2009 Audi A6 freshened

AUBURN HILLS, Michigan — The 2009 Audi A6 will roll into showrooms in January with modest exterior and interior enhancements and a new 300-horsepower 3.0 TFSI V6 for the U.S. The German automaker is also pledging to keep pricing "similar to the outgoing model," although it won't make any formal announcement until later this year.

In a bit of a disappointing tease to its U.S. customers, Audi of America late Monday also released a raft of images of the 2009 Audi RS6 sedan — but noted that the vehicle is not planned for the U.S.

The A6 gets new front and rear lighting and a redesigned front bumper and grille for the new model year. The cabin has had interior accent upgrades. The A6 also gets an upgraded suspension and a new optional blind spot detection system.

Audi said the A6 in the U.S. will also get a new powertrain, a 3.0 TFSI V6 that makes 300 hp and 310 pound-feet of torque. The company said the 0-60-mph time has not yet been determined. The 2009 Audi A6 Avant will only be offered with the 3.0 TFSI V6. The engine is linked to Tiptronic Quattro only, said Audi.

The other powertrain choices in the '09 A6 are a 255-hp 3.2 FSI V6 with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission and a 350-hp 4.2 FSI V8 with Tiptronic.

The 2009 Audi S6 gets the 5.2-liter FSI V10 that makes 435 hp and 398 lb-ft of torque. It is linked to a Tiptronic Quattro.

The 2008 Audi A6 3.2 sedan with a 3.2-liter V6 starts at $43,725, including a $775 destination charge. The 2008 Audi A6 Avant or wagon with a 3.2-liter V6 and Quattro starts at $49,775, including shipping. The 2008 Audi S6 starts at $73,125, including shipping.

"Pricing is expected to remain stable, with an estimated announcement on timing to take place prior to the U.S. market launch," said Audi.

What this means to you: The A6 gets some upgrades for the new model year, but you shouldn't expect to be hammered on the price, according to Audi.