A major new model in the compact class also means that the Audi A3 Sportback is consciously striking out along a new path of its own defining. It offers the emphatically sporty qualities and the athleticism of the three-door version with which it shares its drive train, dynamic suspension and wheelbase. At the same time – as well as two rear doors – it offers even more space and variability thanks to the fact that its body is a total of 83 millimetres longer than that of its three-door counterpart.

370 litres (1,120 litres with the rear seat back folded down) of space are available in the luggage compartment for transporting all kinds of sports and leisure equipment and anything else the family might need: even two golf bags can be stowed sideways in the luggage compartment. The asymmetrically folding rear seat back, a standard feature, and the optional luggage compartment and storage packages provide plentiful scope for using this space precisely according to the personal requirements of every driver.

Even when glanced fleetingly in the rear-view mirror, the A3 Sportback is unmistakable: its front end is dominated by the striking single-frame grille. The marked tapering of the sides and the dynamic shape of the clear-glass headlights give the face of the car that self-confident and thoroughly forceful character for which Audi is famous.

The falling line of the silhouette towards the rear of the A3 Sportback, reminiscent of a coupé, picks up on the styling of its three-door counterpart. The roof arching gently to the rear binds the redesigned tail end neatly into the dynamic, road-oriented overall proportions.

As well as the expansive additional rear door, the third side window is a characteristic feature of the new side view. This is where the lower and upper horizontal lines draw closer together, accentuating the coupé-like proportions.

The optional roof rails, both subtle and striking, accentuate the styling highly effectively.

The new Audi generation of steering wheels is being introduced into the interior of the compact class for the first time with the Sportback. These three-spoke and four-spoke steering wheels can be identified by their trapezoidal central element, the lines of which allude to the design of the single-frame grille.

The attractive appearance of the interior surfaces and of each individual detail is the result of select material quality and a perfect finish of the highest standard. This high standard by no means benefits the passengers alone, but is also reflected in the quality appearance of the luggage compartment.

The occupants benefit not only from the excellent interior quality that is typical of the Audi A3, but also from substantially more space. The tail end, 68 millimetres longer than on the three-door version, results in both more leg room and more headroom. The wide opening angle of the rear doors and the outstanding amount of leg room for a car in the compact class make access to the rear compartment a straightforward affair.

A basic comparison with the previous five-door A3 highlights the fact that the 65 millimetre longer wheelbase is translated almost in entirety into extra interior length (+55 millimetres). And the greater width of the car (+30 millimetres) results in a significant improvement in interior comfort.

Compared with the previous five-door A3, the rear passengers in particular benefit from substantially more knee room (+40 millimetres) in the Sportback. And both rows of seats enjoy significantly more shoulder room (rear +29, front +35 millimetres).

Engines and transmissions

A six-cylinder engine, FSI petrol direct injection versions, the world's only turbocharged FSI and high-torque TDI engines with high-pressure pump-injector fuel injection, Direct Shift Gearbox DSG with twin clutch, 5-speed and 6-speed manual gearboxes, an innovative 6-speed tiptronic automatic transmission and quattro permanent four-wheel drive:

Offering a wide range of choice but dedicated throughout to sporting performance – this philosophy characterises the range of engines and transmissions offered for the Audi A3 Sportback at launch. All engines have a further quality in common: they all undercut the limit values laid down in the EU4 standard.

A new, extremely dynamic representative of the FSI engine family is celebrating its world premiere in the A3 Sportback: the 2.0 TFSI, a four-cylinder engine with turbocharger and intercooler, delivers 147 kW (200 bhp). Its tremendous torque of 280 Nm is available across a wide speed range from 1,800 to 5,000 rpm. A peak value that is emulated by the existing Audi S3, but is reached significantly sooner. This new engine is also the first production unit worldwide to combine FSI petrol direct injection with a turbocharger. This technology – which is also used in the Le Mans winner, the Audi R8 – permits a unique blend of free-revving, high performance and impressive efficiency.

