In the second heat of the “RCN Green Challenge” held on the Northern Loop of the Nürburgring, Audi once again proved that performance and efficiency are not mutually exclusive: Two Audi TT 2.0 TFSI models entered the efficiency contest, finishing in 1st and 4th place. In this four-lap competition in Germany’s Eifel region, the drivers of the victorious TT Coupé boasted an average fuel consumption of only 1.6 liters per each lap of 20.832 kilometers (12.94 miles). With these results, the winner beat the standard city consumption serving as the benchmark by 28 percent – a feat unmatched by any other participant.

During the contest, the Audi TT achieved an average fuel consumption of 7.7 l/100 km (30.55 US mpg) on the track. The RCN Green Challenge was held for the first time this year with the goal of combining speed, fuel efficiency and driving enjoyment. Car racer Hans-Joachim Stuck sponsored the contest. Audi entered two series-production 200 hp (147 kW) Audi TT 2.0 TFSI models approved for normal street traffic and equipped with six-speed manual transmission and front-wheel drive.

The efficiency contest was not simply about chasing the fastest lap times. The goal was to maintain the greatest level of fuel efficiency within a prescribed amount of time. The target time was based on the power-to-weight ratio of each vehicle and ranged from 10 to 15 minutes per lap. The drivers were challenged with meeting their target times as precisely as possible. This factor was evaluated along with their average consumption compared to the NEDC figure for the city cycle.

The 2.0 TFSI is available on the Audi A3, S3, A4, A6 as well as on the Audi Q5 and TT in power classes ranging from 125 kW (170 hp) to 195 kW (265 hp). In the highest power class of 200 kW (272 hp), the engine enables an Audi TTS Coupé equipped with the optional S tronic dual-clutch transmission to accelerate from 0 to 100 kilometers per hour in just 5.2 seconds.

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Audi wins 2nd heat of “RCN Green Challenge” held at the Nürburgring

The latest Audi models have garnered top ratings for safety in four prestigious tests.

The Audi A4 and Q5 achieved a top five-star rating in the new and more stringent Euro New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) safety tests. The U.S. National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA) confirmed this outstanding collision performance and gave both cars a five-star rating in all categories. In addition, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), a U.S. consumer protection organization, proclaimed the Audi Q5 its “Top Safety Pick” – the best buy when it comes to safety.

Following the tradition of the Audi A3, A4, A6 and Audi Q7, the Audi Q5 has now also achieved top ratings from the renowned Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) in the United States. This makes Audi the first carmaker in the world to earn the coveted honor of “Top Safety Pick” for the fifth time. The IIHS determines the safety standards for cars on behalf of the U.S. insurance industry. For this it conducts one front and one side impact test in each case, and also simulates a rear-end collision. The “Top Safety Pick” certificate is only awarded when top ratings are achieved in all three disciplines, and when the electronic stabilisation program (ESP) is offered as standard equipment as well.

The side impact test included in the IIHS crash test is particularly demanding. In it, the car being tested experiences a 31 mph (50 km/h) side impact with a moving barrier that simulates a typical American SUV. The resulting structural deformations are then evaluated, along with passenger kinematics and impact. The Audi Q5 stood out for its outstandingly low impact ratings – its high-strength and super-high-strength steel components ensure an extremely stable car body. The risk of injury is further reduced by the networked controls for the restraint systems, which adapt to each specific crash situation, along with up to eight airbags.

In the rear-end collision simulation, the IIHS evaluates impact on the neck and spine. In the Audi Q5, the integrated head restraint system and the optimized design of the seat geometry help counter the risk of whiplash injuries. The IIHS does not test performance in high-speed rear-end collisions. In these cases, the rear side rails, rear wheels, and body sills of the Audi Q5 are designed specifically to reduce the energy of impact. The fuel tank lies in the protected zone in front of the rear-axle support – and the fuel pump switches off when a crash is detected.

