2005 Audi A6 4.2 V8 Quattro Driving Impressions

[foofighter]

I would first like to extend my thanks to Mission Viejo Audi and my sales consultant Paxton, whom without their assistance this test drive would not have been possible.

A few weeks ago, I received a phone call from Paxton with an opportunity to test drive the newly released 2005 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro. Without hesitation an appointment was scheduled and I waited with baited anticipation as every car magazine review that I've read so far have had nothing but great things to say about the entire car.

The A6 that I had the honor of driving today is a European spec A6 4.2 quattro. It appears to be making its rounds around the west coast training the sales staff, Audi technicians and lucky future A6 owners like yours truly.

Exterior:
I urge anyone reading this who have not seen this car in person to get out to the dealership as soon as these cars hit the lot. The pictures simply do not do it justice. In static mode, the shape of this newly constructed A6 from the ground up conveys speed. The flow starting from the hood up the windshield and down towards the stamped kick up in the rear boot lid gives the new A6 an subtlety aggressive posteur.

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_side.JPG

Moving to the front end of the car stands before you the controversial "Shield" that will adorn almost the entire Audi line harking back to its Auto Union days. Yes it’s prominent, as it aptly should, because this will be what bystanders will quickly recognize as uniquely Audi. Love it or Hate it, this grille is here to stay. One way or another, the front end of this A6 will convey emotion.

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_shield.JPG

Follow the body crease from the upper most corner of the headlight assembly and you’ll see this simple line accent the body creating a feel of forward movement on towards the rear of the deck lid where there's a slight "kickup".

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_line.JPG

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_crease.JPG

Simple is what best describes the sihlouhette of this car. You have a coupe like roof line with a rather rakish 'C' pillar allows this sports sedan to slip through the wind at a 0.28 drag coefficent. Unlike another competing European car in this segment this Audi A6 has two prominent body lines, one previously described and a lower belt line flows effortlessly in concert never competing for your attention.
Rounding off the car is the simple yet elegant rear end of the A6.

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_rear_boot.JPG

The low lift over of the trunk makes for ease of lifting large items in and out of the trunk without worrying about getting caught. A nice strip of polished aluminum accents the top portion of the rear boot lid to give it a touch of sporting class. The trunk greatly benefited from this redesign as one can easily stow at least 2 golf bags with room for possibly more.

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_trunk-med.JPG

The car's battery is now housed underneath the false bottom adjacent to the spare tire.

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_spare_battery.JPG

One of the main highlight of the car's rear end is the use of LED light assembly for added efficiency and safety in inclement weather.

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_LED.JPG

Interior:
All I can say is this is typical Audi ergonomic at its best! The fit, finish, and use of high quality materials runs abound inside the A6. The car I had the pleasure of piloting was equipped with the sport interior as evidenced by it's 3 spoke perforated leather steering wheel and rather supportive B6 S4 like sport seating (it was a dream to sit in as you are nestled comfortably inside the cockpit).

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_sport_seat.JPG

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_cockpit.JPG

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_cluster.JPG

The gauge cluster is easy to read, 4 gauges gives the driver a quick glance at the engines vitals (water, tach, speedo, fuel)
Further, audio controls are within fingers reach on the sport steering to tune to your favorite presets and to control the volume. Lurking behind the 3 and 9 position lies the paddle shifter, more on that later. Moving your eyes towards the center you’ll be greeted with Audi's simplified answer to the ubiquitous I-Drive…I didn’t get a chance to fiddle with it much but what I could gather from it was that it was very intuitive and simple to use.

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_MMI.JPG

[foofighter]

Surrounding the LCD monitor are five buttons; trip reset, check engine button, gauge dimmer, LCD monitor on/off switch, and glove compartment release (where a 6 disc changer sits). Moving down towards the center console past the standard dual climate controls lays the brains of MMI. What was truly interesting though is the switch operated (E) Brake, its hydraulically controlled and is engaged with a simple push of the switch. To disengage, simply depress the brake pedal and hit switch again.

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_gear_console.JPG

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_cntr_console.JPG

Something you may not know is that all Audi A6's are now Bluetooth enabled, this particular car had a remote control sized handset for you old school people that have to hold a phone to talk.

Generous use of polished aluminum and high quality wood accents key features within the cabin again, creating an air of sporting elegance.

