2012 Audi A6 Avant gets less weight, more power

Audi has dropped the details of the 2012 A6 Avant wagon, and the numbers are enticing. Unfortunately, it won't be coming here for the foreseeable future, Audi of America says.

Lightness is one of the keys for the new model. Aluminum components make up 20 percent of the body, and weight was reduced by more than 150 pounds from the previous model. Fuel mileage will get better, sprints will get quicker and stops will be sharper.

Six engines will be offered in Europe, including four diesel and two gasoline powertrains. Output will range from 177 hp in the 2.0-liter TDI to 313 hp in the 3.0-liter twin-turbo diesel unit. The top engine will scoot the 2012 A6 Avant from 0 to 60 mph in 5.4 seconds.

Transmission choices for Europe include a six-speed manual, a CVT, a seven-speed S-tronic or an eight-speed automatic.

Front-wheel-drive versions are offered with a limited-slip differential, or you can opt for the quattro all-wheel-drive system. The front suspension has a five-link construction while the rear will have a trapezoidal setup. Aluminum control arms help cut weight.

Technology will be another big draw to the A6 Avant. First, it will be a rolling Wi-Fi hotspot. In Europe, it will work with T-Mobile's network to provide full Internet access for about $30 per month. That comes with a six-month free trial period. The A6 Avant follows the A8 in Europe and the A7 in the United States as Internet-ready vehicles.

The A6 will also get a 360-degree parking view with four small cameras that show all sides of the car. That will not be available at launch but will come a bit later.

All 2012 A6 Avant models get the Audi Drive Select system, which changes among comfort, auto, dynamic and individual driving styles. It also has an efficiency mode for maximum mileage.

Audi set the price of the 2012 A6 Avant at 40,850 euros, which is $58,297 at current exchange rates.

As with the TT-RS, if you ask for the A6 Avant, it will come.

View the full Audi press release below.

A new edition of a proven winner – The new Audi A6 Avant

Audi is launching the next generation of the A6 Avant, the most successful business-class station wagon in Europe. The new model presents the brand's full array of progressive technological expertise. Its lightweight body, large portions of which are made of aluminum, sets new standards, as does the wide selection of assistance and multimedia systems. The keyword for the latter is Audi connect. The new Audi A6 Avant is available with a choice of six engines: two gasoline engines and four diesel units. Fuel consumption has been reduced by as much as 18 percent compared with the previous model. Topping the engine lineup is the new 3.0 TDI with twin-turbo technology and 230 kW (313 hp). Audi also offers numerous high-end options for the drivetrain and the chassis. The luggage compartment has a capacity of up to 1,680 liters (59.33 cu ft) and offers a number of elegant features, including a power rear hatch that opens in response to a sensor signal.

The new Audi A6 Avant – Progressive technological expertise

Audi is once again leading the way, with the new A6 Avant the trendsetter in the business class. With its lightweight body and many additional innovations, the seventh-generation A6 Avant is intended to write another chapter in the model series' history of success.

Measuring 4.93 meters (16.17 ft) in length, the Audi A6 Avant makes a very agile first impression. Its proportions are sporty, and the low roof line flows into flat D-pillars. Audi offers LED headlights and rear lights as a visually and technically fascinating option.

The new Avant sets standards with its low weight. With aluminum components comprising roughly 20 percent of the body, Audi – the global pioneer in lightweight construction – has raised the bar once again. Gross weight has been reduced by as much as 70 kilograms (154.32 lb) compared with the previous model. The A6 Avant 2.0 TDI, for example, has a curb weight of just 1,640 kilograms (3,615.58 lb).

The luggage compartment has a capacity of 565 liters (19.95 cu ft), which can be increased to 1,680 liters (59.33 cu ft) by folding down the rear seat backs. Audi offers its customers numerous elegant features as options. Topping the list is a gesture-controlled, automatic rear hatch. Through the combination of the power luggage compartment hatch and the convenience key, a particular movement pattern below the rear bumper activates the system and the hatch opens automatically.

Audi offers a choice of six engines featuring direct fuel injection for the new A6 Avant: two gasoline engines and four TDI units. They develop between 130 kW (177 hp) and 230 kW (313 hp). This ample power is combined with groundbreaking efficiency. The 2.0 TDI consumes an average of just 5.0 liters of fuel per 100 km (47.04 US mpg).

All of the engines utilize the technologies from the Audi modular efficiency platform, which have helped to reduce fuel consumption by as much as 18 percent.

Depending on the engine, the new A6 Avant rolls off the assembly line with either a six-speed manual, the sporty seven-speed S tronic, the continuously variable multitronic or the convenient eight-speed tiptronic. In addition to front-wheel drive, the latest development stage of quattro permanent all-wheel drive is available as an option. The optional sport differential flexibly distributes the power between the rear wheels.

The chassis is also very sophisticated and combines sporty dynamics with excellent comfort. The Audi drive select driving dynamics system comes standard, and the new electromechanical power steering is extremely efficient. In the front-wheel-drive variants, the ESP electronic stabilization program featuring an electronic limited slip differential make the car's handling even more precise. Options include the adaptive air suspension and dynamic steering, with the latter becoming available somewhat later.

The interior of the new A6 Avant treats its occupants with a sleek and clear design, uncompromising workmanship, generous appointments and exemplary ergonomics. Among the high-end options are a head-up display, adaptive light with variable headlight range control, front seats with ventilation and massage function, and numerous infotainment components.

Topping the range of infotainment options are the hard drive-based navigation system MMI navigation plus and the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System.

Audi connect, a fully fledged Internet connection, also places the new Audi A6 Avant at the head of the pack. In collaboration with Google, it brings special online services to the car, including voice-controlled points of interest (POI) search. A Wi-Fi hotspot allows passengers to surf and email freely while on the road. The Audi online traffic information service informs the driver in real time about how heavy traffic is on the selected route.

The new A6 Avant can be equipped with all of the brand's assistance and safety systems for even more composed driving. Some systems work closely together with MMI navigation plus, further enhancing their capabilities. A new feature in the Audi lineup, the parking system plus with 360

By Jake Lingeman