Audi A6 TDI

Detroit Auto Show: An all new 2012 Audi A6

If Audi is going to achieve the lofty sales goals of its parent company, Volkswagen AG, especially in the U.S., the new redesigned 2012 A6 sedan, unveiled at the North American International Auto Show this week, had better surpass the popularity of the outgoing model.

Looking very much like a slightly diminutive Audi A8, unveiled a year ago, the A6 sports the big toothy Audi signature grille, and a pretty tailored look that is almost throwback in its simplicity.

Audi has a target of selling 200,000 vehicles in the U.S. by 2018, which would be up sharply from the 101,629 it sold in 2010.

The A6 will be available globally with two gas engines and three TDI diesel powerplants, as well as a front-wheel drive-only (no Quattro system) hybrid model. The most powerful gasoline-fed model will be the 3.0-liter TFSI Quattro, producing 300 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque, mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission.

The A6 hybrid will achieve an average fuel consumption of only 6.2 liters per 100 km (37.94 US mpg. The 2.0 liter TDI (clean diesel), in conjunction with a manual transmission, achieves 48 mpg (U.S).

Stay-tuned for pricing and precise launch date for the U.S. But we suspect the stickers to b close to the current A6, which ranges from $45,200 to $59,150.

Gallery: 2012 Audi A6