The range of engines at a glance:

3.2 six-cylinder engine developing 184 kW (250 bhp), 320 Nm
2.0 TFSI developing 147 kW (200 bhp), 280 Nm (new)
2.0 FSI developing 110 kW (150 bhp), 200 Nm
1.6 FSI developing 85 kW (115 bhp), 155 Nm
1.6 developing 75 kW (102 bhp), 148 Nm
2.0 TDI developing 103 kW (140 bhp), 320 Nm
1.9 TDI developing 77 kW (105 bhp), 250 Nm

Depending on the chosen engine, a 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox is fitted as standard.

The sporty Direct Shift Gearbox DSG is a unique alternative. This pioneering form of power transmission – inspired by motor racing technology – permits lightning-fast gear changes with uninterrupted traction thanks to its electro-hydraulically controlled twin clutch, and thus sheer driving pleasure in true sports car style.

The DSG combines the advantages of a conventional 6-speed manual gearbox with the qualities of a modern automatic transmission, thus providing a drive concept superior in every respect. The driver benefits from supreme agility and driving pleasure combined with dynamic and harmonious acceleration without interrupting the flow of power from the engine. The DSG can be ordered for the most powerful versions of the A3 Sportback: the 3.2 quattro, the 2.0 TFSI and the 2.0 TDI.

The innovative 6-speed tiptronic is available as an option for the A3 Sportback 2.0 FSI and the 1.6.

Still with no equivalent in the premium compact class: quattro permanent four-wheel drive, which converts even the power developed by the highest-performance versions of the new A3 Sportback ideally into traction and forward motion. At the same time quattro thus provides a basis for impressively dynamic driving and active safety.

The dynamic suspension is designed for sporty and agile handling coupled with a high standard of stability, and producing an excellent cornering performance and a high level of comfort in conjunction with both front-wheel and quattro drive.

Like the Audi A3, the Sportback too is fitted with electromechanical steering with speed-dependent power assistance, a system praised unanimously by the trade press. This combines optimum feedback from steering movements with a low level of sensitivity to vibration from the road and cross-winds, and also consumes far less energy than a conventional system.

The A3 Sportback's standard specification includes electric windows at the front and rear, as well as central locking with radio remote control. The A3 Sportback naturally includes safety features such as the electronic stabilisation program ESP, the front seats with active head restraints, optical and acoustic belt fastening reminders, front and side airbags for the front occupants and the sideguard head-level airbag system, which protects the front and outer rear passengers in equal measure.

Particular features within the premium compact segment, which the A3 pioneered, include optional equipment such as DVD navigation with monitor, side airbags for rear passengers, electric seat adjustment, the large-area open sky glass roof, and independent heating.

At a glance:
Audi A3 Sportback

• Newly designed five-door body with decidedly sporty, coupé-like design and a generous amount of space for all occupants
• Dimensions: length 4286 mm, width 1765 mm, height 1423 mm, wheelbase 2578 mm. Luggage compartment: 370 litres/1120 litres (front-wheel drive)
• Engines:
• 3.2 litre six-cylinder engine developing 184 kW (250 bhp), 320 Nm torque. 0-100 km/h: 6.3 s; top speed: 250 km/h (governed)
• 2.0-litre TFSI developing 147 kW (200 bhp), 280 Nm torque. 0-100 km/h: 7.0 s; top speed: 236 km/h
• 2.0-litre FSI developing 110 kW (150 bhp), 200 Nm torque. 0-100 km/h: 9.1 s; top speed: 214 km/h
• 1.6-litre FSI developing 85 kW (115 bhp), 155 Nm torque. 0-100 km/h: 11.1 s; top speed: 196 km/h
• 1.6-litre engine developing 75 kW (102 bhp), 148 Nm torque. 0-100 km/h: 12.2 s; top speed: 185 km/h
• 2.0-litre TDI developing 103 kW (140 bhp), 320 Nm torque. 0-100 km/h: 9.2 s; top speed: 207 km/h
• 1.9-litre TDI developing 77 kW (105 bhp), 250 Nm torque. 0-100 km/h: 11.7 s; top speed: 187 km/h
• Manual 5-speed and 6-speed gearboxes, alternatively 6-speed tiptronic
• Direct Shift Gearbox DSG with twin clutch for 3.2 quattro, 2.0 TFSI and 2.0 TDI as an optional extra
• Front-wheel drive; quattro permanent four-wheel drive as standard on 3.2 quattro; also available as an optional extra for 2.0 TFSI
• Suspension: McPherson front axle with triangular wishbones and four- link rear axle for sportily agile handling
• Electromechanical steering with speed-dependent steering assistance
• 16-inch or 17-inch wheels as standard
• Three equipment lines: Attraction, Ambition, Ambiente
• Standard equipment: including electric windows at front and rear, front seats with active head restraints, sideguard head-level airbag system, ESP