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_trim.JPG

Rear seating is SPACIOUS with the seats full pushed back, there's still ample leg room for the average person. Despite the coupe like silhouette of the cars line the rear is lacking for headroom. A clever attention to detail that we've all become accustom to with Audi is a head level vent on each side of the 'B' pillar and a center vent for the rear passenger.
http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_rear_pass_vent2.JPG

Driving Impressions:
Driving the 4.2L V8 is nothing but exhilarating! Maximum torque is reached at an early rpm and slingshots the driver forward in a very non-dramatic fashion. Next thing you know you're merging on the during rush hour traffic well over the 130 km/hr. This motor coupled with the standard 6 speed tiptronic transmission is a nice compromise for not offering a manual gearbox. The chassis feel is solid more solid than the B6 chassis, even with its hefty weight 3700 lbs for the V6 and 3850 for the V8, the car does not feel sluggish in the V8 trim. Driving the car equipped with Quattro gives the person a great sense of confidence to go into or come out of a corner far faster than one would normally do in a normal 2WD vehicle. The equipped sport suspension and 18" A8L style polished alloys was taut and some say a bit too rigid felt just fine for me. Even though this car grew an overall length of 3.3 inches it still reacts quickly to steering input. There's that hint of body roll on long sweeping roads which could be easily remedied with the addition of a rear sway bar or even better enhanced aftermarket suspension to bring the chassis lower down towards the ground.

I do sometimes miss driving an automatic as evidence today when we were weaving in and out of South County Freeway traffic. This feat was made more enjoyable with the enhancement of the shifter paddles. No longer does the driver need to engage the shift lever over to the "Tip" mode, now if you need to downshift to pass a car or merge onto the freeway, flick the left paddle to downshift and give squirt of the GO pedal and you're off. If left in the normal Drive mode the car will adapt with your driving style and hold out on up shifting if you've got the foot buried, shifting is smooth and effortless in either mode.

The brakes have also been upgrade to pull this beast down to a standstill with the use of 14" rotors in the front (probably borrowed from the B6 S4). Standing on the brakes created no drama and did what it was created to do; bring you to a stop quickly!

The problem with a car like this is how quick the test drive session ends. [ƒ¼] We pulled up to the dealership and back her in to the stall next to our Avant and sadly handed the keys back to Paxton.

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_keyfob.JPG

I must say, I cannot wait for the arrival of the 3.2L V6 FSI motor A6, it will be truly a comparison to see how well that motor works with this chassis. I think our ultimate decision will hinge on how well the 3.2 performs. We already know what will be on the mod list before taking delivery of the car; that would be suspension, exhaust (if available) and the transfer of the 20x9 Sportec Mono 10s. This reinvented A6 will truly be a contender for the top spot of who will reign supreme in the luxury sport sedan segment. The overall execution of design, material content and build quality will truly give Audi's competitors a run for its money. Perhaps, BMW will have to do a quick redesign like they'll be doing w/ the 7 series to attract more global buyers. [;)]

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_sbys.JPG

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_rt_side.JPG

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_rear_low.JPG

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_front.JPG

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_42_engine.JPG

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/6A6_18_wheels.JPG

Again, I'd like to thank Paxton Krichmar and Audi of Mission Viejo for making this test drive possible. Their contact info is:

28451 Marguerite Parkway
Mission Viejo, CA 92692
949.218.5050


Pricing information:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=17646

[angryswede]

do they have avants of that shizzle? or are we getting stuck with 3.0 v6's again?

[foofighter]

The avant is a year behind in introduction...there's a post of the spy pics of the Avant A6 on this forum

[RippleChip]

Very nice.
The one that is roaming around up here was the V6 model, with standard transmission and cloth interior. I was amazed at how beautiful and well done the cloth interior is, its a shame we don't see that as an option. The quality of it is unreal, like no other cloth interior I have ever seen.

[EVIL-AUDI]

I'll wait for the aftermarket to get a hold and fix what I think Audi has ruined.

[RippleChip]

Pictures dont' do it justice, in the flesh its really nice. I was unsure at first, but never decide until seeing it with your own eyes.

[foofighter]

thank you ryan! the shield is very proportional to the car

[Saturnine]

Oh man, that color just rocks!! What is it?

Damn sir.

That is one fine steed [:D]

Do you know what color you want?

[foofighter]

BLACK or that Oyster Gray

[RippleChip]

Black truck, black Avant, time to switch it up [:)]

This was a nice colour as well...and check that interior
http://www.battlegear3.org/album/20040803_audi_stars_and_cars/CRW_1200.sized.jpg

http://www.battlegear3.org/album/20040803_audi_stars_and_cars/CRW_1198.sized.jpg

[1sicknickel]

Here you go D. 20" Sportecs on the new A6
http://images6.fotki.com/v96/photos/1/140854/833003/sportecA6-vi.jpg

[foofighter]

OH MAN...hehe that'll look great [:D]

[RippleChip]

Yes that will look nuts. Going to be another sick ride.

So you want to hand over your Avant, can trade in my ride [:p]

[EVIL-AUDI]

Sorry, but that front will never grow on me.

[Hutash]

Originally posted by EVIL-AUDI
Sorry, but that front will never grow on me.

I agree, I'm glad I will not be in the market for a new Audi. It is not as bad as the new BMWs, but they are not far behind.

Nice review Foo, are you trying to get a job with Car and Driver[;)]

[foofighter]

hhaahaha i wish that would be fun...but my metaphors and analogies are not even up to snuff w/ those guys!

[neoprufrok]

Duan, great writeup! Nice descriptions and great detail. I can't wait to see it in person and to see those Sportecs on that car... wow.

[foofighter]

I took the liberty to forward this article to AoA and this was the response.

"Thank you, Duan, and I will of course be delighted to forward this to our A6 group! High praise indeed, and I agree; I had the pleasure of driving the new A6 just today. The photos are splendid; are they your work? They should be of great interest to prospective owners, as our brochures are not yet available (coming in September). Thanks again."

[KkHoliday]

WOW....i'm speechless, all i can do is DROOL [:)]

[Hutash]

Tell them you will gladly trade the photos for a new A6.

[foofighter]

Originally posted by Hutash
Tell them you will gladly trade the photos for a new A6.

oh man if it were that easy i'd love to [;)]

[foofighter]

courtesy nickel1.8

http://www.audizine.com/gallery/data/500/62sportecA6.jpg

[Nuvolari]

Originally posted by Saturnine
Oh man, that color just rocks!! What is it?



Hello to all, I'm new and this is my first post.

Thanks to foofighter for this great write-up. I'm a co-worker of Paxton and we had a very busy two days. Every one of my ten customers were truely impressed by whatever aspect was important to them.

Only one lady (she did not drive it and owns an 01 A6) said, she did not like the grille and the car needed more chrome.
Research says there are about 20% rejectors of the new face, and she was one of them.

Saturnine,
The color of the shown car is either Canyon Red or Copper Red, depending on which order guide you believe. One of my customers ordered hers in exactly that color, unseen, just trusting my raving description (I had seen it earlier). When she finally saw it on Tuesday night, she had tears in her eyes. Happy tears.

[Imperial]

Welcome, Nuvolari. We appreciate your patronage here [:)]

I'm pleased to hear that the new A6 is impressing people as such. It's definitely an amazing car from what I've seen and can tell. The grille will take getting used to, but if there's only 20% rejectors, then that's 80% approved, which is good enough for me, haha! [:D]

I remember reading that Audi AG had already received 12,000+ orders for the new A6 JUST in Europe. If that figure and the reviews that this car's been getting are accurate, then all I have to say is - HEUTE EUROPA, MORGEN DIE WELT!

[foofighter]

Nuvolari,

Welcome and thanks I couldn't have written a good review without a great car to star with!

Hopefully you'll check in once in awhile to answer any questions potential new owners may have!

I take it Paxton got the link i emailed to him [:D]

[Nuvolari]

Thank you for the warm welcome. Yes, Pax got your link and you should have seen the big smile on his face when he read it. When he saw his picture, he was dancing on the desk!

I'd be happy to answer questions as long as the question gets to me and I'm sure of the answer. This great site is bookmarked and you'll hear of me again.

Schönen Abend

[foofighter]

in the main audizine forum index you'll see down below if you have any PM's (Private Messages) you might want to scan that periodically for any questions that are offline that MIGHT pretain to vehicle sales etc.

Know your stuff because AoA is watching this post as well [;)]

[Thrawn]

Originally posted by foofighter

Know your stuff because AoA is watching this post as well [;)]

Excellent write up! I wish I was there to see the car. I just love that lower line that angles up to match the crease on lower rear bumper. A true work of art. The two tone dash with black buttons and grey surround was a nice touch as well. I too was not a big fan of the new front end, but after seeing the new A6 barreling down behind me, I loved it. Flying on the freeway, it looked very aggressive and classy at the same time. Once more are on the road, people will start to recognize. It's kind of like what happened with the B6 A4. I didn't like them at first, but I learned to appreciate them more with exposure. I don't recall, but does the new A6 have air suspension as an option? Now only if only the 4.2 had a third pedal as an option...

[Quattrophile]

Ok.....the car is DOPE....I must admit. But dammit.....that grill is just FUGLY. If only the middle section between the top and bottom grill was the same color as the car....the car would be PERFECT!

[Hutash]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Imperial
[B]Welcome, Nuvolari. We appreciate your patronage here [:)]

The grille will take getting used to, but if there's only 20% rejectors, then that's 80% approved, which is good enough for me, haha! [:D]
QUOTE]

The joy of statistics[rolleyes] The fact that 20% rejects the new grill does not mean 80% approve. There is a whole other catigory of people who have not formed an opinion, or are ambivolent. I suspect that it is a fairly large group.[confused] But I am one of the 20% so my opinion is biased, which affects the statistics.

Welcome Nuvolari, it will be nice to get some opinions from the showroom floor. Please don't take any attacks on salemen personally, we have all had bad experiences with them at one time or other, but I am the first to say Audi sales staff is a cut above the rest.

[Nuvolari]

Hi Hutash,

Anend statistics, my position is that I don't believe them unless I manipulated them myself. ;-)

Actually, I read an article a while ago (which I didn't write, hint, hint) that quoted an Audi survey. The key finding was that the single frame grille design is very polarizing (which is good for any design, as long as the numbers are in your favor). 20% rejected, 80% loved it! There!

Another point in that article was that they also decided for this grille because Chinese wanted this grille more than anybody else. Big grille there symbolizes "big car", which is obviously what they want after so many decades without.

Thanks for the welcome and I'm with you on the salesman love/hate relationship. I've had my share of (bad) experiences too.

[Hutash]

Originally posted by Nuvolari
Hi Hutash,

Anend statistics, my position is that I don't believe them unless I manipulated them myself. ;-)





That's great. I love it! My stats prof. in college said " There are liars, damn liars, and statistics" , but I like your position even better.

It's funny, but I always seem to find myself on the fringe of any bell shaped curve. The chinese can have the grill.

[Nuvolari]

Originally posted by Hutash
I always seem to find myself on the fringe of any bell shaped curve.

Fringe is fine. What side, though? Left or right?

[Hutash]

Originally posted by Nuvolari
Fringe is fine. What side, though? Left or right?

It all depends on the curve, but on this one I am way to the left, even lower than the 20%. I am in the 5% that thinks it is really, really ugly, but I am keeping an open mind[:D] I may like it when I see it in person, but I am sure that is what Bangle thinks about his bad designs.

[VRsic]

Originally posted by EVIL-AUDI
I'll wait for the aftermarket to get a hold and fix what I think Audi has ruined.

Agreed.

[Nuvolari]

Originally posted by Hutash
I am in the 5% that thinks it is really, really ugly, but I am keeping an open mind[:D] I may like it when I see it in person.

Some of my customers on those two unveiling days mentioned that it looked a lot better in person than in any of the pictures they saw.

So, there IS hope for you.

...Back to work

[AudiWiz]

yeah.. this car is awsome.. I´m getting the 3.0 V6 TDI.. what a great engine and the car is simply amazing.. can´t wait for the arrival.. and for the RS6 parts to arrive too, eheheh..

[AudiWiz]

Quattrophile, have you ever seen the car live ? man, belive me, that plastic part in the middle of the grill looks great.. makes the car sportier.. but we can only judge this car when we see it real.. At first, i thought the front lights didn´t look so good, but when I saw him..
conclusion, if you haven´t seen the new A6 yet, go to your dealer and see it, it´s worth..

[Kent]

I love everything about it including the grill on the exterior side of things.. However, Im not feeling the interior.. Does anyone agree?

[wiszmaster]

I love the exterior of the car. simply amazing looking. i have been in a few of them, and even drove one about 3 months ago in germany. HOWEVER i am not a big fan of the new interior style - mainly the way the dash & center counsole is made/designed. with the lightswitch being up there, and everything on the right to the cluster, as well as the silverish plastic.

it just seems to be less personal, more of the BMW look inside, and the steering wheel is very odd looking. too boxy in a way.

but then again, OPINIONS are like assholes: 1. everybody has them 2. they are all full of shit. ;-)

[foofighter]

the one you drove was it the sports interior? Because the one i drove has the sport seats and steering wheel which makes up for it a bit...i'm not a big fan of the 4 spoker

[OverSpun]

that my friends... is a hot car... Audi > BMW.

Duan... you're such a baller... that is all.

[aussie_s4]

Originally posted by wiszmaster
I love the exterior of the car. simply amazing looking... HOWEVER i am not a big fan of the new interior style - mainly the way the dash & center console is made/designed. with the lightswitch being up there, and everything on the right to the cluster, as well as the silverish plastic.I totally agree. I love the exterior, but the interior doesn't do much for me. I know the steering wheel is supposed to reflect the Auto Union shield, but it looks out of place. And the way the dashboard sweeps from behind the steering wheel, above the LCD display and around to the passenger side of the console...more importantly, where are the cupholders?[rolleyes]

foofighter--any idea when the new RS6 will arrive?

[Imperial]

Yeah, I'm not sure about the sweeping interior line, either. But I think it's another element that has to be seen in person to judge.

As for the shield grille, I saw a few of these when I was in Germany and it's HOT. In person, it looks really good, in my opinion. The overall shape of the car is simply gorgeous. One drove slowly by us as we were getting ready to cross a crowded street and it was sooooo sexy....

way hottness

[Nuvolari]

Originally posted by aussie_s4
I totally agree. I love the exterior, but the interior doesn't do much for me. I know the steering wheel is supposed to reflect the Auto Union shield, but it looks out of place. And the way the dashboard sweeps from behind the steering wheel, above the LCD display and around to the passenger side of the console...more importantly, where are the cupholders?[rolleyes]

Two-dimensional images can not do the car justice. Please wait until you see the real thing, and your worries will be gone.

For the cupholders, there are two for the front passengers, in the console, between the MMI and the Armrest. Check it out here (http://audiusa.com/model_home/0,,bodyStyleId-4,00.html?bodystyle=a6sedan&referringPage=Flash_home_theater) and click on 'explore the all-new A6', then click on Gallery and you'll find the cover for the cupholders.


With all due respect and tongue-in-cheek, can't you guys think of more important things than cupholders? [/b][rolleyes] [/B]

[Hutash]

Originally posted by Nuvolari
Two-dimensional images can not do the car justice. Please wait until you see the real thing, and your worries will be gone.

For the cupholders, there are two for the front passengers, in the console, between the MMI and the Armrest. Check it out here (http://audiusa.com/model_home/0,,bodyStyleId-4,00.html?bodystyle=a6sedan&referringPage=Flash_home_theater) and click on 'explore the all-new A6', then click on Gallery and you'll find the cover for the cupholders.


With all due respect and tongue-in-cheek, can't you guys think of more important things than cupholders? [rolleyes] [/B] [/B]

Cup holders are the most important feature to most Americans[:p] It just is a baffling concept to Europeans. Doesn't the Crysler minivan have something like 32 cup and drink holders?

[96A6Quattro]

Great presentation, you did a great job. I don't like the new ones... at all. I own a 1993 Corvette and hated the C5's when they came out in '97. But they've grown on me, like a fungus, and I can accept them now. And this year they come out with another style, which I love. To each his own. I'm glad you like it. I especially really LOVE the keyring/keyfob laying on the trunk lid paint like it is, in your picture. [eek] THAT's a no no, no matter what you own.

[foofighter]

lol thanks! the key fob on the trunk...it's not my car [;)] i wouldn't imagine doing that on my car [:D]

[96A6Quattro]

Originally posted by foofighter
lol thanks! the key fob on the trunk...it's not my car [;)] i wouldn't imagine doing that on my car [:D]

No problem. And the key fob... if I was the salesman, and I saw you put that fob on the paint, you'd be VERY done with your little car interview. Sorry man, you just don't do that, your car or not. Not trying to push here, just trying to convey my disappointment. I once knocked a guy in the head for putting his spiral bound notebook on the deck lid of my '82 Camaro at a job site once. The car was far from pretty, but it was mine. It's just massive disrespect as far as I'm concerned. My .$.02. Again, no hard feelings.....

[foofighter]

would it make a difference if i laid it down ever so gently? [;)]

[Hutash]

Originally posted by 96A6Quattro
No problem. And the key fob... if I was the salesman, and I saw you put that fob on the paint, you'd be VERY done with your little car interview. Sorry man, you just don't do that, your car or not. Not trying to push here, just trying to convey my disappointment. I once knocked a guy in the head for putting his spiral bound notebook on the deck lid of my '82 Camaro at a job site once. The car was far from pretty, but it was mine. It's just massive disrespect as far as I'm concerned. My .$.02. Again, no hard feelings.....


I'd hate to see what you do to seagulls[:D]

[96A6Quattro]

Originally posted by foofighter
would it make a difference if i laid it down ever so gently? [;)]

If you are asking this question, even jokingly, I understand why you did it in the first place. My bad for trying to prove a point in a pointless conversation. It's been fun.

[foofighter]

bump for peeps

[dukez]

A low blow Foo. [:o]