I could have covered the distance effortlessly, as the top speed of the A6 4.2 has been electronically limited to 250 kph. And it’s blisteringly quick too, as Audi claims just 6.1 seconds for 0 to 100 kph dash. With that sort of power, it’s no wonder that the normally front-wheel driven A6 has been given Quattro permanent four-wheel drive. Which means the car is terribly grippy and supremely surefooted. No compromises on the suspension front either. A four-link suspension, with upper and lower wishbones, does duty at the front, while a trapezoidal-link setup, borrowed from the A8, is used at the rear. The A6 I drove rode on 225/50 R 17 Michelin rubber, larger than the ones on the preceding model. After a couple of slalom runs on the track, the A6 came across as a luxury sedan that doesn’t want to throw its weight around. It’s taut, and doesn’t wallow like what you’d expect from a large car like this. In fact, the new A6’s body rigidity is up by 34 per cent, which means less flex. If it’s your chauffeur who’s going to drive your car, well, he’s a lucky guy.
In India however, the V8 is not coming. As you’re reading this, Audi is going through the process of homologating a 3.0 version, designed specifically for India. In other words, it’s not part of their international line-up yet. The 3.0, with the Multitronic transmission, is powered by a 2976cc V6 petrol unit, producing 218 bhp at 6300 revs and over 29 kgm at 3200 revs. It will however ride on 16-inch wheels, but will come with all safety goodies as standard. Expect it to be ready by January 2005, for Rs 40 to 45 lakh. Yes, a little above the E 240 but with a bigger, more powerful engine. Perhaps worth it for those who know what Audis are all about, and more importantly, who want to show that they’re different. Besides, it’s a new car, even internationally – even the all-important US market received the A6 just a month back.
We surely will test the 3.0 V6 and let you know how the India-specific Audi A6 is like. It does promise to be exciting, and will be more of a driver’s car than the E 240. Picturesque roads or not, I can’t wait to get behind the wheel and take it to, ahem, Pimpri in Pune.
|
