A new take on a proven powerplant principle
Audi's belt-boosted V6 amounts to a more cutting-edge and higher-output version of a popular and proven engine concept.

Romp on it, and the A6 3.0T starts gobbling up the tarmac like a V8 at full rip.

A small and efficient powerplant with forced induction tends to deliver excellent fuel economy during cruising, alongside a powerful punch when drivers open the taps. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine, for instance, tends to turn in better highway mileage than a V6-- even if both have the same overall power output.

Put simply, a supercharger or turbocharger only works when required. This means that drivers get all of the performance without the fuel-mileage penalty of using a larger engine instead.

Audi's new mill utilizes its integrated supercharger alongside proven direct-injection technology which ramps up power and cuts back on the drinking. Drive gently or cruise, and you're feeding a miserly three-litre V6. Romp on it, and the A6 3.0T starts gobbling up the tarmac like a V8 at full rip.

Belt-boosted beauty
Particularly impressive is the off-the-line torque. It nails heads to seatbacks right from idle-- when the supercharger is barely working. Output is rated, perhaps modestly, at 300 horsepower.

If this correspondent's memory is functioning properly, this new supercharged engine seems to move the A6 along even better than the available 4.2 litre, 350 horsepower V8.

The six-speed, paddle-shiftable automatic works quickly when left in drive, downshifting as required to send the tach towards its 7,000 RPM redline in a heck of a hurry. Ultimately, the immediacy at work in the gearbox is a great match for the lag-free and nearly relentless thrust from under the hood.

Just one disappointment. Superchargers make a very special noise-- like the tone of a siren escalating in proportion to engine speed. Unfortunately, Audi engineers have worked extensively to neutralize these added sound effects. Instead, occupants enjoy a smooth, distinctively European wail when the throttle is opened.

Pull is similar to BMW's comparable twin-turbo inline 6-cylinder engine, though Audi's supercharged mill belts out sharper and more instantaneous throttle response. Many will find it more pleasing to listen to as well.

It nails heads to seatbacks right from idle-- when the supercharger is barely working.