2005 Audi A4

Dynamism and design
The new Audi A4

Driving pleasure, superior technology, exciting styling and a level of luxury that even satisfies the demands made in the top car class: Audi is presenting the new generation of its best-selling models – the A4, A4 Avant and the high-performance S4.

This is a new model generation that is not only apparent after the first few metres, but also immediately visible at first glance. The front-end styling of both saloon and Avant models is entirely new, with the addition of the characteristic Audi single-frame grille. The rear end, with its emphatically horizontal lines, and the sides, where the shoulder line moulds the panels distinctly into shape, are also new.

The models’ technology lives up to the promise made by their new exterior styling: A4 customers can choose from no fewer than ten powerful engines, including four completely new units developing an output of up to 255 bhp. The V8 in the S4 delivers 344 bhp.

FSI and turbo technology represent the most advanced state of the art for petrol engines, as do the revolutionary piezo injectors in the three-litre TDI. The sporty yet comfortable dynamic suspension converts the power delivered by these units into sheer driving pleasure – on every bend, on every mile of the journey.

Innovative and high sophisticated technologies are an integral part of practically all vehicle areas and components: the optional xenon plus headlights with dynamic adaptive light technology are proof of this, as are the continuously variable multitronic transmission, still a unique feature, and quattro permanent four-wheel drive. Comprehensive occupant protection systems – including two-stage front airbags and active head restraints – together with the latest-generation electronic stabilisation system ESP provide high reserves of safety.

The quality of materials and workmanship in the interior are of a standard that need not fear comparison with the luxury class. The architecture of the driver’s area, especially the cockpit – a perfect synthesis of ergonomics, function and design – is pioneering.

The design

Self-assured in appearance: the striking single-frame grille and the newly styled clear-glass headlights with their curving bottom edge and inward taper give the new Audi A4 a completely new face. The trapezoidal shape of the single-frame grille is continued in the prominent contours of the engine hood.

This front-end styling consciously alludes to design elements of the Nuvolari quattro coupé study, signalling that this model also belongs to the same family as the other new Audi models – the A8 6.0 quattro, A6 and A3 Sportback: a new Audi generation.

The formal idiom of the Nuvolari quattro can also be found at the rear end where the low-positioned two-piece light units, which also arch a long way inwards, emphasise the horizontal design of the vehicle body. The saloon and Avant both sit squarely on the road, the muscular-looking bottom section and very flat window area combining to produce sports car proportions.

The side panel sections are also a completely new design. The gently curving arc of the shoulder line – depicted here as a clearly drawn shadow line – divides up the panels, sculpting a three-dimensional structure.

The new-generation steering wheels provide an entirely new visual touch in the interior. Their characteristic element is the airbag cover with its single-frame design. Door sill trims with aluminium inserts and numerous aluminium inlays are a standard feature of all new A4 versions.

Inlays in Walnut, Fine-grained Birch wood grey or Fine-grained Birch wood beige can be ordered as an alternative – attributes that also emphasise the special exclusiveness and sporting elegance inside the current A8 and A6 models.

Three new cloth and two exclusive leather grades as well as a leather/Alcantara version can be ordered for the interior surfaces and seats.

