2012 AUDI A6 UNVEILED IN DETROIT

Audi’s all-new conservatively styled A6 is now on show at the 2011 North American International Auto Show (NAIAS). It will go on sale in South Africa some time later in the year, after launching in Germany at a baseline price of €38 500 (R341 000 at direct exchange rates).

Audi has put in a lot of work into its mid-exec sedan, with features like LED headlights, a sports suspension system, 19-inch alloy wheels, quattro AWD in some models, the new MMI touch system with an 8-inch screen, as well as optional head-up display and internet from Google among others.

Launch diesel engines are the 2.0 TDI making 130kW and 380Nm of torque, the 3.0 TDI producing 150kW and 400Nm. The same engine also makes 180kW and 500Nm. The petrols list reads thus: 2.8 FSI V6 worth 150kW and 280Nm, a 3.0 TFSI supercharged V6 with 220kW and 440Nm, and a Hybrid producing 155kW (208 hp) and 480Nm. There will be an RS 6 as always, which is predicted to use a twin turbo or supercharged V8 for over 460kW of power. Expect to see first flashes of that in 2012.