Photo: Audi
It seems that Audi has finally learned from its mistakes with the A8 facelift, which arrived in the states a year later than in Europe. The Germans have just announced the arrival of the 2016 model year A6 and A7 models at the Los Angeles Auto Show later this month. This means their delay will only be a couple of months, not a whole year.
Further details about performance and pricing should be announced during the LA auto venue, but for now, we have enough to paint a somewhat clear picture of the US-spec A6 and A7 and what makes them different from their Euro cousins.
Both cars get subtle cosmetic updates that include new LED headlights and taillights, a fresh grille and power bumpers. As expected, you can't order the Matrix LED system because it doesn't comply with US regulations. However, LEDs are standard on the A7 and should be cheap to order on the A6.
Moving on to the engine range, we notice just how different this is to the European one. The base unit on both cars is the 2.0T, which uses a 2-liter TFSI turbo to deliver 252 hp, 32 hp more than before, and 273 lb-ft (+15 lb-ft) of torque. Audi says that FWD models will use their new 7-speed twin-clutch while AWD models will go for the familiar 8-speed auto.
The 3.0T option is also available on both cars. However, the 3-liter supercharged V6 has been pushed up from 310 to 333 hp, the same output as an S4/S5. Finally, there's the 3.0 TDI option which carries over from the 2014 model year with 240 hp.
Those looking for a bit more power can go for either the 2016 S6 or S7. Both use a 4.0 TFSI twin-turbo V8 that delivers a claimed 450 hp, 30 more than before. Since the RS6 isn't available in the States, your one and only choice to enjoy 560 horsepower from that V8 is the RS7.
We're still lacking vital information about pricing and availability, not to mention the fact that the photos we were provided with show the EU-spec models. LA just can't come soon enough for Audi's mid-size car customers.
Both cars get subtle cosmetic updates that include new LED headlights and taillights, a fresh grille and power bumpers. As expected, you can't order the Matrix LED system because it doesn't comply with US regulations. However, LEDs are standard on the A7 and should be cheap to order on the A6.
Moving on to the engine range, we notice just how different this is to the European one. The base unit on both cars is the 2.0T, which uses a 2-liter TFSI turbo to deliver 252 hp, 32 hp more than before, and 273 lb-ft (+15 lb-ft) of torque. Audi says that FWD models will use their new 7-speed twin-clutch while AWD models will go for the familiar 8-speed auto.
The 3.0T option is also available on both cars. However, the 3-liter supercharged V6 has been pushed up from 310 to 333 hp, the same output as an S4/S5. Finally, there's the 3.0 TDI option which carries over from the 2014 model year with 240 hp.
Those looking for a bit more power can go for either the 2016 S6 or S7. Both use a 4.0 TFSI twin-turbo V8 that delivers a claimed 450 hp, 30 more than before. Since the RS6 isn't available in the States, your one and only choice to enjoy 560 horsepower from that V8 is the RS7.
We're still lacking vital information about pricing and availability, not to mention the fact that the photos we were provided with show the EU-spec models. LA just can't come soon enough for Audi's mid-size car customers.
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