Bartek Sikorski

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Though the new Audi A6 is still at least a year away from being shown in concept form and two years from its production debut, details about its construction and platform technology are already leaking onto the web. Building on technologies first developed in the TT platform, the next-generation A6 is expected to use the lightweight ASF II spaceframe technology as its base.

The Ingolstadt-based car maker has developed the Aluminum and Steel Spaceframe (ASF II) technology to provide a platform that weighs half as much as steel, but is half again as rigid, reports Car. ASF technology allows the chassis to be build from a conglomeration of bonded subframe members, modular nose and tail structures and a passenger cell made of aluminum with steel and foam reinforcements. Pioneered in the TT, the ASF architecture is expected to become the standard method of construction for all future Audis, making the A6 the first of the new generation. The next A8 is expected to get the ASF II treatment as well, and the technology will trickle down the line-up from there. Weight savings is expected to be as much as 300kg on the next-gen Q7.
A full line of engines is expected for the A6, from a 2.8L V6 pushing 190hp to the top-end 4.2L V8 at 350hp, to the S6’s 5.2L, 420hp V10. Two diesel engines are also expected, a 2.7L V6 making 185hp and a 3.0L V6 with 238hp.
Front-wheel drive is likely to remain standard, but AWD quattro variants will be available. The new model’s styling will move forward with the language of the new A5 and A4 designs, and will take its LED headlights from the A3 Cabrio. The rear is expected to bear the influence of the 2007 Cross Cabriolet quattro concept.
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Maserati

The above although sounds like an improvement but actually i find it quite interesting for the current generation of Audis having fully Alu chassis. It kinda proves my point regarding Alu Vs Steel in chassis design. I guess its another way of admitting Alu is not good enough when left alone.

Bartek Sikorski

2010 Audi A6 First to Receive New Aluminum Steel Space Frame

Consistent with the previously leaked Audi Roll Out Schedule Until 2012 document, the next generation C7 Audi A6 is set to be unveiled in 2010 for the 2011 model year. With the established Audi grille and new headlamps with eye-catching LED daytime running lamps already certified, the overall A6 body design seems to confirm initial worries that it will end up looking like an enlarged Audi A4.

Despite the lightly evolved design, the new A6 under the skin is just the opposite with a new construction method resulting in 50% body shell weight loss and 50% increased rigidity. Car Online spoke with Audi chief strategist and reports the A6 will be the first model to introduce the new body structure which incorporates both steel and aluminum materials.

Similar to the ASF (Aluminum Space Frame) body construction seen in the low volume R8, TT and A8 models, the new A6 will receive this hybrid body of steel and aluminum, dubbed ASF II, consisting of an all aluminum passenger cell with steel/foam reinforcements. The front nose and rear tail sections will also be reinforced with compact and lightweight subframes which are currently being developed. As any metallurgist knows, aluminum and steel do not mate well, however, advancements in bonding techniques and epoxy resins make it possible resulting in streamlined production, top build quality and cost savings.

After the A6, the ASF II system will be introduced in the A8 and new A7. However, the challenge for Audi engineers will be applying the technology to its smaller cars. Audi engineers are currently exploring how alloys can be used on the Mk2 A3 and upcoming A1.

Clearly the advantages of a lighter vehicle are most evident in improved handling, fuel economy and reduced emissions. For example, applying the ASF II to the heavy Q7 SUV could save as much as 300 kg. However, Audi needs to be more competitive in the handling department and this ASF II system puts them one step closer to narrowing that gap between its German rear-wheel-drive brothers, the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes E-Class.
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Yannis

Very nice CGI.

vroom_vroom

Love it!

The new bumper look awesome with those vents

Family Guy

I like the new bumper! very pronunced.