2012 Audi A6 sedan and A6 Hybrid unveiled in Detroit

Audi AG used the 2011 North American International Auto Show in Detroit to officially unveil its all-new A6 sedan.

The 2012 Audi A6 sedan on display at the Detroit Auto Show

Rupert Stadler, CEO of Audi AG, was given the honours of presenting  the sleek sedan to the world’s media. In stressing the Audi mantra of  light weight technology and futuristic design, Mr. Stadler pointed out  that the new A6 is the first vehicle in this premium segment that has  weighed less than the earlier model. The 2012 A6 will weigh 80 kgs less  than the 2011 model and a full 30 kgs of that figure came from weight  saving in the body shell alone.

The large German sedan features many of the technology found in the  upscale A8 premium sedan and others taken from the A7 Sportback due out  shortly.

The most obvious change would be the front headlights which now  feature the LED array introduced on the A8 sedan. The front and rear  lights have been adapted to provide a familial appearance across the  Audi lineup.

Inside the vehicle the cabin has been brought inline with the standards of the soon to be introduced A7.

The Google maps navigation system is now an option on the A6 as well  as the bespoke trim options from the A7, most notably the oak strip  veneer dash and console surfaces.

Under the hood, it is most likely that the A6 will come to North  American showrooms this summer with the 300 HP 3.0T V6 engine with an 8  speed Tipronic transmission.

The redesigned A6 will also be offered in Hybrid form. This model uses a  45HP electric motor mated to a 2.0L TFSI gasoline engine. The combined  power rating of the pair of motors equates to 245 HP. Audi claims the A6  Hybrid will run at up to 100kms/hr on electric only power. A lithium  Ion battery mounted in the trunk, powers the electric motor onboard.