Audi Unveils New A6 During LIVE Press Conference Broadcast from 2011 Detroit Auto Show - COMPLETE VIDEO

SEE ALSO: Audi Buyers Guide

DETROIT - January 10, 2011: Audi's Press Conference at the 2011 Detroit Auto Show began at 12:25PM EST, and was carried LIVE right here on The Auto Channel. The complete HD video is available for continuous on-demand viewing by clicking on the window below. Shortly after the conclusion of the event a complete archived version will be available for on-demand viewing.

The 2011 Audi A6 and S6

The Audi A6 has established itself as a benchmark of luxury and performance in the ever-growing business sedan segment. In 2011, the Audi A6 raises this bar with more standard amenities and updated styling – without additional cost. With a host of available engines, including the powerful yet fuel-efficient supercharged 3.0 TFSI® and the vivacious 5.2 FSI® V10, there is an Audi A6 or S6 to meet the needs of any discerning driver.

The Design: Undeniable presence now with S line standard
The Audi A6 builds on some of the most successful elements of Audi design, with a large, Singleframe® grille dominating the otherwise subtle nose of the Audi A6 and available highintensity headlights with LED daytime running lights adding a powerful road presence. Now standard on the 2011 Audi A6, the S line® front fascia and exterior trim further accentuate the impression of speed.

Along both sides, the Audi A6 presents an image of refinement with reserved, muscular fender arches and elegant chrome accents bright work around the greenhouse. The relatively long wheelbase of 111.9 inches gives the Audi A6 a stately appeal, and large, progressive wheel choices offer a splash of style. The long, aerodynamic styling of the Audi A6 sedan and drag coefficient of just 0.29 helps deliver exceptional fuel economy.

The Audi A6 has a sporty rear design dominated by two prominent LED taillights, while a relatively short trunk deck gives the sedan an almost coupe-like appearance, and two prominent exhaust ports lend the impression of engine power and speed.

The Interior: Perfect blend of form and function
Like all Audi products, the cabin of the Audi A6 is executed in high-quality materials. Brown walnut inlays accent the center console, door panels and dash, creating an atmosphere of sophistication. Comfortable and supportive seats are clad in Valcona leather in the Audi A6, while the Audi S6 enjoys Silk Nappa leather as standard equipment. The large wheelbase affords passengers ample legroom, and the arching roofline of the Audi A6 accommodates individuals of any stature.

Adding to an already well-equipped package, Audi’s extremely intuitive third-generation MMI® and navigation now come standard on all 2011 Audi A6 and S6 models.

The Engines: A perfect match for every driver
The 2011 Audi A6 is available with three engine choices, as well as an Audi S6-specific offering. A 3.2 FSI V6 produces 265 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque. Thanks to innovations, such as the Audi valvelift system and direct-injection, the new, all-aluminum powerplant delivers remarkable fuel economy as well as a healthy power band.

Buyers also may choose from two ways to have an expressively powerful Audi A6 – either the 4.2 FSI V8 or the supercharged 3.0 TFSI V6. Built entirely of lightweight aluminum, the 4.2-liter V8 delivers a heart-pumping 350 hp and 328 lb-ft of torque. The available 3.0-liter supercharged V6 has been designed to offer the ultimate balance between the fuel economy of the 3.2 FSI V6 and the power of the larger 4.2 FSI V8. Delivering 300 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, the 3.0 TFSI yields 18/26mpg (city/hwy). The 3.0 TFSI is available in both the A6 Sedan and the A6 Avant. The S6 operates on an even higher plane, boasting uncompromising power from a 5.2 FSI V10 engine. The pinnacle of Audi engineering, the 5.2-liter engine uses advanced magnesium alloy for the intake, reducing weight to an astonishing 485 lbs – a full 44 lbs lighter than the V10 in the BMW M5. With 435 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque, the engine is the ultimate in performance from Audi.

The Transmissions: Technology for every task
The A6 3.2 FSI makes use of the Audi multitronic® continuously variable transmission, or CVT. The transmission delivers a constant stream of power, making optimal use of the wide torque band of the 3.2-liter V6 engine. The marriage results in ample power and added efficiency. The 3.2 FSI with multitronic transmission is available in front-wheel drive configuration.

Buyers opting for the 3.0 TFSI engine are rewarded with a Tiptronic® six-speed automatic transmission. The perfect blend of a traditional manual transmission and modern automatics, the Tiptronic allows the driver to select gears manually if the need arises. A simple bump of the shifter, or click of optional steering wheel mounted paddles, delivers near instant, precise shifts with all of the smoothness of a traditional automatic gearbox. The 3.0 TFSI Tiptronic is available on both the Audi A6 Sedan and Audi A6 Avant with quattro® all-wheel drive. The 4.2 FSI V8 engine is mated to the same Tiptronic six-speed automatic transmission.

