Archive
Activities
Thank you for rating this article
New Audi A6 to launch in Monaco next week
2011-02-17 01:54
What:
Audi A6 official launch
Where:
Port Hercule, Monaco
When:
21 Feb to 5 March 2011
Forget the five rings of the London Olympics. Here in Monaco the four rings of Audi are the talk of the town.
IN 1910 August Horch established a firm that would dominate racing and become a byword for quality cars for the next century. For the company name, he chose the Latin version of his own surname - meaning 'I hear' - Audi. Later, Audi teamed up with three other manufacturers to form Auto Union, whose Silver Arrows - a joint venture with Mercedes-Benz - dominated the Grands Prix of the thirties, setting records that would not be surpassed for a further fifty years.
Auto Union cars came second and third in the 1936 Monaco Grand Prix. Now, 75 years later, Audi are returning to Monaco to launch their new A6 series. From 21 February to 5 March inclusive, the German car manufacturer will be showcasing their latest Audi A6 model at Port Hercule, in the presence of no fewer than 3,700 professionals.
The new Audi A6 is the most highly developed of the Audi family in terms of design and technology. WIth their lightweight but strong aluminium construction, improved aerodynamics and 7-speed transmission, these cars provide a fast, smooth ride. Petrol engines start with a a 180bhp 2.0 TFSI four-cylinder climbing to a V6 3.0-litre TFSI, while diesels will also be available in 2.0 or 3.0-litre versions. They're also highly fuel-efficient, with recuperative technology allowing stored electricity from braking to assist the motor. All this is hardly surprising from the marque whose R-class sports cars have now equalled Ferrari in the LeMans 24 hour endurance stakes.
But these are also cars of the greatest elegance and luxury. The seats are upholstered in Milan leather and are fully electrically adjustable, heated and cooled. There's even a massage function. The sound system is manufactured by Danish brand leaders Bang and Olufsen, whose car audio has been described as 'flawless'. And however you store your music - USB stick, iPod, portable hard drive or mobile phone - even a cassette player - it can be played back via the sophisticated Audi Music Interface.
The new A6 Avant estate, to be launched later in the year, will be one of the most voluminous in its class. Even with the rear seats in place, there's an impressive 22 cubic feet, expands to nearer 60 cubic feet with the seats folded down. The new allroad model of the A6 will have a stainless steel underbody guard and an impressive number of programmable features to make the most of driving on any terrain, including steep hills and rough tracks. Adaptive air suspension means that the vehicle's ground clearance can be raised to 185mm at the touch of a button, while the dynamic setting brings the car closer to the ground and reduces drag for greater fuel efficiency.
The new A6 series will be on view at Port Hercule for the next two weeks.