But the truth is that most of us simply don't drive like that.
It is a further truth that the majority of smaller capacity engines spend more of their time under full load, whether accelerating between traffic lights or motoring along the highway. This means that the fuel-saving benefits of stratified combustion spend a large proportion of their time being upstaged by the homogeneous mode.
Recognizing this, Audi has installed the worthy performance benefits of homogenous combustion into the 3.2-liter V6 unit without bothering with the stratified bit.
Although there is still a benefit in terms of fuel consumption-the A6 3.2-liter V6 FSI achieves 24.4 mpg-the positioning of the technology is now more directed at the performance benefits.
The fact that the "stratified" phase has been ditched is only an issue for those concerned by what FSI actually stands for-Fuel Stratified Injection.
As long as you don't mind the "S" being an interloper, I would suggest you simply accept that this is actually the purpose for which FSI was always intended.
Grilling The DesignerI must confess that my breath wasn't exactly bated as I awaited the unveiling of the new A6 at the London end of Audi's satellite-linked so-called big bang. This wasn't because I didn't expect to like it, nor was the star-studded event dull. No, the lack of anticipation was quite simply because I rather knew what to expect.
According to Claus Potthoff, Audi's Chief of Exterior Design, this was quite intentional, particularly with regards to the new single-frame grille design. "It was, very important to us that the show cars from last year already introduced this topic, as well as elements of the new form language," he said. "When new elements appear there is a proportion of the public that are impressed by the change, and some that are less certain, and these are the ones we wanted to address with the show cars."
Audi is steering well away from the shock tactics employed recently by certain of its competitors and, with the A6, is staying close to its preference for elegant understatement in its design language.
Claus talked me round the car on the stand of the Geneva Show, and gave me a few insights into the design thinking that shaped the latest addition to the family.
"We wanted to develop a design language that, on the one hand, carries forward the qualities of the predecessor, such as precision and clarity," he explained, "while, on the other, introducing what we could call a more sporty, sculptural attractiveness."
I have noticed in many design interviews I have carried out with designers from several brands that "sculptural" is in. How it is interpreted, however, would appear to be highly subjective.
"We wanted to achieve a more muscular, sculptural form than the technical emphasis in the body of the previous A6, or on the current A4," continued Claus.
Everywhere, the influence of design boss Walter De'Silva can be spotted. The new single-frame grille design is definitely his baby, while the sharp edge flowing along the side profile is another element that observers will recognize, not only from the new A3, but also from Spanish manufacturer SEAT and even Alfa, De'Silva's previous employer.
However, it's not just the obvious elements that are important. Claus points to one or two more subtle details. "The car is noticeably more dynamic and elegant from the fundamental proportions," he pointed out. While retaining much similarity with the outgoing model, Claus' team achieved subtle changes through a wider stance, larger diameter wheels and an increase in length, while maintaining the same overall height. The front wheels have also been moved forward, placing them further away from the A-pillars and shortening the front overhangs.
Speaking to Claus, it is apparent that the new front end is by far the most important feature of the new model, with the rest of the car playing largely a supporting role. The grille, of course, is what stands out. "It says, 'This engine needs a lot of air'", he said. This is part of the brand's new emphasis on sportiness. It's all about power, power and more power. Not only does the aggressive grille give onlookers something to think about, the lines of the bonnet have also been designed to create the impression of a longer, more dominant engine bay.
But what of this artsy-fartsy sculptural stuff? Claus reminds us that recent Audi design history has been peppered with sharp edges and clean lines. "On the one hand, we continue to employ sharp edges, to present precision," he explained. "On the other, what you can see very clearly on the front wings is that the form is significantly more fluid and voluptuous than before.
"The way light plays on the surfaces themselves gives them more life and demands more attention," he continued.
The back end, Claus confesses, may give the first impression of being rather conservative (ahem, not just the first impression pal). However, he is keen to point out that there is a reason for this. "In conveying the sportiness of a car, it is very important to demonstrate that it is firmly planted on the ground," he explained. The positioning of the rear lamps are very important for this, and they have been placed substantially lower than on the previous model in order to achieve this effect.
Claus pointed out that Porsche uses a similar strategy on its 911. "For a sports car, it has a relatively high cockpit," he commented. "But the low rear lines and lamp arrangement push it onto the ground."
While the rear end may be nothing surprising at first glance, Claus is of the opinion that its qualities will show through on the road by giving the overall car a very good, sporty proportion. "At the rear end, this is more important than simply finding a new look from every angle," he said, not making a dig at anyone in particular.
Now, I took on board his comments, and promptly toddled off to Italy for the press launch of the car and, lo and behold, the lad's right. On the road, the car looks truly stunning. It normally pays to reserve judgment on a car's visual appeal until you see it in its natural setting, i.e., on the road, and never was that truer than in the case of the Audi A6. My initial feelings that it may be a tad conservative were blasted away by its stance, proportions and, of course, its new face. Some may miss the curvaceous rear of the old model but, on the road, there's no doubt that the new-look tighter ass makes the whole package a great deal more sassy.
Whatever you may think when you see the press pictures, wait until you see it cruising the freeway. It's mean.