The excellent ergonomics of the previous generation is also to be found in the new Audi A4. The cockpit and interior surround the driver with horizontal, generously sweeping lines that flow from the dashboard into the door area. At the same time, the new Audi A4 offers a high level of interior comfort.

There is also more room than average for luggage: with a capacity of 460 litres, the smooth-floored luggage compartment of even the saloon is well-equipped for tackling challenging transport tasks. Depending on version, the Avant offers up to 1,184 litres of space (with the rear seat folded down).

The high standard of comfort and quality, which more than satisfies the demands made of the luxury car class, is particularly outstanding once again. This impression is immediately conveyed by the high-grade materials and excellent finish of the interior.

Engines and transmissions

The new Audi A4: powerful yet economical petrol and TDI engines provide the basis for excellent performance. All engines comply with the strict limits of the EU4 standard.

Audi is now also offering two newly designed petrol engines with FSI petrol direct injection for the new A4 for the first time: the 188 kW (255 bhp) 3.2 FSI V6 and the turbocharged two-litre four-cylinder 2.0 TFSI, which delivers 147 kW (200 bhp). These high maximum figures are combined with a spontaneous response to every movement of the accelerator pedal and a peak-torque range at a high level.

The range also includes three engines which have been tried and tested several thousand times over: the two-litre inline four-cylinder unit, which develops 96 kW (130 bhp), and the 120 kW (163 bhp) 1.8-litre turbo four-cylinder version. The 75 kW (102 bhp) 1.6 completes the choice of petrol engines.

The TDI range at launch will include the 2.0-litre four-cylinder engine with pump-injector fuel injection and a power output of 103 kW (140 bhp), and the newly developed six-cylinder 3.0 TDI with common rail injection and piezo inline injectors. What is currently the most modern TDI engine around made its debut a few months ago in the large A8 and A6 saloons. This immensely powerful V6 delivers 150 kW (204 bhp) in the A4 and makes 450 Nm of torque available between 1,400 and 3,200 rpm.

Probably from the first quarter of 2005, a coated diesel particulate filter, or catalysed soot filter as it is known, will be offered for the 2.0 TDI. This does not require an additive and therefore remains maintenance-free throughout the vehicle’s entire service life. This additive-free diesel particulate filter will also be available for the 3.0 TDI from the beginning of 2005.

All engines, petrol and TDI versions alike, deliver their power to the road either via the front wheels or by means of quattro permanent four-wheel drive. 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearboxes are available for the various A4 models, as is the continuously variable automatic transmission, the multitronic. This revolutionary Audi transmission technology will be available for the front-wheel-drive versions of the new A4. The now 6-speed tiptronic with sport program is offered for quattro models.

The chassis

The set-up of the dynamic suspension, with four-link front suspension and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension, has been completely modified and numerous new components added. Audi’s chassis engineers have made extensive changes in the area of elastokinematics and to the spring and shock absorber settings: several mountings and the dimensions of the front and rear shock absorbers have been adopted from the A6, for example. The rear trapezoidal links and wheel carriers as well as the front track rods originate from the S4.

These modifications add up to a significantly higher level of agility and precise handling, combined with first-class ride comfort – qualities which benefit both drivers of the A4 saloon and the Avant in equal measure. This also applies to the brakes, the dimension and consequently performance of which have been adapted to suit the potential of the new engines.

The equipment

The Audi A4 and A4 Avant offer a standard equipment specification which sets a benchmark in the midsize class. Every new A4, for example, is fitted with deluxe automatic air conditioning which has separate temperature controls for the driver and front passenger.

All five seats are equipped with three-point inertia-reel belts (the front belts have belt-force limiters and belt tensioners plus a seat belt reminder) and head restraints. Active head restraints are integrated into the front seats. These reduce the risk of whiplash injuries in a rear-end collision by a significant degree. The safety equipment also includes front airbags that are activated in two stages, front side airbags and the large-area head airbag system known as sideguard.