The Audi S6 utilizes a Tiptronic six-speed automatic transmission with specifically chosen gear ratios to help channel the brute force of the 5.2-liter V10 engine. With fast shifts and precise gear choices, Tiptronic is an excellent match to the sport-bred nature of the S6.

The Avant: The luxury and sportiness of An A6, built with utility in mind
The Audi A6 3.0T Avant offers a substantial 33.93 cubic feet of luggage area – more than double the sedan’s capacity. A large rear hatch helps make short work of loading and unloading, and the rear seats fold to provide even more storage area. In total, the 2011 Audi A6 3.0T Avant can be configured to deliver up to 63.83 cubic feet of useable cargo space.

Safety: Powerful and protective
The 2011 Audi A6 is engineered to provide the utmost protection for driver and passengers. Both the driver and front passenger are protected by dual-stage front air bags, and the front and rear seats incorporate side air bags to further protect occupants from injury. Sideguard® side curtain air bags also are standard. The Audi A6 incorporates intelligent safety belts, which work in coordination with the air bags to reduce the possibility of post-incident injury.

Options: More from Audi
The 2011 Audi A6 is available in a number of configurations to suit buyers’ needs. Those include the A6 3.2 multitronic front-wheel drive sedan Premium and Premium Plus; A6 3.0T Tiptronic quattro sedan and A6 3.0T Tiptronic quattro Avant Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trims; A6 4.2 Tiptronic quattro sedan Premium Plus and Prestige; and S6 Tiptronic quattro sedan Prestige. Each variant comes with an impressive list of standard equipment.

The Premium Audi A6 3.2 multitronic front-wheel drive sedan, Audi A6 3.0T Tiptronic quattro sedan and Audi A6 3.0T Tiptronic quattro Avant all incorporate standard features, such as antilock brake system with Electronic Differential Lock (EDL) and Audi hill hold assist. In addition, Audi servotronic power steering adjusts the level of assist based on vehicle speed, and heated exterior mirrors and heated windshield washer nozzles prepare the Audi A6 for cold weather. Standard halogen headlights wash the road with bright light, and a large power sunroof gives the cabin an airy feel.

High quality leather wraps a four-spoke multifunction steering wheel and 12-way power adjustable front seats, while warm wood accents adorn the dash. A tilt/telescopic steering column allows the Audi A6 to fit drivers of any stature, and deluxe dual-zone climate control keeps everyone inside comfortable. A power central locking system and power windows with one-touch up/down feature are standard as well. The Audi A6 also boasts standard cruise control, HomeLink® garage door opener and Bluetooth® hands free. The new third-generation MMI from Audi offers a seven-inch color LCD display with controls for the climate, central locking, audio, phone and navigation systems, and now it is standard on the Audi A6 and Audi S6. A DSP extended sound system includes 10 speakers and a six-disc CD changer, and a driver information system incorporates a five-function trip computer as well as information on external temperature, vehicle speed and radio information.

The Premium Plus configuration incorporates many of the same standard features as those above, with a few notable additions. 18” wheels with all-season tires and Audi xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights. are now included Audi parking system with rear parking sensors also comes in Premium Plus trim.

The Prestige package comes with steering-wheel mounted shift paddles, a power-adjustable tilt/telescopic steering column and an advanced key system, which allows the vehicle to be locked, unlocked and started without the key ever leaving the driver’s pocket. A BOSE® sound system with AudioPilot® offers 13 speakers. A rearview camera is added to the Audi parking system to assist drivers in navigating tough parking spots.

Optional on the A6 are two Sport Packages, both including wheel, tire, suspension and steering wheel changes. The 18” Sport Package includes 18” wheels and all-season tires, mated to a sport suspension and a 3-spoke sport steering wheel with shift paddles. The 19” Sport Package has 19” wheels and summer performance tires with the sport suspension and sport steering wheel. Both packages add sportiness to the A6, while giving the option of tires to suit the needs of the customer.

The 2011 Audi S6 shares standard equipment with the Audi A6 4.2 quattro sedan, although a number of external changes differentiate the V10 sedan from its brothers. Those include an S line trapezoidal Singleframe grille, front fascia, side skirts, integrated rear spoiler and rear bumper. Power folding external mirrors with a memory function also are standard. Inside, S6- specific gauges and an S6 MMI greeting continue the differentiation, as does an S6 multifunction steering wheel.