Published November 21, 2012
By Philippe Crowe
Audi is coming in strong with five new diesel models earmarked for distribution in North America.
The company announced the arrival of TDI models for the Audi A8, A7, A6 and Q5. All these will make their American debut at the end of this month at the Los Angeles Auto Show.
The addition of these four models marks the first time Audi will feature a full lineup of TDI clean diesel vehicles in the U.S. These will join an updated Q7 model.
All five models will be powered by the same new 3.0 liter V6 TDI clean diesel engine, delivering 240 horsepower and 406 pound-feet of torque in most cases.
According to Audi, each TDI vehicle delivers up to 30-percent better fuel economy and 30-percent lower carbon dioxide emissions than their equivalent gasoline engines.
Audi said its TDI clean diesel engine lineup adds to its list of advanced technologies that help enhance fuel efficiency, including Audi ultra lightweight technology, such as the use of aluminum, and the AFS frame technology.
"Owners of Audi TDI engines have helped save over 4 million gallons of gasoline, or the equivalent of more than 240,000 barrels of foreign oil, since the introduction of Audi TDI to the U.S. in 2009," said Scott Keogh, president, Audi of America. "And, TDI technology delivers better fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance."
The flagship of the Audi brand, the A8 TDI, is estimated by Audi to have a fuel efficiency of 24 mpg in the city and 36 mpg on the highway.
The new 2014 A8 sedans will expand the flagship's engine offerings by moving from two variants (4.2 liter V8 and W12) to six, including: the entry level A8 3.0T V6; the 420 horsepower A8 4.0T V8; the new Audi S8 4.0T V8; the A8 6.0 liter W12; and the new A8 3.0 TDI V6.
The new 3.0 liter TDI will allow the sedan to seamlessly reach 60 mph from standstill in 6.4 seconds.
In the Q5 TDI, the new TDI clean diesel engine marks the fourth engine variant for the Audi Q5 model lineup, adding to the current four-cylinder 2.0T, the 3.0T V6, and the Q5 hybrid.
The revised V6 TDI engine allows the Q7 TDI to offers a 10 percent efficiency improvement compared to gasoline engines. Along with its revised output, Audi’s TDI clean diesel engine returns EPA-estimated fuel economy numbers of 19 city/28 highway miles per gallon. The TDI clean diesel engine enables the Q7 TDI to achieve a range in excess of 700 miles per tank.
To push forward the benefits of TDI technology in the U.S., Audi will be using the hashtag #FuelForThought during the L.A. Auto Show and invite fans to join the conversation through a social experience at the display and online.
