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The Audi A6 is a mid-size executive car produced by the German automaker Audi. It is available in saloon and station wagon (Avant) body styles. The second generation A6 was also used as the basis for the allroad quattro.


1st generation: (C4) A6 (1994-1997)

Audi's mid-size car was named the Audi 100 (or Audi 5000 in the United States) and was released in three successive generations (C1, C2 and C3). In 1994, the latest generation (C4) of the Audi 100 was facelifted and re-badged as the A6, to fit in with Audi's new alphanumeric nomenclature (as the full-size A8 had just been introduced). The exterior was changed only a bit from the C4 100 - new front and back lights, new radiator grid, the same happening with chassis and engine and transmission choices.

The new engines for the A6 were 1.8 20V I4, 2.8 30V, 1.9 TDI V6, and the 2.5 R5 TDI (140 PS), with the 2.3L I5 engine being dropped on most markets. The S6's 4.2 V8 was uprated to 290 PS (286 hp/213 kW) and a new 326 PS (322 hp/240 kW) version was added (S6+ made by quattro GmbH).

Up until 1997, the A6 came with several different engines, two of them turbo-diesel, and most of them available with Audi's quattro all wheel drive system. The A6 was also available with sedan and Avant bodies.


2nd generation: (C5) A6 (1997-2004)

In 1997 the scene changed strikingly for the A6. With the introduction of an ambitious new design (C5) and a new pack of engines, the A6 moved up a notch and was positioned alongside the hegemonic BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. The Italian redesigned body presented a modern design with a dramatic fastback styling that set the trend for the Audi lineup and gave the relatively large sedan an aerodynamic shell with a low coefficient of drag of 0.28. In 2000 and 2001, the fifth-generation A6 was on Car and Driver magazine's Ten Best list. This new A6 presented itself with a wide range of engines and configurations. The 30-valve 2.4 and 2.8 V6 engines represented the bulk of the A6's development programme, with a multitude of other engine configurations available throughout the globe. As an alternative to the manual transmission, a 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission was also available.

The C5 saloon body arrived in 1997, and the Avant body in 1998 in Europe. In the US, the C4 continued for 1997, with the C5 saloon appearing in 1998, and the C5 Avant appearing in 1999. In Canada, there was no Avant (wagon) available at all in 1998 - Audi dropped the C4 Avant at the end of the 1997 model year, and jumped straight to the C5 Avant in 1999 in conjunction with its release in the US. As a result of complying with FMVSS the North American models were equipped with front and rear bumpers that protruded several inches further than their European counterparts, with modified brackets and bumper suspension assemblies as result and child-seat tethers for occupant safety. In compliance with Canadian law, Canadian models received daytime running lights as standard equipment. North American C5 A6 models received the 2.8 litre, 30-valve V6 engine, the 2.7 litre, bi-turbo V6 (also found in the B5 platform S4), and the 4.2 litre 40-valve V8. The V8 models arrived with significantly altered exterior body panels, with more aggressively flared wheel arches, revised headlamps and grille design (before being introduced in 2002 to all other A6 models), taller and wider wheels (17x8"), larger brakes and quattro as standard.

The Audi S6 was a high-powered variant of the A6 line, featuring a modified version of the 4.2 engine producing 340 PS (335 hp/250 kW). It was available as a saloon and Avant.

In 2002 the A6 received a facelift with revised headlight and grille design, exposed exhaust tips, and slight changes to accessory body moldings and tailight color from red to amber in North American models. A new host of engines were introduced as well. The 1.8 L engine was removed and replaced by a 2.0 L powerplant with 130 PS (128 hp/96 kW). The 1.9 L TDI was tweaked into producing a maximum of 130 PS (128 hp/96 kW) and 310 N·m (229 ft·lbf), receiving a 6-speed gearbox in the process. The 2.4 V6 gained 5 extra hp and better balancing and the 2.8 V6 was replaced by a 3.0 L engine boasting 220 PS (217 hp/162 kW). The turbocharged 2.7 L was given a tweak on the turbo resulting in 250 PS (247 hp/184 kW) and 330 N·m (243 ft·lbf), controlled by standard quattro. The V6 Diesel was also slightly modified resulting in 163 PS (161 hp/120 kW) (after the second modification) and 350 N·m (258 ft·lbf). A new more powerful V6 diesel was also introduced presenting 180 PS (178 hp/132 kW) and 370 N·m (273 ft·lbf). The 4.2 V8 engine which arrived in 2001 remained unchanged.