Electric front windows (and electric rear windows as well on 2.0 TFSI and V6 versions) are also part of the standard specification, as are electrically adjustable exterior mirrors and central locking with radio remote control.

There are almost unlimited possibilities for combining items of optional equipment. For example, the new Audi A4 can be ordered for the first time with dynamic adaptive light technology including xenon plus headlights. This also includes the daytime running lights function which only increases energy consumption slightly: a clear safety bonus. An optional light/rain sensor activates the dipped headlights and windscreen wipers automatically if necessary.

In the field of infotainment, the DVD radio and navigation system plus sets new standards in terms of user guidance and ergonomics: key geometry and menu architecture are based on the MMI standard familiar from the Audi A8 and A6. The system’s range of functions and quality are without equal.

Anyone wishing to experience the acoustic qualities of the audio systems offered for the new Audi A4 to the full can order the BOSE sound system with noise compensation and enjoy a sound quality specifically matched to the vehicle.

Customers can choose from 15 exterior colours, including five new ones. In addition to the standard specification, the wheel range comprises ten summer and three winter wheels of up to 7.5J x 17 in size, with tyres up to 235/45 R 17. Additional versions up to 18 inches in size are available from quattro GmbH.

The S line equipment packages and the Audi exclusive customisation range also offer countless other visual and functional features designed to make every new Audi A4 and A4 Avant even sportier.

At a glance:
The new Audi A4

• Newly designed body for saloon and Avant with emphatically sporty styling
• Dimensions: length 4586 mm, width 1772 mm, height 1427 mm, wheelbase 2648 mm. Luggage compartment: 460 litres (saloon) or 442 and 1,182 litres (Avant, with the seat back folded down)
• Engines (longitudinally installed):
• 3.2 FSI V6 developing 188 kW (255 bhp), 330 Nm torque. 0-100 km/h: 6.4 s; top speed: 250 km/h (governed)
• 2.0 TFSI developing 147 kW (200 bhp), 280 Nm torque. 0-100 km/h: 7.3 s; top speed: 241 km/h
• 1.8 T developing 120 kW (163 bhp), 225 Nm torque. 0-100 km/h: 8.6 s;
• top speed: 228 km/h
• 2.0 developing 96 kW (130 bhp), 195 Nm torque. 0-100 km/h: 9.9 s;
• top speed: 212 km/h
• 1.6 developing 75 kW (102 bhp), 148 Nm torque. 0-100 km/h: 12.6 s;
• top speed: 190 km/h
• 3.0 TDI V6 developing 150 kW (204 bhp), 450 Nm torque. 0-100 km/h: 7.2 s; top speed: 235 km/h
• 2.5 TDI V6 developing 120 kW (163 bhp), 350 Nm torque. 0-100 km/h: 8.8 s; top speed: 227 km/h
• 2.0 TDI developing 103 kW (140 bhp), 320 Nm torque. 0-100 km/h: 9.7 s; top speed: 212 km/h
• 1.9 TDI developing 85 kW (115 bhp), 285 Nm. 0-100 km/h: 11.2 s; top speed: 201 km/h
• 5-speed or 6-speed manual gearbox, alternatively 6-speed tiptronic (for quattro models) or continuously variable multitronic automatic transmission (in combination with front-wheel drive)
• Front-wheel drive or quattro permanent four-wheel drive
• Dynamic suspension: advanced four-link front suspension and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension for agile, sporty handling, brake system with improved performance, latest-generation ESP
• New: adaptive light (dynamic cornering light) with daytime running lights

2005 Audi A4 Avant

New engines for the Audi A6

Audi A6 2.7 TDI

The second representative of the latest generation of V6 TDI engines with common rail system and piezo inline injectors is set to be launched from November 2004.

Like its big brother, which has a capacity of three litres, it makes use of the latest injection technology and consequently already undercuts the demanding EU4 emission limits, even without a diesel particulate filter.

