2005 Audi A6 Preview

The 2.4-L V6, the base engine in Europe, has been slightly improved to produce seven extra horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque. Next in line, and the base engine in North America, is a 3.2 liter V6 FSI that makes 255 horsepower and 243 lb-ft of torque. This power

The base engine in North America will be a 225-hp 3.2 liter V6 FSI that produces 243 lb-ft of torque. (Photo: Audi Canada)

has been extracted thanks mostly to varying intake manifolds that help forge a strong torque curve. Audi claims that this FSI V6 is tractable all the way up to 7,200 rpm, a very impressive figure. At the top of the non-RS heap is the 4.2 liter V8 model that develops 335 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque. It is basically the same engine as fitted to the smaller S4 and top-line A8.

While diesels aren't too popular in North America, new diesel fuel regulations that take effect in 2006 should make their return more feasible if consumers show an interest, which makes a quick look at what Audi plans to offer in the new A6 worthwhile. The first diesel, of two being offered, is a 2.0 liter TDI engine that features Pump Duse high-temperature and spray technology. It's the same technology fitted to the new Golf, Jetta (Bora

With the changing diesel regulations, we might get a chance to see the impressive 3.0-liter TDI V6 engine in North America. (Photo: Audi Canada)

in Europe) and Passat diesels, although in the A6 the engine produces 140 horsepower and 236 lb-ft of torque, a fair deal more than in the VW applications. Though economy figures have not been released, Audi promises that 1,100 km can be extracted from a full tank of fuel. As good as that sounds, if a diesel A6 does arrive in North America the 2.0-liter unit won't be it.

North Americans, who traditionally prefer a little bit more power for straight line performance, would rather live with the 3.0-liter TDI V6. It features 225 horsepower, a number which naturally aspirated gasoline engines of this displacement struggled to reach only a few years ago. But like all diesels, the 3.0-liter unit shows its strengths in torque by delivering a massive 332 lb-ft available as low as 1,400 rpm. This is an engine that promises both economy and high performance, together in one package.