Also new was the revolutionary Multitronic continuously variable transmission, available in most front wheel drive models in the lineup. All models, except the 2.0 petrol and 1.9 TDI, were available with Audi's four wheel drive system, quattro. A four wheel drive version of the estate with raised ground clearance and slightly altered styling was sold as the Audi allroad quattro, Audi's first crossover SUV.

Regarding this C5 generation, Car and Driver magazine stated, "It is one of the most winsome mid-sizers to meet pavement, with some of the nicest handling this side of a BMW. In 2000, the moderate performance of this otherwise excellent, 3.0-liter V-6-powered, sedan was improved by the addition of two higher-performance versions: the 250 PS (247 hp/184 kW), 2.7T bi-turbo V6 and the 300 PS (296 hp/221 kW), 4.2 V8, both with Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. In mid-2003, major muscle came along in the limited-run RS 6-powered by a 450 PS (444 hp/331 kW), twin-turbo V8 - which immediately finished first in a C/D comparison test".

In the late years of the A6 C5 design, a monstrous limited-run Audi RS6 model was presented. Weighing 4229 pounds and producing a staggering 450 PS (331 kW) and 560 Nm (415 ft·lbf), it propels the RS6 from 0-100 km/h in 4.8 sec and on to 200 km/h (124 mph) in under 17 seconds. In 2003, it was priced at $82,000 for the U.S. market. This model saw the end of the C5 design which was replaced in 2004 by a new model.


3rd generation: (C6) A6 (2005-present)

The new A6 (C6) was released in 2005. Designed by Walter de'Silva, the new model is visually an evolution of the C5, but is longer (492 cm), incorporates the new Audi trademark single-frame grille, and features more sophisticated technology. It's design has been criticised, as the grill is almost exactly the same as the Rover 75 V8's, which was revealed a year earlier. Most notable is the MMI (Multi Media Interface) which is a system controlling in-car entertainment, satellite navigation, climate control, car settings such as suspension configuration and optional electronic accessories through a central screen interface. This has the advantage of minimizing the wealth of buttons normally found on a dashboard by replacing them with controls which operate multiple devices using the integrated display.

On the engine side the new FSI direct injection technology was introduced for the first time outside the race track. Although the line of engines represents the same progression as the former model, all engines were new. The Multitronic automatic transmission continues as an alternative alongside a new 6-speed Tiptronic gearbox available in the high end models. quattro four wheel drive is available in most of the lineup, and standard in the most powerful models. quattro is not available on the Multitronic variants of the A6 but is available on the manual and Tiptronic gear systems. Conversely the Tiptronic system is only available on the quattro variants of the car. The 6-speed manual gearbox is available with the 3.2L engine but not for the North American market as sales of C5 manuals were slow.

In 2005, the new Audi A6 won the World Car of the Year award.

Like the previous model, the A6 is available with other body options. The Avant arrived during the course of 2005, while in China, a longer version was introduced in the same year, named A6 L. The allroad (now called "A6 allroad quattro) model made its debut in 2006 and as before is an off-road ready version of the Avant available with either a 2.7 or 3.0 diesel or a 3.2 or 4.2 petrol. The sporting S6 was introduced in the Frankfurt Motor Show, with sales beginning in early 2006. It is powered by a Lamborghini-derived 5.2 L V10 FSI producing 435 PS (320 kW). The S6 reaches 60 mph from a standstill in 5.1 seconds and the quarter mile 13.5 seconds.

