New Audi A6 emphasizes single frame in its facelift

What is so special about the New Audi A6 and what is the difference with the older version? Those questions were raised during the unveiling of the New Audi A6 during the Second Jakarta Motor Show at the Jakarta Convention Center last weekend.

The answer lies in the vehicle's "single frame", as can be seen from the car's trapezoidal radiator grille that clearly characterizes the A6 as a representative of Audi's latest generation of cars.

"The New A6 is launched to compete against other German products in the premium market segment. We are sure the New A6 will give drivers who do not want to sacrifice their car's performance and quality an alternative," PT Garuda Mataram Motors chief executive Susilo Darmawan said during the launch.

Apart from its single frame, the New A6, it is claimed, has the most advanced headlight technology in the world and becomes the first Audi to come with adaptive lights, reliably guiding the driver round bends on the road in combination with the high-power Xenon-plus headlights.

Available with a choice of two engines under the bonnet -- the A6 2.4 or the A6 3.0 quattro -- the New Audi has a V6 DOHC (double over-head camshaft) five-valve technology.

The A6 2.4, which will be available in the country by the end of this year, can result a maximum output of 170 horse power (hp) at 6,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) and a maximum torque of 230 Newton meter (Nm) at 3,200 rpm.

As for the A6 3.0 quattro, already available for prospective customers, its 2,976cc engine has a maximum power of 220 hp at 6,300 rpm while the maximum torque is at 300 Nm at 3,200 rpm.

Although the New A6 is a luxurious saloon with the appearance of a coupe, the A6 3.0 quattro is equipped with permanent four- wheel-drive, automatic torsen locking center differential, electronic differential lock (EDL), anti-slip regulation (ASR) and the electronic stability program (ESP).

The A6 2.4, meanwhile, offers front-wheel drive equipped with EDL, ASR and ESP.

Since safety is the main concern of carmakers worldwide, the New A6 is equipped with airbags and active safety that benefits from the latest generation of ESP including brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution (EBD).

In a collision, passengers are effectively protected by the robust structure of the body with its specific, predetermined deformation and the highly stable passenger cell. Front and side airbags as well as the sideguard head airbag system, in turn, interacting with the seat belt, offer a high standard of safety and protection for both driver and passenger.

Carrying a price tag of Rp 925 million (US$99,752) off the road for the New A6 3.0 quattro and Rp 875 million off the road for the New A6 2.4, Susilo was optimistic the car would boost sales of Audi in the country.

He said Audi expected to sell between 120 and 140 cars this year. Until July, the company was able to sell 81 cars of different models and hoped to be able to sell at least 40 more during the next four months.

Carrying the tagline -- "Following your own rules" -- the new A6 was expected to become a trendsetter in the automotive industry, Susilo said.

-- Primastuti Handayani