There's just something about the Audi A6 isn't there? Available with a 350-hp V8 engine, a six-speed automatic transmission and the Audi Quattro AWD system, it's hard to find something about any of the trim levels that we don't like. It's been grabbing positive attention from critics for years, but this year, its ultra-lightweight, aluminum-hybrid body has helped to add two prestigious awards to its already impressive list of honors.

That's right, the 2012 Audi A6 was honored with both the Automotive Circle International "Doors & Closures Innovation Award," and the "EuroCarBody Award." Franziska Moennig, Chair of the Presiding Committee of the Automotive Circle International, applauded the design and planning teams at Audi for not only significantly reducing the weight of the Audi A6, but doing so with advanced production techniques.

The aluminum-hybrid construction that earned the awards is a high-IQ blend of steel and aluminum that allows for an impressively designed sports sedan that maintains a high level of safety, handling, and performance. Both awards take these efforts into account, starting with the fully-pressed aluminum system doors that helped Audi grab the "Doors & Closures Innovation Award." The doors are 44-percent lighter than those on the 2011 Audi A6 - and more rigid, too.

The second award, the "EuroCarBody Award," is a highly-coveted award, maybe the most prestigious award for excellence in body manufacturing around the world. How did Audi earn this award? Well, over 20-percent of the body of the Audi A6 is built with aluminum components. With this construction, Audi was able to reduce the overall weight of the A6 by 15-percent compared to last year's model.

We could go on for days about all of the awards the design and engineering teams at Audi continue to collect thanks to their impressive work on luxury sedans like the Audi A6 and all of the other new Audi models now available at Gurley Leep Motors. But, we think it's easier and more fun if you stop into our showroom at 4004 N Grape Rd Mishawaka, IN 46545 to see them for yourself. That said, we invite you to come and see us during our regular business hours, or contact us via our website at your convenience to schedule a test drive.