A mighty RS6 will be on sale early 2008. This will be powered by a Lamborghini-derived 5.0 L V10 TFSI producing 580 PS (426 kW).

On the 01/22/2008 spy photos of the mid-life facelift A6 appeared on the internet. The images show a slightly redesigned front bumper, new rectangular fog lamps as well as bigger air-intakes to the left and right of the grille.


A6 avant

A6 allroad quattro

Audi announced the second generation allroad in the spring of 2005 and released it in the summer of 2006. This new model will be officially called Audi A6 allroad quattro (unlike the previous version, which was merely called Audi allroad quattro, with no reference to the A6). The car features again adaptive air suspension and new quattro four-wheel drive system. The A6 allroad is powered by a choice of two Fuel Stratified Injection (FSI) petrol engines, a 3.2 L V6 and a 4.2 L V8, and two TDI diesel engines, a 180 PS (132 kW) 2.7 L and a 233 PS (171 kW) 3.0 L. The Tiptronic gearbox is standard on the 4.2 V8 and the 2.7 TDI, but optional on the 3.2 FSI and 3.0 TDI. The new 6-speed Tiptronic transmission system converts high-torque engine power into both sporty performance and operating convenience, with crisp, fast gear changes. Advanced electronics respond efficiently to all driver input in both D (Drive) and S (Sport) programmes, helping to prevent unwanted upshifts when cornering. The five-mode air suspension can be raised by up to 60 mm to provide ground clearance of 185 mm which better than the elder four-mode. The car features a number of off-road styling cues including larger bumpers and sills.

In some European markets, the new A6 allroad quattro is more expensive than the larger Audi Q7, but air suspension is an expensive option in the Q7. In its native country, Germany, it costs a few hundred euros less than the Q7.

The second generation is currently not available in North America.

Audi launched the Audi Q7 full-size luxury SUV in 2006, which shares its platform with the Porsche Cayenne and Volkswagen Touareg. To date, the A6 allroad quattro model has received critical acclaim, thanks to a lower price than the larger Q7, an enjoyable driving experience, some off-road credentials and a superb quality cabin. A smaller and sportier Q5 compact luxury SUV has been introduced at the 2008 Beijing Auto Show for the 2009 model year (2010 for North America).

 

S6

 

The third-generation S6 was introduced in the 2006 North American International Auto Show in January.

It features a 5.2 L FSI V10 engine, derived from the Lamborghini Gallardo, re-tuned to produce 435 PS (320 kW/429 hp) at 6800 rpm and 540 Nm of torque between 3000 - 4000 rpm. A six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, and quattro four-wheel drive, now with the latest 40:60 F:R asymmetric/dynamic Torsen, are standard. For the sprint to 62 mph, the S6 takes 5.2 seconds, with the quarter mile passing in 13.5 seconds. The same engine is used in the Audi S8, where it develops 450 PS (331 KW/443 hp).

The S6 also features a row of 5 distinctive LED daytime running lights (DRLs) along the bumper as a point of differentiation from other A6 models.

Infiniti is a luxury brand of Japanese automaker Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. It serves as Nissan's luxury brand in the American, Canadian, Mexican, Middle Eastern, South Korean and Taiwanese markets. Nissan also has plans to release Infiniti into many European markets (Russia & Ukraine in 2007, Germany & United Kingdom in 2008 ), China (10 dealerships by 2007), as well as in Japan sometime after 2008.

All current Infiniti coupes, sedans and crossovers are based on the Nissan FM platform. The center of the engine is placed behind the front wheels. This placement makes weight distribution more even, which is intended to improve braking, acceleration, and handling. It also reduces the polar moment of inertia. The only exception is the QX56 full-size SUV, which rides on the Nissan F-Alpha platform.

Infiniti's model name designation includes one letter for coupés and sedans (two letters for SUVs) and a number reflecting engine displacement. For example, the QX56 is an SUV featuring a 5.6 L engine. An exception to this was the QX4 SUV, which featured a 3.3 L engine (1997-2000) and later a 3.5 L engine (2001-2003). An 'x' following the engine displacement of Infiniti sedans denotes an all wheel drive model (e.g. Infiniti G35x).


