Audi Quattro

Audi Quattro

Audi completely redesigned the A6 for the 2012 model year with an emphasis on technology. And not simply the infotainment type, though with an 8-inch screen, advanced MMI and cellular Wi-Fi connecting you to things like Google maps, the new A6 certainly ticks that box. No, for the 2012 A6, Audi focused on building a lighter, more efficient sedan. That started by (thankfully) not increasing the size of the A6 -- which was already one of the largest vehicles in the class. So Audi increased the wheelbase and lowered the car and at the same time, employed greater use of aluminum to lighten the whole package by 176 pounds. That's a trend we can get behind.

And while Audi still isn't keen on offering a V8 for this A6, it has tweaked the supercharged 3.0-liter V6 to 310 horsepower @ 5,500-6,500 rpm and 325 lb-ft of torque from 2,900-4,500 rpm. If these stats sound familiar. it's because this is the same engine that's sitting in the 2012 Audi A7 which you should be familiar with as the sporty hatchback sibling of the Audi A6.

Specifications:
Drive Type: Longitudinal, front-engine, all-wheel drive
Transmission Type: Eight-speed automatic
Displacement (cc/cu-in): 2,995/183
Redline (rpm): 6,450
Horsepower (hp @ rpm): 310 @ 5,500-6,500
Torque (lb-ft @ rpm): 325 @ 2,900-4,500
Steering System: Electronic Assist, speed-sensitive power rack-and-pinion
Suspension Type (front): Independent multilink, coil springs, antiroll bar
Suspension Type (rear): Independent multilink, coil springs
Tire Size (front): 255/40R19
Tire Size (rear): 255/40R19
Tire Brand: Pirelli
Tire Model: P Zero
Tire Type: Summer performance
Brakes front: 14-inch ventilated discs with 2-piston sliding calipers
Brakes 13 in ventilated discs with single-piston sliding calipers
As tested Curb Weight (lb): 4,175