Audi Recalls A6, RS6 and S6 for Fire Risk

Audi A6

Audi A6

Audi A6

Audi A6

Volkswagen is recalling 5,992 2001-'04 Audi A6, 2003 Audi RS6 and 2002-'03 Audi S6 models because a fuel system flaw could lead to a vehicle fire, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

"The aging of the plastic material in the fuel tank rollover valve combined with bending stress from the aluminum ventilation line to the rollover valve nipple may lead to cracking of the nipple," said NHTSA in its recalls summary of the problem. "If this happens, a fuel leak may result. A fuel leak in the presence of an ignition source could lead to a vehicle fire."

The recall is expected to begin in June. Owners can contact Audi at 1-800-822-2834.

2013 Audi A6

2013 Audi A6

2013 Audi A6

2013 Audi A6

Audi 2013 A6 will be a bigger car than the current one. Like the latest A4, it will contain its weight with some aluminum exterior panels. High-tech drivetrains will enhance the mass reduction to improve economy and performance. And it will come with a raft of standard and optional driver aids.
The car’s core body is steel, and it shares this with the newly announced A7. It will ride on a 115-inch wheelbase, some three inches longer than the current model’s, but still two inches short of the new BMW 5 Series’. The sedan arrives in Europe in 2011 and, less than a year later, in the U.S. as a ’13 model.

Audi officials believe their 200-horsepower four-cylinder engine, with gas injection, variable valve lift. and turbocharger, is a fit replacement in performance and economy for a small V-6. They realize this might meet resistance from U.S. buyers, so the entry engine is likely to be a 201-horsepower, 2.8-liter V-6, again with variable valve lift and direct injection. Next, a 300-horse 3.0T supercharged unit and finally a 372-horse V-8, again with variable valve lift and direct injection.
FWD V-6 models, not planned for North America, come with a continuously variable transmission, while quattro models get a seven-speed dual-clutch S-Tronic.

At the end of 2012, possibly before the main U.S. introduction, Audi will announce a hybrid using a 3.0-liter supercharged engine and eight-speed autobox. The existence of this car makes the 225-horsepower clean-diesel model less likely for the U.S.
Steel is, Audi admits, a cost-saving measure, but aluminum is used for door panels, as well as such underskin parts as the cast front strut towers. These replace several small steel pressings, justifying themselves on grounds of cost, weight, and strength.
The suspension systems share fundamentals with the other cars on Audi’s MLB components system: the A8, A4, Q5, and new A7. This means a better weight distribution than on the current car because the front suspension is mounted farther forward relative to the engine. Aluminum control arms help cut unspring weight.

2012 Audi A6

2012 Audi A6

2012 Audi A6

2012 Audi A6

2012 Audi A6

2012 Audi A6

2012 Audi A6

Audi has unveiled its mid-range 2012 A6 sedan, and as we learned from advanced photos, it follows closely in the mold of its big brother, the A8. As the range-topping sedan is a pretty piece, that's not a bad thing, but Audi seems to be channeling BMW's old "One sausage, three sizes" design mantra of decades ago. In this case, that means a massive single-frame grille, available LED headlamps (as shown), and a relatively simple and unadorned profile that lends the A6 a premium look that will likely wear well over the years.

The new A6 will be available globally with two gas engines and three TDI diesel powerplants, as well as a front-wheel drive-only hybrid model. The most powerful gasoline-fed model will be the 3.0-liter TFSI Quattro, packing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, routed through a seven-speed S tronic automatic.

No word yet on U.S. availability or pricing, but we'll have more news on the hybrid model shortly, so stay tuned. While you're waiting, check out our high-res gallery below and the official press release after the jump.

Audi A6

Audi A6

Audi A6

Audi A6

INTRODUCTION:
An intelligent combination of materials renders the body unusually light; operation is easy, despite a wealth of functionality; and the range of assistance and multimedia systems is extensive. The new A6 series starts with five powerplants generating between 130 kW (177 hp) and 220 kW (300 hp) of output: two gasoline engines and three TDI units. The Audi A6 hybrid will follow at a later date; it combines the power of a large V6 with the fuel efficiency of a four-cylinder unit. A number of drivetrain options are also available. The Audi drive select dynamic handling system for all TFSI and TDI versions has been expanded to include an additional mode – the 'efficiency' program.

DESIGN:
Much of the body of the new Audi A6 consists of aluminum and high-tech steels, rendering it exceedingly light, stiff and safe. State-of-the art design methods and materials ensure extremely low interior noise levels. Precision tuning of all components and systematic hydraulic damping in the axle and drivetrain bearings provide excellent vibrational comfort.Audi A6 embodies athleticism and elegance. The sedan is 4.92 meters (16.14 ft) long and 1.87 meters (6.14 ft) wide, but just 1.46 meters (4.79 ft) high – sporty proportions that are unrivaled by the competition. The long engine hood, the low, sweeping roofline and the prominent lines on the flanks create a dynamic overall appearance. Optional LED headlights emphasize the striking expression at the front.

SPECIFICATION:
The most powerful unit in the range is the 2.0 TDI. In conjunction with a manual transmission, it requires on average just 4.9 liters of fuel per 100 km (48.00 ÚS mpg) and emits just 129 g CO2 per km (207.61 g/mile). The A6 hybrid will be available from Audi at a later date. Serving up 180 kW (245 hp) of system performance, its 2.0 TFSI plus electric motor will achieve efficient and sporty acceleration with an average fuel consumption of only 6.2 liters per 100 km (37.94 ÚS mpg) (provisional figure).Depending on the engine version, power is funneled via the gears to the front wheels or to the quattro permanent all-wheel drive, whose crown-gear center differential and torque-vectoring function achieve the ultimate traction, stability and dynamic response. For the top-of-the-line engines, Audi will offer an optional sport differential.

Body

• Light, extremely stiff body, with a significant proportion of aluminum and high-strength steel

• 4.92 meters (16.14 ft) long, 2.91-meter (9.55 ft) wheelbase, 530-liter (18.72 cubic ft) trunk capacity

• Optional xenon plus and LED headlights with LED tail lights, as well as adaptive light with headlight range control

Interior
• Spacious interior offering an ambiance of luxury

• Standard MMI radio operating system, engine start-stop button, multifunction §teering wheel, two screens, and high-efficiency two-zone automatic air conditioning system

• Head-up display and ambient lighting available as options

• Optional front seats with ventilation and massage function