Audi doesn't appear to be even remotely interested in taping / covering / camoing the upcoming 2013 Audi A6 as this is the second time we've spotted the super-sedan testing without any protection.
We're still expecting the same things from this car -- a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 in place of the supercharged 6, stickier tires, firmer suspension and, of course as you see above, a more aggressive body. But this new 2013 S6 isn't as bold as it could be, not as bold as previous S models, it's subtle-bordering-on-sleeper and for this application, it works.
You'll remember from our track tested of the 2012 Audi A6 3.0T that the non-S car is no slouch with a quarter-mile ET of 13.6 @ 102.0 and a 67 mph slalom. Add 190 horsepower -- there have been rumors of 500-- and sportier suspension? Wow...
cjasis says:
08:16 AM, 07/ 8/11
I know it will never happen but... Please, please, please Audi... bring the Avant version to the US. Provided it drives as well as the spec's promise, I'd put an order in today.
pickandflick says:
09:05 AM, 07/ 8/11
No camo probably cause all Audi sedans look the same.
Mike Magrath says:
09:53 AM, 07/ 8/11
Ug, that was bad. 4th grade was tricky, that was the year we really got into dodge ball.
-mm
hfv6 says:
10:44 AM, 07/ 8/11
aside from wheels and tailpipes it doesnt even look more aggressive. A car with this much power should look more intimidating.
cr_driver says:
10:50 AM, 07/ 8/11
Like the front end, but that rear end ain`t doing nothing for me. For a 500hp car? Boring to say the least, and looking too much like the A4.
smallfield says:
10:57 AM, 07/ 8/11
"I know it will never happen but... Please, please, please Audi... bring the Avant version to the US. Provided it drives as well as the spec's promise, I'd put an order in today."
- Me too - I'd take an A6 or S6 Avant the day they come here. I don't even need it to drive like the specs. Drive like an A6 3.0T or better and Audi it's cash deal!
I can't see how Audi and BMW say there isn't a market. Looks like on all of these groups people want them. 2 of the 5 commenters would order tomorrow!!!
And if Audi only offers a A6 2.0T FWD Avant, I will NOT buy that... 3.0T or better and I'll buy even with a auto 8 speed tranny, though a 6MT or DCT would be much better.
Seems all the wagons are underpowered and auto tranny only, where the sedans comes row your own with engine options. The Germans wonder why we don't buy wagons and only offer an A4 2.0T and 328i. If you underpower it, at least let me shift. The paddles don't count either!!!
Also - these compete with SUVs. People get the wagon because they drive better. Why only import the slow versions with automatics?
I can't see why they can't just increase the MSRP to cover federalization of the other models. They'll see more A6 avants than TT-RS cars.... frustrating.
qqt414 says:
11:10 AM, 07/ 8/11
The styling is so BLAH. i fell in love with the Audi design language 3-4 years ago, but i agree with pick and flick and think that now I couldn't tell the difference between an A4, A6, and A8 unless i looked hard. I feel like buyers in this class are looking for something that makes them feel special and distinctive.
Heck 3-4 years ago i would not i think i would say this, but I think that Mercedes currently has the most distinctive sheet metal between each of its various classes. Thoughts?
jazzy7 says:
04:07 PM, 07/ 8/11
Audis are all starting to look alike...It's like shopping for shirts...small , med, large
smallfield says:
04:30 PM, 07/ 8/11
@jazzy
I like how they look - I'll take a medium please
Could be like BMW where they have picked an ugly design they spread gradually through the ranks. At least Audi has a good design they share.
mardani977 says:
04:44 PM, 07/ 8/11
Agreed smallfield at least Audi started with a good design to make all the cars look alike, unlike with what BMW did with the previous generation 7 5 6 and z cars. Still might be a bit too understated, but at least it does not scream "hey copper give me a ticket!" at least not in that color. I agree with someone else, they should bring the avant, if Caddy can sell CTS-V wagons Audi should have no problems selling an S wagon with Quattro. Mercedes use to have the market cornered with the E AMG wagon, the problem was in the E, it looked too much like just another E class wagon, but at least to the cops you looked like another suburban soccer mom.
gtrguy2012 says:
08:58 PM, 07/ 8/11
I HATE THE NEW A4/A6 they look so cheap and bland. THEY LOOK LIKE JETTAS AND PASSATS WITH LEDS.
litewerk says:
11:27 PM, 07/ 8/11
OK, my first impression from the provided pictures is that I like the looks of it. Definitely! Now I agree there is a similar style, or family resemblance, among A4/6/8. I have no trouble recognizing which is which simply based on the size. And, my favorite shot is the one from the rear.
hfv6 says:
04:54 AM, 07/ 9/11
the E63 wagon will be available for order as a 2012 according to MT.
2fst says:
07:22 AM, 07/ 9/11
boring.
lolxd says:
07:29 AM, 07/ 9/11
"Aah fuck it! Some idiot's gonna leak it anyway and the thing's quite predictable thanks to McDickhead so why bother".
lolxd says:
07:35 AM, 07/ 9/11
hfv6 quote,
"aside from wheels and tailpipes it doesnt even look more aggressive. A car with this much power should look more intimidating."
True definition of a sleeper then? That's what Audi S4/6/8 were supposed to be.
topheezy says:
10:09 AM, 07/ 9/11
Audi has never made overstyled cars. Why would they change that now? This is a perfect evolution of a perfect design language. There is not a misplaced line, minimal "flame surfacing" cues. Just Germanic elegance.
mscaballoverde says:
01:36 PM, 07/ 9/11
You've never seen the Auto Union's "Streamliner," have you. That thing's got more "flame surfacing" than an actual campfire.
DLu says:
11:33 AM, 07/10/11
+1 cjasis
Idiots like me can only handle this much power in AWD flavor, so no CTS-V or E63 wagons for my family.
ultimatemxcn says:
01:13 PM, 07/10/11
Those wheel well gaps are downright ATROCIOUS!!! What is happening at AUdi? First the A8 now the performance oriented S6. Sad.
brian_k says:
08:30 AM, 07/11/11
Looks good to me. I like the understated look. Maybe a rear diffuser but that is about it. Bring the wagon. If BMW can bring the GT and X6 to market (talk about low volume), Audi should be able to bring the Avant over here.
lmbvette says:
09:57 AM, 07/11/11
I agree with what others here have posted, I am having trouble disguishing this car from it's siblings.
I'm a car guy. I read about cars a few hours everyday....and I can't tell the difference on the street between various models from the same company (I'm looking at you BMW and Audi). If this happens to someone who knows about cars....what happens to somebody who doesn't know about cars? Whatever it is....it can't be good.
smallfield says:
07:45 PM, 07/11/11
"Bring the wagon. If BMW can bring the GT and X6 to market (talk about low volume), Audi should be able to bring the Avant over here."
I know. For Audi the Avants are about 10% of sales, right? What car company gives up 10% out of laziness?
"+1 cjasis
Idiots like me can only handle this much power in AWD flavor, so no CTS-V or E63 wagons for my family"
They just aren't nice inside either compared to the new Audi 6.
I'm hoping BMW realizes it did better with the wagon than the GT. I'm glad that horrible experiment misfired so BMW realizes wagon buyers won't just take what is offered. I still can't believe 7 series buyers get them though...
Are they really canning the A4 Avant in 2013? I heard from a dealer source, it can't be true - bad enough you can't get an S4, A4 with 6MT, or A6... now no A4 Avant. Horrible.
I'm waiting Audi and BMW - whoever gets their mid size wagon back first I'll buy. I guess if my car gets too old I'll have a CTS though it is getting dated.