Only available in Europe, but here's a short review by C&D:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/11q3/2012_audi_a6_avant_tdi_diesel-first_drive_review

I thought this was an interesting quote:

"Its torque is so massive that it surpassed the capacity of Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the company had to install an eight-speed torque-converter automatic from ZF."

Don't some of the tweaks people do to the supercharged 3.0L in e.g. the S4, which has the 7-speed s-tronic, bring the torque close to these levels where they're saying the s-tronic can't handle it?

Only available in Europe, but here's a short review by C&D:
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/car/11q3/2012_audi_a6_avant_tdi_diesel-first_drive_review

I thought this was an interesting quote:

"Its torque is so massive that it surpassed the capacity of Audi’s seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, and the company had to install an eight-speed torque-converter automatic from ZF."

Don't some of the tweaks people do to the supercharged 3.0L in e.g. the S4, which has the 7-speed s-tronic, bring the torque close to these levels where they're saying the s-tronic can't handle it?

I think the S4's are pushing maybe 380-400 lb-ft tops and we have yet to know what long term effects that power will have.

Don't understand why it's not using the DSG gearbox, who here thinks that either the S6 or RS6 will use an automatic, especially now that the F10 M5 is confirmed to get a 7sp DCT.

I'm guessing the characteristic of the engine determined their choice to use the automatic more than anything else.

I'm betting the S6 and RS6 will indeed be DSG. I think Audi wants to keep that A6 with a smoother transmission which is unfortunate for us. Looks like I will just have to get an S6!