SoCalA6

Just got this in an e-mail from Audi and wondered if it foretells a new, bigger V6 coming to the A6 (since most of the other new items introduced in the Q7 like FSI 4.2, backup camera, etc... made into the A6 shorlty thereafter as well).

Here's the blurb from the e-mail:

When Audi launched the Audi Q7 with its 4.2 liter, 350 hp engine, latest generation quattro® all-wheel drive system, standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP®), on- and off-road capability and spacious seating, it was arguably unrivaled in its class. But that's no longer the case.

The reason? The Audi Q7 4.2 now has a close competitor, equally refined, poised and performance driven - the Audi Q7 3.6, with a 3.6 liter 280 hp V6 engine.

Like the 4.2 V8, the 3.6 features Audi's ground-breaking FSI® technology, pioneered from the five-time Le Mans-winning Audi R8 endurance racer. And like the Audi Q7 4.2, its handling, quality of finish and design are everything you'd expect from an Audi. And with commanding horsepower and 266 lb-ft of torque, the Audi Q7 3.6 assures you have all the power and pull you need to compliment its many amenities.

If you are considering a luxury SUV, and you have not yet arranged a drive of the Audi Q7, you risk missing out on the car that is redefining the category. Whether you choose the Audi Q7 4.2 or the Q7 3.6 model, we promise you a revelation.

clangjr

Or I could totally be making it up

SoCalA6

The V10 from Lamborghini fits, so why wouldn't a new, narrow-angle V6 fit?

The 3.6 is apparently only offered in the 4-motion Passat and is a brand new engine (described by VW as a narrow-angle V6).

I have to believe that if they just released this engine and were planning to move it to the Audi line as well, they would certainly have ensured that it would fit the same vehicles that use the current 4.2 and 3.2 engines. And it replaced the 3.2L engine that VW was using in the Passat. So it would not be unreasonable to assume that it would work in the A6 as well.

gk1

The 3.6L in the Passat is transverse and so far has not crossed over to the Audi platform. Perhaps the Q7 3.6 will be the first. Hopefully, as you said, followed by the A6.

Only issue might be fuel economy current A6 3.2 get 19/27 while the passat 4 motion 3.6 gets 18/26 and it's a smaller car with a haldex AWD system which is argueably more fuel effecient.

So if you drop the 3.6 in the A6 which is bigger and has a different AWD setup you may negatively impact fuel economy. That may not go over well these days.

iove

and would make the A6 even more nose heavy and heavier in general.

Maybe to increase output they should work on valve lift on the 3.2.

audiboi

The passat 3.2L is a VR6 250 hp used in transverse mounted VWs as well as the A3 and TT. The 3.2 (3.1L 255hp with FSI) in the A4 and A6 are true V6 engines built to fit a longitudinal configurations.

It is not a question of size, it is a question of whether or not it works with both a transverse and longitudinal engine spaces.