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2005 Audi A6 Mid-Size Luxury Sedan
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Performance
There are two engine options available in the U.S for the 2005 Audi A6. A 3.2-liter V6, and a 4.2-liter V8. Audi no longer offers the twin turbo V6 now that it offers the V8.
The 3.2-liter, V6, Fuel Straight Injection (FSI) engine is all-new. It generates 255-horsepower at 6,500 RPM, and 243 lb-ft of torque at 3,500. It is the first engine offered by Audi with their FSI system. FSI injects the fuel directly into the combustion chamber instead of into an intake valve. This generates more power and torque while lowering fuel consumption. Unfortunately we were not given an opportunity to drive the A6 with the new V6 engine, so we cannot comment on its performance.
But we did spend an entire day in an A6 with the fantastic updated 4.2-liter V8. This engine is a carry over from the previous A6. It is also used in the S4 compact-sport and the A8 full-size, luxury sedans. This engine puts out 335-horsepower at 6,600 RPM, and 310 lb-ft of torque at 3,500 RPM. If you love to drive, you’ll enjoy this engine as it is powerful, responsive smooth, and quiet even when cruising on the highway. Step hard on the gas and the power throws you back into the seat as the car rapidly picks up speed.
Only one transmission offered on the A6. It is a six-speed, automatic transmission with Tiptronic, and a sport mode. The engine transitions smoothly from one gear to the next, as effortlessly as a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT.) The 2005 A6’s transmission is on par with what is offered in the BMW 5 Series.
The Tiptronic system in the A6, is also used by Porsche. It allows the driver to select gears manually without the effort required to depress a clutch pedal. Audi’s Tiptronic was one of the first manumatic transmissions to come to market. It does a reasonably good job -- but not as good as the one they have in the TT â€' and will not satisfy manual transmission purists. It would be fantastic if Audi would put in the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) in the TT â€' it is the best product of this type on the market â€' into the A6. Because, if they did, then the A6 would be a perfect competitor to the BMW 5 Series sedan with their Sequential Manual Gearbox (SMG.)
So that our all our readers are aware, two of our most favorite rides of all time are the 2004 Audi TT with the DSG, and the 2004 BMW M3 with the SMG, in great part due to these new transmission technologies.
Ride and Handling
The A6 product provides an excellent balance between a driver’s desire for sporty handling for twisting mountain roads, and the need for a comfortable, smooth, and quiet ride, in a reliable commuter sedan for daily use. Both the handling and the ride have been improved by the new A6 chassis â€' if you can imagine that were possible. The new car is 34% stiffer than old one!
Stiffness improves the handling by preventing the chassis from flexing under the vehicle’s load (mass) when cornering. The car can handle turns and corners at higher speeds without breaking loose. Ride is also improved by reducing vibration â€' something you’ll notice right away if you take a test drive.
The steering input is precise, so the car goes where you expect it to, regardless of your speed. This is controlled in part by a speed-dependent, Servotronic, rack and pinion steering system.
Handling is also improved by Audi’s, legendary, Quattro All Wheel Drive (AWD) system. Quattro was first introduced to the U.S. 25 years ago and the drive system is what makes Audi unique. Over the last several years other luxury makers have attempted to emulate Quattro. BMW, Volvo, Acura, Infiniti and Mercedes-Benz all have AWD systems for their sedans.
Safety
Audi builds safe cars, as you would expect from a German manufacturer. The A6 comes with a full compliment of air bags. Front driver and passenger air bags are standard, as are side-impact air bags and the Sideguard head-curtain air bag system.
Audi felt safety gains could be made by improving the vehicle’s exterior lighting. After all you do need to see where you are going. A6 comes with programmable daytime running lights, and Bi-Xenon headlamps with active cornering. Active cornering headlights turn in the same direction the car does. This illuminates the road and area when you are headed, rather than what is straight ahead of the vehicle.
The same increase in chassis stiffness (34% better) also improves the structural rigidity of the A6. That makes it more crashworthy. And Audi is also including a number of electronic driver aids including electronic brake assist and brake force distribution.
