But perhaps it's most distinctive feature is that front-end styling! It's the new face of Audi, so to speak. Perhaps you're asking why? The less said about, the better!

Powerful TDI and petrol engines with up to eight cylinders and 246 kW (335 bhp), the most advanced transmission technology, as well as the choice of front-wheel or quattro permanent all-wheel drive set the foundation for this supreme new A6 sports saloon. Thanks also to cutting-edge suspension combined with high body rigidity, the A6 saloon’s power and performance opens up a new dimension in driving dynamics.

The combination of these impressive qualities will see the new Audi A6 follow in the footsteps of its outstanding role model - the Audi A8 – a vehicle which has been lauded by both the press and the public as the sportiest car in its class. With its wide range of features, plus outstanding design and performance, the new A6 is likewise set to challenge its competitors for its position as the most progressive car in the luxury performance segment.

The all new Audi A6 is expected to be launched in Australia in late 2004/early 2005. Pricing and specification information is not yet available for Australia.

Measuring 4.92 metres in length, 1.86 metres in width, and 1.46 metres in height, the new Audi A6 visibly sets a new standard. The lines of the car combine the clear architecture typical of Audi with other core elements of the brand's progressive design.

Already acknowledged as classic, the fundamental proportions of Audi's sports saloon with its low-slung windows and coupé-like roofline now comes with even greater tension and dynamism. The contours of the shoulder line sweeping up and the upswept dynamic line above the side sills give the vehicle a sense of forward motion. The distinctly-curved dome on the middle of the engine compartment lid, in turn, symbolises the power and performance offered by the new Audi A6.

Seen from the front, the trapezoidal design of the single-frame radiator grille reveals clearly that the A6 represents the latest generation of Audi models. The most advanced headlight technology, in turn, is equally visible behind the clear-glass headlight covers. In fact, the new A6 is the first Audi to feature dynamic adaptive light technology as an option, incorporating powerful xenon- plus units that help you see around corners.

The headlights follow the course of the road ahead as a function of steering angle and road speed, substantially improving the quality of illumination. The driver sees upcoming bends more clearly and precisely and is able to detect obstacles earlier. Obviously, this means a significant improvement in active safety.

Another brand new feature, not only in the A6 but also in production cars the world over, is daytime driving lights featured in conjunction with xenon-plus as well as the new active cornering lights, xenon-plus adaptive light. Consuming very little energy, the daytime driving lights offer the benefit of enhanced safety and visibility with virtually no additional fuel consumption and, as a result, no increase in CO2 emissions. Unlike use of the conventional low-beam headlights during the day, this new technology therefore literally comes "for free" at no expense to the environment.

Low-slung rear lights wrapped distinctly round to the inside characterise the rear end of the car. A chromium strip visually divides the luggage compartment lid horizontally, at the same time creating a striking connection between the light units.

A quick look at the interior is also sufficient to show the change in generation. The high and wide centre console with controls and instruments in perfect reach accentuate the sporting architecture of an interior that fully integrates the driver.

Stylish and neat, the centre console has been inspired by the interior design of the new A8. As in Audi's luxury sports saloon, the interior designers and engineers have also opted for an electro-mechanical parking brake on the new A6, giving the designers greater freedom in their creativity.

The MMI control terminal is right behind the gearshift lever, again in perfect ergonomic arrangement, placing its display exactly in the driver's line of vision, integrated beneath the top dashboard cover.

Each of the car's occupants benefit from a far higher standard of comfort and spaciousness inside. The wheelbase of the new Audi A6 has increased by 83 millimetres over the car's predecessor to 2843 millimetres. This means extra comfort and safety as well as additional legroom for the front passengers, plus extra knee room at the rear. Shoulder room at the front has been increased by 23 millimetres, with an extra 6 millimetres at the rear. The luggage capacity on both front-wheel drive and quattro models is 546 litres.

At launch the new Audi A6 will enter the market with a total of five power units fitted in longitudinal arrangement – three petrol and two TDI engines. All these engines share a level of power and torque that is outstanding in this segment of the market:

• new: 2.0 TDI - 103 kW (140 bhp) - 320 Newton-metres
• new: 3.0 TDI V6 - 165 kW (225 bhp) - 450 Newton-metres
• new: 2.4 V6 - 130 kW (177 bhp) - 230 Newton-metres
• new: 3.2 V6 FSI - 188 kW (255 bhp) - 330 Newton-metres
• new: 4.2 V8 - 246 kW (335 bhp) - 420 Newton-metres

All of these power units, as featured in the new Audi A6, are entering the market for the first time and comply with the EU 4 emission standard.

The six- and eight-cylinder engines come from Audi's new V-configuration engine family with a 90° cylinder angle and a distance of 90 millimetres (3.54") between the cylinders. They are compact in design and feature maintenance-free camshaft drive by means of a chain, as well as low-friction roller arm valve drive.