Though the new Audi A6 is still almost a year away 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 2012 Audi A6 is expected to use the lightweight ASF II spaceframe technology as its base.
Audi has developed the Aluminum and Steel Spaceframe (ASF II) technology to provide a platform that weighs half as much as steel, but is one and a half times as rigid. ASF technology allows the chassis to be built from a conglomeration of bonded subframe members, modular nose and tail structures and a passenger cell made of aluminum with steel and foam reinforcements.



A full line of engines is expected for the A6, from a 2.8-liter V-6 pushing 190 horsepower to the top-end 4.2-liter V-8 at 350 horsepower. The V-10 in the current S6 is expected to be replaced a smaller forced-induction unit for the new-generation. Two diesel engines are also expected, a 2.7-liter V-6 making 185 horsepower and a 3.0-liter V-6 with 238 horsepower.



Front-wheel drive is likely to remain standard, but all-wheel drive quattro variants will be available. The new model's styling will move forward with the language of the new A5 and A8 designs.



[via Motor Authority]