look, and are LEDs. There are 13 exterior colors to choose from, including five new ones.
The insides remain as functional as before: the standard seats can be optionally upholstered with a new material; the sport seats are available in Valcona leather. As an option, the rear seats can be fitted with a comfortable 2-seater bench.
Fuel consumption over the whole A6 family has been lowered by about 15 percent with the help of innovative technologies. The power steering pump operates on demand; the alternator regenerates electrical energy when coasting thereby reducing the load on the engine. By lowering the ride height by 20 millimeters and other aerodynamic fine-tuning, the drag coefficient has been reduced to 0.28.
The transmission can be used longer in the upper two gears. Any manual-shift A6 with Driver Information System can opt to have the shift indicator displayed in the instrument panel. This icon lets the driver know which gear is most economical under the current circumstances.
Audi A6 models can be equipped with one of its two new 2.8 liter FSI engines; the 190bhp or the 220bhp. 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. The 3.0 TFSI is fitted with a supercharger and possesses a tiptronic and quattro 
drivetrain. This A6 accelerates from 0 to 100kph in 5.9 seconds and keeps going on to its electronically-regulated maximum speed of 250kph.
The A6 TDI engines have now switched to common-rail direct injection with rapid-action piezo injectors and an injection pressure of 1800 bar The two V6 TDI engines - 2.7 TDI with 190bhp and 3.0 TDI with 240bhp - have peak torques of 38.8kgm and 45.9kgm, respectively.
The A6 can be equipped with factory-fitted adaptive air suspension so that the driver can vary the response and characteristics of the adaptive shock absorbers and choose from three styles. It 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 should there be a drop in air pressure.
Audi has integrated several new assistance systems into the A6. The new Audi side assist kicks in to help drivers when changing lanes at speeds over 30kph, ensuring a stress-free and superior drive. Using radar sensors, Audi Side Assist is able to detect other cars up to 50 meters 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.
The A6 comes equipped with the latest MMI generation, including the top-of-the-line MMI Navigation plus. The new joystick capping the control knob means the MMI Navigation plus can be operated even more intuitively. 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 upgraded Audi A6 will be available in German dealer showrooms as of mid-October 2008.