A new crankshaft with the stroke reduced by 8.3 millimetres, new connecting rods and different pistons result in a total capacity of 2698 cc. This engine’s key performance data are a power output of 132 kW (180 bhp) in a speed range of between 3,300 and 4,250 rpm and a peak torque of 380 Nm which is available from 1,400 rpm and remains at this high level all the way up to 3,300 rpm.

The results are a spontaneous response and tremendous pulling power even from the lowest revs. The 100 km/h mark is passed after just 8.9 seconds on the way up to a top speed of 227 km/h. But it is the mid-range sprints that are the outstanding discipline of this new high-performance engine.

The pioneering common rail injection system with piezo inline injectors permits up to five separate amounts of fuel to be injected per working cycle, at an injection pressure of 1600 bar. Piezo technology enables considerably smaller and more precisely metered injection quantities. At the same time, the system reacts twice as fast as existing solenoid-valve injectors thanks to the higher speed of the injector needle.

This effect is particularly important for the brief intervals between the – up to five – separate multiple injection processes. The fuel is injected into the combustion chamber via eight-hole nozzles. In conjunction with the combustion chamber recess, this results in excellent fuel preparation and consequently in particularly efficient combustion with extremely low emissions.

The 2.7-litre V6 TDI is also part of Audi's new range of V engines and has a chain drive for camshafts and oil pump. The cylinder spacing in the new engine block is now 90 millimetres. This gives the engine a compact length of just 444 millimetres. The engine block is made from vermicular graphite cast iron, a successful combination of low total engine weight, high strength and good acoustic properties. This benefits not only the car's power-to-weight ratio, but also the weight distribution – two factors crucial to the superior driving dynamics of the new A6 2.7 TDI.

Other key features of the engine include four-valve-per-cylinder technology with low-friction roller cam followers, turbocharging with two intercoolers and electrical control of the variable turbine geometry. The electrical adjustment of the guide vanes is more spontaneous and more exact. Particularly at low engine speeds, this builds up the boost pressure faster and thus achieves a significantly better response.

Variable swirl flaps are likewise integrated into the intake tract. These can be used to adjust the air movement according to the prevailing engine speed and load.

All these measures result not only in high performance and an enormous torque plateau, but also in low fuel consumption, extremely low emissions and outstanding acoustics. It is especially in this latter area that the new engine undoubtedly represents the new benchmark in its class.

And thanks to its controlled and cooled exhaust-gas recirculation, the new A6 2.7 TDI remains within the limits of the strict EU4 emissions standard, which is not due to become law until 2006.

The engine's economic superiority is at least as positive as its high standard of efficiency in the reduction of emissions: overall fuel consumption is a mere 6.8 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres.

Audi A6 3.0 TDI quattro with optional diesel particulate filter

As on the Audi A8 flagship model with 3.0-litre V6 TDI, a version with the option of a diesel particulate filter is to be added to the Audi A6 range from the autumn. This version reduces particulate emissions still further. Both with and without filter, the A6 3.0 TDI quattro with 225 bhp engine not only satisfies EU4, currently the strictest emission standard in force; it is also outstanding for its combination of dynamic performance and economical fuel consumption, while displaying all the characteristics of a comfortable long-distance luxury saloon.

The "catalysed soot filter" (CSF for short) has a filter coating containing precious metals and acting in two ways: the passive regeneration process involves the slow, environment-protecting breakdown of the particulates deposited in the filter. This process takes place within a temperature range of 300 - 500 degrees and occurs continuously without any special measures being required, predominantly when the car is being driven overland and at motorway speeds. The process of active regeneration is triggered when the particulate filter has reached its maximum permitted degree of saturation. Depending on operating conditions, distances of up to 2,000 km can be covered before this takes place. A decisive advantage: due to the fact that regeneration phases are rare as a result of the generally low level of untreated emissions, the average additional fuel consumption is very low at 0.1 litres per 100 kilometres. The system requires no fuel additives at all and lasts the lifetime of the vehicle itself.

Audi A6 2.0 TDI

Driving pleasure and economy, refinement and environmental care: the important four-cylinder TDI version is now also available in combination with the 6-speed manual gearbox.