G35

The new 2007 G35 sedan has been completely redesigned (despite having the old chassis remained unchanged), and is powered by a brand new engine called VQ35HR. This engine is more powerful, more fuel efficient, and more responsive than the previous VQ35DE. The "HR" stands for High Revolution. Over 80% of the internal components have been strengthened or redesigned to handle the increased RPM range. (7500 rpm Redline). Although the horsepower rating is only 8 more than the previous generation, the real horsepower difference was much more due to the new SAE guidelines for horsepower ratings in 2007. Infiniti G35 Sedan Journey (Auto) with 306HP (228 kW) can reach 0-60 MPH (0-100 km/h) in 5.4 sec, and the 1/4 mile (400 m) 14.0 sec (according to Consumer Reports).

Consumer Report includes the Infiniti G35 (upscale sedan category) on its list of Top 10 cars for 2007.

G37

The Infiniti G37 is a sports car by Infiniti which was unveiled at the 2007 New York International Auto Show and is currently available for sale as a 2008 model. The G37, like its predecessor the G35 Coupe, is marketed simply as the G Coupe making it more of a second generation than a replacement. Although available a year later, the G37 parallels the 2007 Infiniti G35 sedan (marketed as the G Sedan). In Japan, the G37 will join the updated G Sedan under the Nissan Skyline (V36) nameplate.


M35/45

Infiniti released a completely redesigned M for the 2006 model year to compete directly in the mid-size sport luxury class, against such class stalwarts as the BMW 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. It uses a much more rigid version of the G35/350Z/FX Nissan FM platform and is available with the common VQ-series 280 hp (208 kW) 3.5 L V6 in the M35, or the Q45's 335 hp (249 kW) 4.5 L V8 in the M45. In Japan the M is known as the Nissan Fuga.

The automotive press has awarded the M several best-in-class awards in direct comparisons against its competitors. Despite entering a very crowded, competitive segment in which almost every member has been recently redesigned, the M still managed to find many key distinctions: Both the M35 and M45 are fastest in their class (0-60 in 6.3 and 5.4 seconds, respectively). The M is near or at the top of every interior dimension, actually breaking into the EPA "large" category depending on which option packages are selected. In fact, while being smaller on the outside than the flagship Q45, the M45 boasts more room, greater performance, a superior multilink front suspension, and much friendlier ergonomics, threatening the position of the flagship Q45 (which ceased production after the 2006 model year; as such, the M became the current flagship itself).

All-wheel-drive models are called the M35x, which uses a sports car derived system (ATTESA-ETS) to send all power to the rear wheels until slip is detected.

The M line was released in February 2005 (at almost exactly the same time as the new 2006 Lexus GS) and its first several months of sales have been far beyond expectations. Prices in the US (USD) range from approximately $40,000 - 55,000.

EX35

The Infiniti EX35 is a compact luxury Crossover Sport Utility Vehicle (CUV) produced by the Nissan-owned Infiniti luxury brand beginning in the 2008 model year. This all-wheel drive crossover is positioned below the FX in the Infiniti SUV line-up. It shares the same FM platform as the G35, M, FX, and Nissan 350Z.

The production model EX35 was revealed on August 16, 2007 at the Pebble Beach Concours d'Elegance.


FX35/45

The Infiniti FX is a mid-size luxury Crossover Sport Utility Vehicle (CUV) produced by the Nissan-owned Infiniti luxury brand since the 2003 model year. The FX replaced the QX4 as Infiniti's mid-size luxury SUV, despite being larger than its predecessor. It was released at the same time as its competitors, the Porsche Cayenne, Volvo XC90, and Volkswagen Touareg. It shares the same FM platform as the Nissan 350Z, whereas the similarly-sized Nissan Murano is based on the front-wheel drive Nissan Altima platform.

