Photo: Audi
Audi has just launched the revamped A6 mid-size premium model, or should we say models, since there's a whole range that goes from 2-liter diesels to 560 horsepower quattro-breathing monsters. One thing is missing though, something only the most hardcore fans of the brand could notice.
It was in 2011 that Audi launched the A6 Hybrid model. It was the first hybrid sedan launched by the company and even though on paper it looked great, not many have been sold. Not surprisingly, it's been dropped from the lineup, with a plug-in hybrid probably taking its place in about a year or two.
Power for the A6 Hybrid came from a 2-liter 4-cylinder TFSI engine producing 210 PS that was aided by a 55 PS electric motor in achieving a total output of 245 PS. The press releases claimed that it delivered the output of a V6 petrol with the economy of a four-cylinder.
The A6 Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. Despite Audi's best engineering efforts, it only achieved 6.4 l/100km ( 44.1 mpg) combined, which isn't all that great.
Another problem with the A6 Hybrid was the lithium-ion battery pack, which ate into the trunk and reduced its volume from 30 liters to 375 liters with the rear seats in place. The sedan also suffered a weight penalty and cost a lot more than a traditional A6 3.0 TDI, which is what every Audi guy actually wants.
Another thing Audi got rid of with its A6 facelift launch is the famous Multitronic continuously variable transmission, which has been replaced by an all-new 7-speed twin-clutch unit.
Power for the A6 Hybrid came from a 2-liter 4-cylinder TFSI engine producing 210 PS that was aided by a 55 PS electric motor in achieving a total output of 245 PS. The press releases claimed that it delivered the output of a V6 petrol with the economy of a four-cylinder.
The A6 Hybrid was front-wheel drive only and claimed to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.3 seconds. Despite Audi's best engineering efforts, it only achieved 6.4 l/100km ( 44.1 mpg) combined, which isn't all that great.
Another problem with the A6 Hybrid was the lithium-ion battery pack, which ate into the trunk and reduced its volume from 30 liters to 375 liters with the rear seats in place. The sedan also suffered a weight penalty and cost a lot more than a traditional A6 3.0 TDI, which is what every Audi guy actually wants.
Replaced by five diesels
Instead of a hybrid, the A6 facelift comes with a lot more diesel engines, five… of them in fact, ranging from a 150 PS 2-liter to a 320 PS twin-turbo V6 with lots of performance.Another thing Audi got rid of with its A6 facelift launch is the famous Multitronic continuously variable transmission, which has been replaced by an all-new 7-speed twin-clutch unit.
Google News