Set to make its debut early next year, the 2012 Audi A6 has been completely revamped with styling cues borrowed from the bigger A8.

The new A6 hides plenty of lightweight aluminum and high-tech steel components under its revised exterior. Inside, the A6 benefits from a wrap-around cockpit that envelopes both the driver and front passenger with leather and wood. Luxury amenities range from heated/ventilated seats to optional massage functionality.

The available powertrains include two gasoline engines and three diesel mills.A hybrid version will be introduced down the road. The most economical unit, a 2.0-liter TDI, is expected to achieve about 48 miles per gallon, while the hybrid will come in closer to 38 mpg. On the gasoline side, the 300-horsepower supercharged 3.0-liter TFSI powerplant achieves 27 miles per gallon and runs to a limited top speed of 155 miles per hour. The other gasoline engine is a 2.8-liter naturally aspirated unit that produces 204 horsepower and 206 pound-feet of torque. The other 2 diesel options come in the form of a 3.0 litre unit with either 204 hp/295 lb-ft or 245 hp/368 lb-ft. The more powerful unit is rated at nearly 40 mpg yet accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in just 6.1 seconds.

A range of transmission options on the 2012 A6 will be available. A six-speed manual will join a CVT and seven-speed S-tronic automatic, depending on the choice of powerplant. An eight-speeder will arrive in the hybrid.