HERNDON, VA - Audi has released pricing and specs for the 2009 U.S. A6 and S6 models, starting at $45,925 and $76,725 respectively.

“The A6 model range gains a far more progressive look with this makeover,” said Johan de Nysschen, executive vice president of Audi of America. “Of particular note is the addition of the new supercharged drivetrain that will give drivers of these cars plenty of responsive power without sacrificing fuel efficiency. These updates will show why the Audi A6 is the best-selling luxury sedan worldwide.”

De Nysschen is talking about the 3.0L supercharged V-6 lifted from the S4. It its new home under the hood of the A6, the engine makes 300 hp and 310 ft.-lb. of torque and is mated to Audi’s Tiptronic automatic transmission and Quattro all-wheel-drive system that's been tuned to be rear-biased. Audi says the car will rip to 60 mph in 5.9 seconds and still get an EPA estimated 18 mpg city and 26 mpg highway, thanks in part to revised gear ratios and an energy-recovering alternator.

For 2009, A6 and S6 will come in three trim levels: Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige. Audi has combined its most popular options into these three packages to reduce complexity on the assembly line and in the showroom. The company has also added a sunroof, Bluetooth, Homelink, heated front seats (on Quattro models), three months of free subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio, and the Audi music interface with iPod connectivity as standard on all A6 and S6 models.

Manufacturer Suggested Retail Price for the 2009 A6 3.2 Sedan Premium is $45,925, while the A6 3.0T Quattro Sedan Premium starts at $50,925 and the A6 3.0T Quattro Avant Premium goes for $54,135. Aud’s A6 4.2 Quattro Sedan starts at $61,775.The A6 can also be equipped with Audi’s 3.2L SFI V-6, with 255 hp and 243 ft.-lb. of torque, and can be found in the Premium and Premium Plus trim levels.

The A6 4.2 comes with the S-line exterior trim and Prestige interior package as standard equipment. The S6 will continue to round-out the top end of the line-up with its 435-hp V-10 laying down 398 lb.-ft. of torque through the Tiptronic automatic transmission.