DATE LINE: AUDI
This article is from our archives and has not been updated and integrated with our "new" site yet... Even so, it's still awesome - so keep reading!
Published on Sat, Oct 14, 2006
By: The LACar Editorial Staff
DATE LINE: AUDI
Well, I hate to seem paranoid, but I feel like people are
watching me. The fact is, they are looking, but the focus of their attention
appears to be the vehicle rather than me. The Audi A6 quattro is a great-looking
car, with sleek, sporty styling that makes it appear as though it's moving even
at a stop. It's the type of car that, if I wasn't already dating someone, would
result in a date, or two.
Getting to know the Audi A6 is an interesting experience. The test vehicle I'm
driving has an optional "advanced key" feature, allowing me to enter and start
the vehicle without taking the key from my pocket. The car has a proximity
sensor that picks up a signal from the key housing. As I approach the car, the
doors unlock and, once seated, I simply press the "engine start" button on the
console. At the end of my drive I will press the "engine stop" button.
In addition to advanced key, the $3,800 technology package on this car includes
such features as a DVD navigation system and rear Parktronic that provides an
audible signal to keep me from backing into anything. The package also includes
Sirius Satellite Radio, so dozens of channels featuring oldies, current hits and
controversial talk programs will keep me entertained during the drive. As a
loyal "Parrothead", however, I will probably tune to Jimmy Buffett's Radio
Margaritaville on Sirius Channel 31. Want to bring your own tunes? Feel free to
load up the six-disc CD changer. Regardless of what you listen to, it will sound
fantastic thanks to a Bose surround sound system and speakers throughout.
As with any car, familiarizing yourself with a vehicle's controls is important
and in the A6, this takes a while due to the number of buttons, knobs and
switches on the console and on the panel above the driver. From a safety
standpoint, I am less than thrilled with any vehicle that has a variety of
distractions. Thankfully Audi has placed a small secondary screen in front of
the driver and a button on the steering wheel that allows me to scroll through
radio stations and select the one I want. Hence, there is less of a need to take
my hands off the wheel or turn my head to look at the display on the center
console.
The A6 rides comfortably, while providing a good feel of the road. The S-Line
package with performance tires and sport suspension has something to do with
that. The car handles well and corners beautifully. Upon entering the freeway, I
notice a slight, unexpected hesitation as I accelerate. Quickly, however, the
335-horsepower V8 engine allows me to reach my freeway cruising speed, a speed
that will be maintained with the help of adaptive cruise control.
As for interior comfort, it doesn't get any better than this. The Volterra
leather upholstery smells great and feels even better. The 12-way power front
seats are heated to keep you warm in cool weather, and the driver's seat has two
memory positions. Wood inlays for the dash, console and doors add a touch of
class, while the tilt and slide power sunroof give the car a sporty feel. Should
you want something from the glove compartment, there's no need to reach over and
open it - in fact, you can't. A push of a button on the dash and the glove
compartment opens for you automatically. Sorry, this is not a perfect world, you
will actually have to close it yourself.
This car does have a lot going for it. The generous trunk provides nearly 16
cubic feet of cargo space. There are airbags throughout, including side curtain
airbags, keep the driver and passengers safe and secure, and an exceptionally
quiet passenger compartment provides much needed stress relief.
But in a car clearly designed for comfort and convenience, why I am I having so
much difficulty opening the door? Unless I open the driver door a little
aggressively to show it who is boss, the heavy door has a tendency to swing
back, something I find to be a little inconvenient and a bit annoying.
This car, as equipped, has a price tag of nearly $65,000. So, needless to say,
it is not for the person in search of basic transportation. It is for the person
who desires the style, comfort, and power of a car created by a company that has
been producing technically advanced automobiles for nearly 100 years.
For additional information about Audi automobiles, visit:
www.audiusa.com.
SUMMARY JUDGMENT
An all-wheel drive work-of-art for the financially endowed.
SPECIFICATIONS
Name of vehicle:
2007 Audi A6 4.2 Quattro AT6 S-Line
Price:
$53,770 (Base price)
$64,840 (As tested)
Engine type:
4.2L V8 aluminum alloy, 5 valves per cylinder
Horsepower:
335 @ 6,600 rpm
Torque:
310 lb-ft @ 3,500 rpm
Drive configuration:
All-wheel drive system with EDL (Electronic Differential Lock)
Transmission type:
6-speed automatic with Tiptronic
Steering:
Speed-sensitive power steering
Suspension:
Front: Four link front suspension
Rear: Trapezoidal link rear suspension
Wheels:
Alloy wheels
Tires:
245/45R17 summer performance tires
Brakes:
Front and rear ventilated disc; anti-lock brake system with Brake Assist
Overall length:
193.5 inches
Overall width:
73.0 inches
Overall height:
57.4 inches
Curb weight:
4,265 pounds
EPA mileage estimates
City/Highway: 17/23
0-60 mph: 7.1 seconds