The 2.0 TDI four-cylinder version with unit injector, one of the most modern engines in its class, made its debut in the executive class as a very talented all-rounder.

Again, the particular strength of this engine is its high output and powerful torque, combined with equally impressive economy. The Audi A6 2.0 TDI is able to easily cover a range of more than 1,100 kilometres on one single tank of diesel.

A maximum output of 103 kW (140 bhp) and peak torque of 320 Nm, available all the way between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm, make this the most powerful and dynamic four-cylinder diesel featured by Audi so far. Performance on the road is correspondingly impressive: the 2.0 TDI with 6-speed manual gearbox accelerates to 100 km/h in just 10.3 seconds and continues on up rapidly to its top speed of 210 km/h.

Two other key strengths of the 2.0 TDI are low fuel consumption – 6.0 litres of diesel fuel per 100 km (overall value) – as well as compliance with the EU4 emissions standard.

And last but certainly not least, the four-cylinder unit gives the new Audi A6 a standard of smoothness and refinement which certainly befits a luxury saloon of this calibre. The balance shaft module with two shafts rotating in opposite directions, for example, helps to reduce engine vibration to an absolute minimum particularly at high engine speeds, with second-order vibrations being reduced by more than 80 percent.

New engine/transmission versions in the Audi A6

The Audi A6 2.4 is now also available with the multitronic continuously variable automatic transmission, a transmission that combines the advantages of manual gearbox and geared automatic. Fortes typical of multitronic are smooth but very dynamic acceleration as well as convenient operation and the efficient transmission of power.

The high standard of operating convenience offered by multitronic exceeds that of a conventional converter-type automatic transmission, while in terms of dynamic performance and economy, multitronic can by all means be compared with a manual gearbox. And if drivers wish to actively choose the appropriate transmission ratio, they are able to do so conveniently by means of paddles on the steering wheel – now providing no less than seven predefined speeds.

Modified for the new Audi A6, the multitronic variator spans an even wider range of gear ratios: the overall ratio between the largest and the smallest gear transmission ratio is now 6.25, virtually ideal for such a transmission. It permits dynamic, sports-style acceleration thanks to the use of lower ratios, but also fully exploits the engine's economy potential by using the highest ratio.

A brand-new multitronic function in the Audi A6 is the starting assist function: a simple press of the brake pedal and the service brake automatically prevents the car from rolling back on a gradient. It is also released automatically as soon as the driver opens the throttle to pull away again.

With a power output of 130 kW (177 bhp) and a maximum torque of 230 Nm between 3,000 and 5,000 rpm, this new model version accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 9.2 seconds. It goes on to reach a top speed of 226 km/h and achieves an overall fuel consumption of 9.6 litres of premium grade fuel (95 RON) per 100 kilometres under standard conditions.

The A6 3.2 FSI quattro with 6-speed manual gearbox is also a new addition to the range. quattro permanent four-wheel drive is a typical feature of all high-performance Audi models. It ensures excellent traction and stable cornering, and minimises the effect of propulsive forces on the car's self-steering properties. This is a precondition for a high level of dynamic stability and high cornering speeds.

A Torsen differential in the new Audi A6 – with its longitudinally installed engines – automatically ensures the optimum distribution of power between all four wheels. The name "Torsen" is a contraction of the two terms "torque" and "sensing". The Torsen differential is a self-locking worm gear.

The advantage is that the locking action is only prompted by the driveline. Yet this type of differential accommodates differences in speed when the brakes are applied and when cornering. Normally the power is split 50:50 between the two pairs of wheels, but in extreme cases 75 percent of propulsive power can be diverted to either pair.

With a power output of 188 kW (255 bhp) and a maximum torque of 330 Nm at 3,250, the A6 3.2 FSI quattro accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 6.8 seconds and continues on up to a governed top speed of 250 km/h. This model’s overall fuel consumption under standard conditions is 10.9 litres of premium grade fuel (98 RON) per 100 kilometres.

2005 Audi A6