Audi is intent on setting a new benchmark in the executive class with its latest generation A6 saloon car ? it intends taking BMW and Mercedes to the cleaners via outstanding A6 driving dynamics, ultimate technology, superior comfort and an optimal range of equipment.

In fact in the past year, Audi South Africa has grown phenomenally: "A year ago we were selling one Audi for every three Mercs or BMWs,? Audi marketing man Greg Levin admitted.

"But today we're selling one Audi for every two Mercedes or BMWs and that's growth we want to see continue through premium product like A6."

As the designers told us that hot early August day at Audi HQ, take new A6's badges off and park it in Berlin, and you know it's an Audi. In fact I reckon do that and park it anywhere, and you?ll still know it's an Audi.

Audi?s new bold nose arrives

The new A6 is immediately different to any other car you have seen so far ? it brings to SA for the first time Audi's bold new nose along with a rather elegant new style. But as you'll note from my reference to Fritz and his "hundred", A6's genes go back to that '68 Audi.

It was followed by a squarer, more advanced model and then several others along the way. Along came the quattro, seamless windowsills and surrounds, five-cylinder and turbo tech and so much more, including tiptronic, multitronic, S6 and even RS6.

The new Audi A6 sets out to be the most progressive executive car out there. Its new trapezoidal single-frame radiator grille clearly defines Audi's latest model generation, punctuated by clear glass xenon plus headlamps boasting new adaptive technology to "see" around corners.

A6's classic sports saloon proportions are further defined by a coupe-like roofline and an upward-curved shoulder line over a powerfully rising engine bay, all of which conspire to create a dynamic forward-moving feel and symbolise new A6's inherent performance and muscle.

Interior

Inside new A6, a high and wide centre console puts controls and switches around the driver and within perfect reach for the first time in an Audi.

Engines

New A6 will come in a choice of four EU4 emission standard compliant engines fitted lengthwise up front ? three petrol and two TDI power units, all of which share superior power and torque outputs in their respective segments. Top of the petrol range is a new 4.2-litre V8 producing 246kW and 420Nm, backed up by an all-new pair of V6s ? a 188kW, 330Nm 3.2?litre and a 130kW and 230Nm 2.4. Also new is a 3.0-litre TDI V6 good for a solid 165kW and a stump-pulling 450Nm

All these form Audi?s new-generation V-engine family boasting a 90? cylinder angle and a gap of just 90mm between the cylinders for a compact, maintenance-free solution, further thanks to chain driven camshafts and low-friction roller-arm valve drive. Gear change is via either a manual six-speed, six-speed tiptronic or continuously variable multitronic automatic transmission.

With torsional stiffness increased, A6's already lauded qualities of vibration comfort are reduced to an absolute minimum ? a decisive prerequisite to an excellent ride and interior acoustics. Such superior stiffness arises from consistent improvement and development of joining technology and the optimisation of body and panel profiles to ensure best possible driving behaviour, dynamic quality, handling and superior control.

Supremely equipped even in standard trim, the new Audi A6 incorporates Audi's Multi Media Interface comprising a 26mm monochrome display with integrated radio, CD player and four loudspeakers, a high-comfort automatic air conditioning, Audi's electromechanical parking brake and a light and rain sensor.

Safety

Active safety meanwhile, benefits from latest generation ESP including brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, while pre-determined deformation of the highly stable passenger cell, full-size two-stage front; side and sideguard head airbags interacting with the seat belts, offer a high standard of safety and protection for both driver and passengers and active front head restraints protect occupants in a back-smash.

Audi dynamic four-link front suspension and self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension is standard on both front-wheel-drive and quattro versions, but there is also an optional adaptive air suspension coming in 2005, while A6 boasts speed-related servotronic steering

The all-new A6 has come a hell of a long way from Fritz's old '68 Audi 100. And, it carries that unique "Audiness" forward and is set to give BMW, Merc and the rest an even bigger run than ever for their money.

Due for SA release in early October, get ready for the new look of Audi on our roads ? you're bound to see a hell of lot of them. And I'm also looking forward to a call from Fritz for the low-down on A6 ? he'll be ordering one of these as soon as he knows it's coming.

Also try: