|
Audi A6 2005: The Weekly Driver
Swanky automotive manufacturer press trips are common occurrences. But with the long-anticipated debut of its 2005 line, Audi went to extreme lengths to introduce its new fleet. And amid fancy media kits and proclamations, high-end accommodations, unique cuisine and scenic test drives along the Northern California coast, one part of the two-day U.S. presentation last fall in San Francisco remains most vivid: An Audi engineer spent more than one hour describing in exhaustive detail how he redesigned the car's new extended front grill. The engineer's presentation showcased his work pride and marketing and public relations skills. But it also served as an ideal microcosm of Audi's well-deserved confidence in its new line. Maligned for years and slipping in customer satisfaction rankings, the new A6 instantly helps reverse those woes. It's a classically styled, powerful and overall impressive vehicle that shouldn't be overlooked by anyone considering a car in the above-$50,000 price range. My test drive for the week was the A6, 4.2-liter Quattro AT6, the most powerful and luxurious model in the line. With the two other A6 models, the Quattro offers new styling, more room and more power than the 2004 version. It features a DOHC V8 aluminum alloy engine with five valves per cylinder and a six-speed automatic transmission. The Quattro designation is Audi's trademarked All-Wheel Drive system. Combined with the $1,500 sport package option (18-inch alloy wheels, front sport seats, sport suspension and summer performance tires), the A6 offers a superior drive. Its acceleration is confidently quick but not jolting. The ride quality is quiet and smooth, and the steering and handling is impressive in all driving circumstances. In short, driving or riding in the A6 is an exercise in comfort and
confidence.
|
