After a new fitting for 2009, the Audi A6 is spiffed up in subtle but significant ways. For the first time since the powerful Auto Union speedsters of the 1930s, the 2009 Audi A6 makes haste with the aid of a supercharger. It’s the new character under the A6 hood that gives this sedan executive clout.
Yes, the 2009 Audi A6 sports new threads, but the look is still buttoned down and conservative with powerful overtones. The A6 gets new front and rear lighting and a redesigned front bumper and grille for the new model year. The cabin has had interior accent upgrades. The A6 also gets an upgraded suspension and a new optional blind spot detection system.
For 2009, however, the A6 receives a promotion in the engine department, and the supercharged TFSI V6 is a beauty! It gives the ’09 A6 a responsive power band that motivates with effortless efficiency. The blower helps this engine put out 300 hp from 4,850 rpm to 6,800 rpm, and a potent 310 lb/ft of torque from 2,500 to 4,850 rpm. Audi says the supercharged A6 will accelerate from zero-to-60 in 5.9 seconds carrying on to an electronically limited top speed of 130 mph.
Supercharging is having a bit of a renaissance these days. It makes sense for a luxury sedan since the power comes on with linear urgency as opposed to the more visceral force of a turbocharged mill. The A6 uses a Roots-type blower placed between the V6 cylinder banks, taking the place of the intake manifold. Two contra-rotating, four-vane shafts turn at up to 23,000 rpm delivering maximum boost of 11.5 psi. Twin water-to-air intercoolers keep the combustion air cool and dense. Supercharging is the perfect partner for Audi’s direct injection technology since direct injection frees up space for the ideal placement of the supercharger. Because of the supercharger’s perch just above the cylinders, the intake ducts are short, which makes for excellent throttle response.
The 2009 Audi A6 is available as a Sedan or Avant wagon in several variants. The A6 3.2 Premium has front-wheel drive, a 255-hp 3.2-liter V6 engine and a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT). All other A6 versions have Audi's quattro all-wheel drive and a six-speed automatic transmission. It's a responsive gearbox, especially in Sport mode, where it delivers swift kickdown and smooth upshifts. There's a manual mode for clutchless shifting, and the Prestige trim gets steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.
New for 2009 is the 3.0T quattro, offered as a sedan or wagon with power from the new supercharged 3.0-liter V6. Step up to the 4.2 quattro sedan amd get a 350-hp 4.2-liter V8. Next up the line is the sporty S6 sedan with its 435-hp 5.2-liter V10. The Avant model comes only with the 3.0-liter engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive. The latest version of quattro sends 60 percent of torque to the rear wheels in normal driving. This creates a more balanced feel usually associated with rear-wheel drive cars.
With the A6, you can have your power and efficiency, too. Audi says the 2009 A6 3.0T quattro has the best fuel economy of any midsized luxury sedan sold in the U.S. featuring all-wheel drive. Because of its energy-recuperating alternator and efficiency-optimized gear ratios, the new 3.0T quattro gets an estimated 18 mpg in city and 26 mpg highway.
The luxurious interior of the Audi A6 features a driver-oriented design with wood trim and aluminum accents. Standard leather seating and a new, more intuitive Multi Media Interface (MMI) provide a command experience for drivers. New instrument cluster graphics and new Engine Start/Engine Stop buttons emphasize a new performance element of the A6 personality.
To make it simpler, the 2009 A6 offers three equipment levels – Premium, Premium Plus and Prestige. The features demanded by many luxury car buyers have been neatly packaged. The new A6 includes these standard features: a sunroof, Bluetooth, HomeLink, heated front seats on quattro models, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Audi music interface with iPod connectivity.
Premium trims get 17-inch alloy wheels while Premium Plus and Prestige editions add 18-inchers, and the S-line Sport Package includes 19-inch wheels. New LED daytime running lamps similar to those offered on the A4 and Audi's R8 supercar add a cool Audi touch to some trims. They illuminate when you unlock the car at night, which suits the car's businesslike leanings. On most trims, you push a button on the key fob to unlock the doors; the Prestige includes keyless access (with a remote that stays in your pocket) and push-button ignition.
Audi's safety components are exemplary with front airbags, side-impact airbags for the front seats and side-curtain airbags that cover the side windows front and rear. Additional standard safety is provided by antilock brakes and an electronic stability system with traction control on both front-wheel and all-wheel drive models.
The new optional blind spot detection activates a light on the sideview mirror if a car occupies the blind spot, and an available lane departure warning system vibrates the steering wheel if you drift out of your lane.
The 2009 Audi A6 family offers a broad range of models to suit everyone from the executive commuter to the family on the move. It offers an attractive blend of luxury, technology and performance that places it atop the wish lists of discerning car shoppers. Please give us a call to arrange a personal introduction to the 2009 Audi A6 and an opportunity to take it for a spin.
