The C6 A6 avant will be coming out sometime next year for MY2006. The 4.2L FSI V8 will also make it's way into the C6 A6 sedan for MY2006. The 4.2L FSI V8 will replace the essentially similar 4.2L PFI V8. I believe that the 4.2L FSI V8 will produce 360 hp and 325 lbs/ft of torque. Like the C6 A6 sedan, the 3.1L FSI V6 producing 255 hp and 243 lbs/ft of torque will be the standard engine in the C6 A6 avant. As for transmissions, The six speed tiptronic (which is enormously better than the five speed tiptronic in every conceivable way) will likely be the only transmission for the C6 A6 avant, for at least a couple of years. According to what I recently read on Autobild, Audi will eventually be coming out with high output six and seven speed DSG transmissions for transverse and longitudinal engine layouts. These new DSG transmissions are to replace the tiptronic transmissions (which Audi will eventually phase out completely) throughout the lineup.

I'd love to see a seven speed DSG, even though I'd still prefer a clutch, but I'd be happy to get in line for a 4.2 with a sports package for starters. My wife's car has the 6 speed TIP, and it is quite a step forward. Shamne they didn't put that in the C5 S6...

Any word on whether all you mentioned will be destined for US shores?

Audi will most likely want a competitor for the 545i sport wagon worldwide. As for the DSG, it will definitely have six gears for the base and S Line versions of the C6 A6 (regardless of engine) and, most likely, seven gears for the C6 S6. When Audi does completely phase out tiptronic transmissions and replaces them with DSG transmissions throughout the lineup, they will definitely do so for all markets worldwide (including North America). Ditto the 4.2L FSI V8 replacing the essentially similar 4.2L PFI V8.

only bring the 3.2, though there's always the hope of at least an S6 avant...

Time will tell if Tim can't ;-)