2012 Audi A6 spied

We've seen more and more testing of the Audi A6 large car take place over the past year, and these latest spy photos, snapped by Carparazzi, provide another insight into what the German car maker is planning.

Like the recently updated Audi A8, the new A6 will be a conservative evolution of the previous model's design, with strong family ties expected in the new styling. Though the headlights and front fascia have been taped over to hide the new design, it's clear that Audi will be changing the car's appearance, and the Germany car maker also appears to have fashioned new brake light units.

BMW's F10 generation 5 Series has been roundly praised, and Audi's A6 -- as a direct competitor -- will need to use every weapon in its arsenal to keep the highly-lauded BMW honest.

As such, expect some of the technology, such as the handwriting touch-pad and night vision, to trickle down from the A8 to the A6, which, based on the increased testing regime, is likely to be unveiled in the first half of 2011.

Another big change for the 2012 Audi A6 will be its platform, which will ditch the Volkswagen Group's C-chassis, instead being based on Audi's MLB modular aluminium chassis.

Engine choices will be wide-ranging for Audi's A6, including a number of petrol engines, among them the supercharged 3.0-litre V6 of the Audi S4 and a brand new 4.0-litre V8, according to Carparazzi. Four- and six-cylinder diesel engines will also be offered and new transmissions are also on the cards, including seven-speed dual clutch and eight-speed torque convertor gearboxes.

The new Audi A6 will be built at the prestige car maker's Neckarsulm plant in Germany.

-- with Carparazzi

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