All gearboxes will be six-speed, with the buyer being able to choose between manual or automatic.
A new feature of the manual gearboxes is the introduction of the Manual/Longitudinal (ML) feature, which is supposed to ''enhance all-round efficiency combined with optimum gearshift operation featuring ultra-short, precise shift travel.''
Audi's multitronic gear-shift system returns on the new A6, ''combining the benefits of a manual gearbox with those of a geared automatic transmission.'' A new feature is the introduction of seven shift stages in the tiptronic mode.
More immodesty here from Audi, since the company claims that ''shift comfort is superior to even a conventional automatic converter transmission, while the transmission's dynamic performance and all-round economy can by all means compare with the qualities of a manual gearbox. And whenever the driver wishes to actively intervene in the transmission process, he is able to do so in six predefined stages by means of shift paddles on the steering wheel.''
Whatever the powertrain you pick in the new A6, torsional stiffness is up by more than 34 percent, which should help with noise, vibration and harshness issues and allow for a more responsive suspension.
The suspension on the new A6 features the four-link front setup and a self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear arrangement carried over from the Audi A8, which appears on front- and all-wheel-drive models alike.
More immodesty is needed to explain that this results in a ''standard of dynamic driving behaviour beyond comparison, plus control ease far superior to the competition. The A6 is the most sporty and dynamic car in its class, benefiting in this respect also from speed-dependent servotronic featured as standard and supplementing the precise handling of the new A6 by even more sensitive steering precision.''
As an alternative to conventional steel springs, adaptive air suspension with air spring elements and adaptive damping front and rear will also be available at the start of 2005. ''Different settings and levels of hardness available on demand enable the driver with adaptive air suspension in his car to consistently choose the ideal suspension setting for all road conditions and individual styles of motoring.''
It's not known at this time how VW America will equip the new A6 when it comes to Canada, though tradition and competition suggests that it will be very well fitted in every iteration.
As for the optional equipment, consider that the new A6 will have a choice of 15 different exterior colours, four of which are new to Audi.
Stay tuned for more details as the car rolls out later this year.
