New Audi A6 breaks cover - Engines

There will be a choice of six petrol engines, including a new supercharged 286bhp 3.0-litre V6 model that has 310lb ft of pulling power and manages 0-62mph in 5.9 secs.

Diesel buyers will have a choice of four units by mid-2009, ranging in power from 134bhp to 237bhp.

Because of its low emissions, the lowest-powered diesel unit is designated the 2.0 TDIe. It averages 53.3mpg and emits 139g/km of carbon dioxide, as well as recording 0-62mph in 9.9 secs.

The 2.0 TDIe is fitted in a car that also features a lowered ride height to improve its aerodynamics, and longer gearing in the top two gears, an updated power steering pump system and an alternator that recharges when the engine is coasting, thereby reducing the load on the engine, in order to reduce fuel consumption.

All engines producing 186bhp or more are available with four-wheel-drive.

Average fuel consumption across the range is said to have been reduced by 12%