Audi shows off stylish A6 Avant

Entrance to thatcargo area can be made through a power tailgate that works by remote control,which is a first for Audi. The required opening angle can be infinitely varied,which is also cool.

A6 Avant willlaunch with five engines in Europe, but we'relikely to get only the 4.2-litre V-8 and possibly the 3.2-litre V-6, but onlytime will tell on that. If buyer taste continues to swing diesel's way, theremight also be a 3-litre V-6 with more torque than the V-8.

An adaptive airsuspension system should be optional on the A6 Avant. This is a combination ofair suspension and an electronically controlled damping system that ''producesthe perfect synthesis of decidedly sporty handling properties and superbsuspension comfort.''

A choice ofthree different characteristics -- automatic, comfort and dynamic -- can beselected via the central Multi Media Interface MMI control element.

That MMIdelivers an ''integrated user interface'' which Audi says ''is unparalleled byanything on offer from the competition. This infotainment platform and controlconcept on the new A6 Avant combines the advantages of simple operation, aperfect position and consistent operating logic.''

Also availableis what Audi calls an ''intelligent traveling companion'' but which theindustry calls radar-operated adaptive cruise control, which automaticallymaintains a pre-set distance from the vehicle ahead.

Audi says thisversion of adaptive cruise has doubled the size of the sensor angle, which ''improvesthe detection range especially on winding country roads.''

There are ofcourse lots of other comfort and convenience features on the A6 Avant, but aprecise list will have to wait until closer to its arrival sometime in 2005.
photo:VW of America