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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 By Reed Berry

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

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