Audi A6

Photo: Audi

Ingolstadt, Germany - The Audi A6 is now also available with the 85 kW (115 bhp) 1.9-litre four-cylinder engine with fuel injection via pump-injector. Developing 285 Nm of torque at just 1900 rpm, it produces the kind of pulling power that puts this A6 up with the leaders in its displacement class.

This engine replaces the 81 kW 1.9-litre unit. The main technical highlight of the new version is its high-pressure pump injection, which currently has the highest pressure potential of all systems. The technological complexity of this system is immense: each cylinder has its own pump-injector unit, which is controlled by a solenoid valve.

This allows an injection pressure of up to 2050 bar: a figure equivalent to the weight of a medium-sized car on an area the size of a finger nail. This pressure provides the basis for unbeatable torque levels and also further optimises the already economical fuel consumption that typifies TDI engines.

In conjunction with front-wheel drive and a five-speed manual gearbox, this engine version of the A6 saloon accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 11.6 seconds and reaches a top speed of 196 km/h. The A6 Avant takes just three tenths of a second longer to reach 100 km/h and sprints up to a top speed of 194 km/h.

Equipped with cooled exhaust-gas recirculation, primary and main catalytic converters, the 1.9 TDI 85 kW has no trouble satisfying the limits of the EU III emission standard. And it has moderate drinking habits: the saloon model consumes just 5.6 litres of diesel per 100 kilometres (total consumption according to 1999/100/EC) from its 70-litre tank. Distances of up to 1250 kilometres can be covered without stopping for fuel.

The Audi A6 1.9 TDI 85 kW costs EUR 29,080 (DM 56,875.54) (saloon with front-wheel drive and five-speed manual gearbox). The A6 Avant with this drive layout is available for EUR 31,030 (DM 60,689.40).

(November 21, 2000)