Well that sucks! Why on earth would they make it like that?
Not like it needs heat shielding - there's a ton of it under there already...
I have to say the exhaust system on the V6 TDI is the wierdest I've ever seen. So many changes in diameter and pipes within pipes. God knows what they were thinking when they designed it. I used to think they did everything for a reason, even if I didn't know what it was, but having worked on the AKE I think they just designed it like that simply because they hated everyone and wanted to make it as difficult and stupid and unreliable as possible
This is mine as it stands today
Afaik the worlds only C5 A6 1.9 TDI Quattro

Rust in pieces stupid POS AKE engine!