Audi has just released official photos and details of their totally redesigned A6 sedan, which is set to be released sometime early next year. With styling that makes it a dead ringer for a smaller A8 (this was intended), the new A6 is more of an evolution of Audi design, rather than a revolutionary styling coup. Come to think of it, it doesn't look much different than the current model. Underneath, however, it's composed of plenty of lightweight aluminum and high-tech steel components.

It's powered by a choice of several engines, with gasoline, diesel and hybrid all being options. Gasoline engine choices include a 2.8-liter with 204 hp and a 300 hp supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI, which is carried over from last year and gets 27 mpg. The former engine will most likely not be offered in the US. For diesel fans, a 2.0-liter TDI achieving 48 mpg will be offered along with two 3.0-lieter diesels. One is a 204 hp with 295 lb-ft of torque and the second is a top-of-the-line 245 hp with 386 lb-ft of torque that's rated at nearly 40 mpg and will hit 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds.

A hybrid version, powered by a 2.0 TFSI engine and paired with an electric motor with an eight-speed automatic transmission, will launch at a later date. The hybrid will be able to run on pure electric power at speeds up to 62 mph. Various transmissions will also be offered, such as a six-speed manual, a CVT, and a seven-speed S-tronic automatic, along with the eight-speed automatic in the hybrid. The interior has a "wrap around" look, which encircles the driver and front-seat passenger.

As typical for Audi, the interior is made from the finest materials such as an innovative layered-wood veneer. On the technical end, a UMTS module can pull images and information from Google Earth up on to the navigation screen monitor, which can be controlled by a touchpad.

A top-of-the-line Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System is also available. Perhaps the most Audi-esque trait are the all-LED high-performance headlights. US pricing hasn't been announced yet, but Audi states the German base price will be €38,500, roughly $50,100.
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