AUDI REVEALS THE 2006 A6 AVANT AT THE NORTH AMERICA

INTERNATIONAL AUTO SHOW

DETROIT, Mich - With the recent launch of the all-new A6, Audi has set new standards in innovation and design. With the new 2006 A6 Avant, Audi adds another dimension to the A6 model line: utility. Not only does the Avant model increase the A6’s cargo volume, it has its own distinct styling, and ingenious rail system in the cargo area. These new elements, in conjunction with A6’s advanced engineering, lends to an enviable new model arriving at dealer showrooms in July.  The 2006 A6 Avant will come standard with the technologically advanced 3.2 FSI V6 engine that produces 255 horsepower and 243 ft.-lbs. of torque. All of this power is transferred through a six-speed Tiptronic® automatic transmission, and to all four wheels via Audi’s legendary quattro® all-wheel drive.  The luggage compartment in the new A6 Avant is as advanced as the rest of the vehicle. It employs two securing rails that are recessed into the floor. They are fitted with four sliding, adjustable, and lockable load-retaining lugs that can be used to secure items of almost any size. The load floor itself can be folded and locked in a variety of positions to divide the cargo area. Not only does this allow for stowing objects between the seat backs and raised floor, but also it allows access to an integrated plastic tray under the load floor. The cargo area has several baggage hooks integrated into the trim, and there is a luggage net to one side.

For the first time on an Audi Avant, an optional automatic tailgate that opens and closes at the push of a button is available. The opening process can also be initiated remotely by pressing the button on the car key.  The already classic proportions of the A6 Avant's silhouette, with its high shoulder line, narrow window area, coupe-like roofline and flat, sloping tail end, have been infused with a new degree of tension: the profile of the gently rising, curved shoulder line and the powerful, sweeping motion of the dynamic line above the side sills give the entire body of the car a forward-moving, tapered appearance. A glance at the front end, with the trapezoidal-shape single-frame radiator grille, reveals the A6 Avant to be a member of the newest generation of Audi models.  Standard equipment in the A6 Avant mimics that of the sedan. Features such as Advanced MMI, automatic dual-zone climate control featuring indirect output, electromechanical parking brake, a leather interior with 12-way power front seats, and numerous other luxury features.

As with all Audi models, safety is paramount. The 2006 A6 Avant comes standard with active safety components such as the latest generation of ESP® including brake assist and Electronic Brake-pressure Distribution (EBD).  In the event of a collision, the car's occupants are protected by the robust structure of the body with predefined deformation and a highly stable passenger cabin. In conjunction with the seat belts, front and side airbags as well as the Sideguard ™ head curtain airbag system, the driver and passengers are provided with superior safety and protection.

All Audi vehicles sold in North America, including the 2006 Audi A6 Avant, come with the Audi Advantage, an industry-leading combination of warranties and protection. This top-rated package includes:

• Four-year/50,000-mile no-charge scheduled maintenance

• Four-year/50,000-mile limited new vehicle warranty

• 12-year limited warranty against corrosion perforation

• 24-hour Roadside Assistance for four years

More information on all Audi models can be found at www.media.audiusa.com.

2006 Audi A6 Avant Image Gallery