2012 Audi A6 spied at the N?rburgring

Here are the latest spy shots of the 2012 Audi A6 doing some testing at the Nürburgring circuit.

Still heavily disguised, we can't make out much of the car's new styling. What we do see, though, are the A1-like headlights, same as in the previous spy pics, LED taillights and a profile that is not a dramatic departure from the current A6's shape.

The next-generation A6 is expected to come with a spaceframe made mostly of aluminum, similar to its older sibling the A8, but with more steel than in that flagship model. Still, the unibody structure will be more lightweight and rigid than competing models made of steel.

Under the bonnet will be a broad array of engines from Audi's well-stocked power plant stable. Those will include, on the petrol side, the 2.8 liter FSI with 150 kW (204 PS), as seen in the A7 Sportback, and a 3.0 liter TFSI (supercharged) with 220 kW (299 PS). The heftiest diesel on hand will likely be the 3.0 liter TDI with 180 kW (245 PS). A 3.0 liter TDI with 150 kW (204 PS) will also be an option.

As for the future S6 - a power plant option for Audi may be the new 4.0 liter V8 that the automaker is developing with sister brand Bentley.

The next Audi A6 will debut sometime next year as a 2012 model.