C6 A6 Series II

AUDI introduced a comprehensively revamped A6 range in early 2009 with improved engines, dynamics, comfort, functionality and safety, although a keen eye for detail is required to spot the visual titivations.

The A6 Avant wagon was discontinued in Australia, but an updated Allroad quattro also arrived, as did a sedan sibling to the RS6 Avant released late in 2008.

The old 4.2 V8 and S6 performance sedan vanishised, replaced by an ‘in between’ supercharged V6 model known as the 3.0 TFSI, while a pair of sub 7.0-litre per 100km ‘green’ models designed to dodge the Luxury Car Tax materialised from May 2009.

Trainspotters will tell C6 Series II A6 from old by the revised grille, rectangular front fog lights, R8-style daytime running lights incorporated into the new headlights, LED turn indicators fitted to the side mirrors, aluminium lower-door sill strip, a reshaped rear bumper boasting a wider diffuser, twin-branch LED tail-lights and fresh wheel designs on often-larger diameter alloys.

Underneath, Audi attempted to answer criticism over the old car’s ride and (speed dependent Servotronic powered rack-and-pinion-equipped) steering feel with different shock absorbers and spring rates, while the quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) models switched to a more-sports orientated 40:60 front/rear torque split in normal operating conditions, with an ability to send up to 85 per cent of drive to the rear wheels.

Interior changes include the use of more aluminium switches, different colour and trim choices, safer head restraints, and a redesigned rear seat. Audi is also offered more standard equipment in all A6 models.

Three petrol engines were offered at launch – a 2.0 TFSI with front-wheel drive, 2.8 FSI quattro all-wheel drive and 3.0 TFSI quattro with the new supercharged V6, while diesel buyers could choose between the popular 3.0 TDI quattro, 2.7 TDI FWD and 2.0 TDI FWD.

Meanwhile, the Allroad gained the new 40:60 quattro AWD upgrade and revised 176kW/500Nm 3.0 TDI V6, while a sedan version of the performance-flagship RS6 Avant rounded out the 2009 A6 changes.

It uses the same 5.2-litre FSI twin-turbo V10 petrol engine with dry-sump lubrication delivering 426kW of power from 6250 to 6700rpm and 650Nm of torque from 1500 and 6250rpm.

Audi completed its A6 Series II facelift with the introduction of two entry-level diesel engine options in July 2009.

Also found in the company’s TT TDI quattro as well as a host of other Audi, Volkswagen and Skoda models sold in Australia, the 2.0-litre TDI is a 1968cc common-rail 1800-bar direct injection pressure twin cam unit with two balancing shafts, a variable vane turbocharger, and a particulate filter that helps deliver 125kW of power at 4200rpm and 350Nm of torque from 1750 to 2500rpm.

It drives the front wheels only via a seven-speed CVT Continuously Variable Transmission Audi dubs Multitronic.

Meanwhile, the 2.7-litre V6 TDI, another common rail 1800 bar direct injection pressure twin cam unit with a variable vane turbocharger, produces 140kW between 3500 and 4400rpm and 380Nm from 1400 to 3500rpm. It too is front-drive and Multitronic.