Training on the new Audi

Audi Brand Manager Robert Calafato has attended the new Audi A6 Advocate programme in Germany, intended to give importers and distributors from all over the world a greater insight to this new model range.

Being the only representative from Malta, he was duly assigned to the only English-speaking group, which happened to be from Canada and the United States. After arriving at Stuttgart Airport in the late afternoon, he was transferred to his hotel in the quaint medieval town of Bad Mergentheim.

On the first day of the event they were transferred to the test track and proving grounds at Boxberg, where they were formally welcomed at the Audi Plenum and then treated to a spectacular audio visual display highlighting the glorious history of Audi spanning nearly 100 years and covering the major technical innovations for which Audi is renowned.

When the display came to an end the curtain was raised and when the smoke had cleared, the new A6 appeared on stage. They were then given a detailed introduction to the new A6 and specific information on the main technical features of the new car.

After this they had the opportunity to inspect and drive the equivalent cars of Audi's main competitors, which only served to confirm that Audi is firmly established as a major player in the luxury car segment.

Later on that day they drove down to the Neckarsulm factory where the new A6 is built. On the way to the factory they had the opportunity to drive the new A6 at its maximum electronically governed speed on sections of the autobahn where there is no speed limit.

Once at the factory, they were shown the advanced production methods used to build the new A6 body shell. At the factory they also visited Quattro Gmbh, which is Audi's customising centre. Here Audi clients can add that personal touch to their new car. From exclusive colours, interiors and wheels to suspension and engine upgrades, Quattro Gmbh has it all.

Day two of the event was also held at the Boxberg test track. Here they tested the new PAX run flat tyre system, which allows the car to be driven with a flat tyre (puncture) for up to 100 km at speeds of 80 km/h in complete safety.

They were also treated to a "Hot lap" around the test circuit in an Audi A6 Quattro piloted by an expert Audi driver, who emphasised that the car's Electronic Stability Program was switched "off". This proved to be an incredible experience with the Audi literally glued to the track and taking corners at speeds normally associated with racing cars, not large luxury cars.

The day ended with a couple of laps around the banked high-speed oval, where the Audi comfortably reached its electronically governed 250 km/h top speed. They were then led back to the Audi Plenum where the event was officially closed.

The new Audi A6 remains true to the original Audi philosophy of "Vorsprung durch Technik" or advancement through technology and will certainly achieve and surpass the success of its predecessor. With its clean elegant lines and new single frame front grille, the new A6 has a unique road presence that sets it apart from its competitors.