In creating the FX, its designers sought what they called a "cool fusion" – the blending of a substantial, SUV lower body with the sleek, elegant upper body more reminiscent of a classic sports car or sports GT.  In addition, they sought to combine sports-car performance with SUV functionality. The FX is a unique combination of aggressive styling, performance and luxury car comfort. The FX was based on the notion of a "Bionic Cheetah," with advanced technology employed to create a premium crossover SUV.


QX56

The Infiniti QX56 is a full-size luxury SUV sold under the Nissan-owned Infiniti luxury brand. It is based on the Nissan Armada full-size SUV, and shares the F-Alpha platform with the Nissan Titan pickup truck.

The truck is propelled by a 5.6 L VK56DE V8 engine (315 hp [227 kW] @ 4,900 rpm and 390 lb·ft (529 N·m) torque @ 3,600 rpm) and a 5-speed automatic transmission with an overdrive. Each cylinder in the engine is lined with cast iron. The valvetrain is a DOHC design with four valves per cylinder. Infiniti designed the QX56's throttle responsiveness to correspond to specific drivetrain modes: when the driver selects all-wheel drive, the throttle becomes less sensitive, presumably to allow easier regulation of acceleration when off-road.

The Infiniti QX56 has around 9,000 lb (4082 kg) of towing capacity, which is the highest in its class. Mileage is second to none with peak performance drain of 12 mpg (U.S.) (20 L/100 km). It comes in one trim level, with only key options such as: DVD entertainment system, 4WD / 2WD, and a bench instead of captain chairs as the second row. Other features which come standard are a ten-speaker Bose system, DVD-based navigation system, leather trim for all seats, dual-climate control, 18 in. chrome alloy wheels, and an adaptive cruise control system. A precrash system is a novelty in the market as well.

As with the Nissan Armada, it is built in Canton, Mississippi; and is currently only available in the United States, Canada and Saudi Arabia. It is also the first Infiniti built in the United States. Since priced lower than the Lexus LX, the QX56 has become a success for Infiniti, outselling the Lexus LX.

Since the demise of the Q45 (which was priced above the QX56) after 2006, the QX56 is the most expensive Infiniti in North America, and is Infiniti's only full-size vehicle. For 2008, the Infiniti QX56 received a minor facelift.


Q45

The Q45 was completely redesigned for 2002, now based on the new platform shared by both the Cima and the President. This Q45 focused on performance again with a new 340 hp (253 kW) 4.5 L VK45DE V8 engine, gatling gun inspired HID headlights, and sharper styling. The car featured a 5-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. Despite good reviews, sales remained poor — just 1129 were sold in the United States for all of 2005.

This Q45 has received praise from Car and Driver Edmunds and Consumer Guide. Low sales are attributed not to the car’s overall quality or performance, but to lack of advertising and the debatable prestige of the Infiniti name.

The 2003 was given a number of under the skin upgrades including a new security system, a numerically higher final drive ratio (for better acceleration - decreasing highway fuel economy), reprogrammed TCU, and during the year, a satellite radio option. The CD player was now a one at a time feed into the dash.

The Q45 received a number of upgrades for the 2005 model year, including new front and rear fascias, restyled hood and grille, restyled trunk lid, new headlight design, integrated fog lights and LED taillights. Inside were new contoured double-stitched seats, white luminescent gauge markings, chrome accents and dark maple trim. 2005 upgrades also included a recalibrated transmission and new 17" alloy wheels.

The following features are standard in the Q45: all-leather interior, power sunroof, 8-way power front seats, remote keyless entry, rain-detecting wipers and side curtain airbags. Standard electronics include: CD, 8 Bose speakers, trip computer, rear camera parking sensors and a voice-activated navigation system. The 2002 Q45 was the first vehicle to ever offer voice-activated navigation controls.

The car seated five and had a base price of US$56,200.

This F50 chassis and suspension is very similar to the US FY33 (1997-2001 Q45) and Y34 (US 2003-2004 M45).

The Q45 was discontinued after 2006 and the smaller M35/45 replaced it as the flagship car.