The Audi Q5 and A4 both achieved a top five-star rating in the Euro NCAP safety test, for which a new and expanded evaluation system was used. The Euro NCAP consortium is made up of international representatives of European transport ministries, automobile associations, insurers and consumer protection organizations. It examines the crash performance of new cars. The demanding requirements of the test traditionally far exceed the standards of European lawmakers. Since February 2009, Euro NCAP has added even more stringent standards: along with protecting adult passengers, the overall ratings also include standards for passenger protection for children and pedestrians, as well as the level of active safety.

Both the Audi A4 and the Q5 scored highly in all disciplines. The A4 and Q5 scored 93 and 92 percent, respectively, in protecting adult passengers in the frontal, side and simulated rear-end collisions. Both cars also achieved outstanding scores in child safety, with 84 percent out of 100 – impressive proof of the success of the comprehensive Audi “Modular Longitudinal Platform” safety concept, which serves as the basis of the A4 midsize sedan and the Q5 SUV.

Ensuring partner protection for pedestrians and cyclists is also an important concern for Audi. The specially designed front of the Audi A4 helps minimize the consequences of a collision, with foam cushioning in front of the transverse bumper beams, a generous crumple zone, panels with defined deformation zones, and special, deformable attachment of the front fender. This makes the Audi A4 one of the very first cars to fulfill all of the new legal regulations for passenger protection in Japan and Europe.

Audi offers an extensive active safety package to help prevent accidents before they happen. The Audi A4 and Q5 rated highly in the Euro NCAP tests thanks to their efficient ESP and seatbelt reminders, both standard equipment. Customers can also select numerous optional intelligent driver assistance systems. These include radar-supported adaptive cruise control with Audi braking guard, which actively warns the driver in multiple stages in imminent collision situations, the Audi lane assist lane departure warning system, and the Audi side assist lane-change assistant. The improved illumination of the road provided by adaptive cornering light also contributes significantly to greater safety.

The high safety standards of the Audi A4 and Audi Q5 were also resoundingly confirmed by the test methods applied by the U.S. National Highway Safety Administration (NHTSA). Both cars received the top five-star rating from the U.S. traffic safety agency in a total of four categories for the front impact test at 35 mph (56 km/h) and the side impact test with a barrier traveling at 38.5 mph (62.5 km/h). The A4 also offered a top five-star performance in the additional category for protection against rollover; due to the higher center of gravity of SUVs, the Audi Q5 was certified with four stars in this category. The results find American safety experts in agreement with their European counterparts: the Audi A4 and Audi Q5 are among the safest cars in their classes.

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Audi gets top ratings for safety

Audi is taking an outstanding display of its cars to the world’s largest classic car show, the Techno Classica, which is held in the German city of Essen. To commemorate the centenary of the brand, Audi Tradition will have exclusively Audi models on its stand in Hall 7 from April 5, 2009 onwards. The absolute highlight, reconstruction of which has just been completed, is the 1935 Audi 225 Front Roadster. It is on loan for the occasion from the recently opened special exhibition “Horch – an Audi!” at the museum mobile in Ingolstadt.

The Audi stand is displaying seven cars covering no fewer than nine decades of the company’s history. From the Audi Type C “Alpine Champion” of 1919 to the Audi R10 TDI that won the Le Mans 24-hour race in 2008, each of them, whether production model, racing car or prototype, contributes an exciting story of its own to the Audi centenary celebrations.

As before, Audi Tradition will be displaying its 1:43 scale “model of the year” on the stand: an Audi Sport quattro S1 Pikes Peak with orange paintwork, of which a limited edition of only 333 has been produced. And from 11 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday April 4, the authors of the “Edition Audi Tradition” books published by Delius Klasing will be on the stand to sign copies.

Visitors to the Essen show can look forward to seeing the following Audi vehicles: the oldest is the Type C “Alpine Champion” with which company founder August Horch won the Austrian Alpine Rally in 1912, 1913 and 1914 – the Audi brand’s first motor-sport successes. The Type C was an open tourer with a 35-horsepower engine and a top speed of 80 km/h. Possibly an even greater eye-catcher on the Audi stand is another highlight in the brand’s history: the Audi 225 Front Roadster dating from 1935. Reconstructed on an original chassis frame, this new addition to Audi Tradition’s historic collection is also one of its most spectacular cars. It was first exhibited with a gleaming white paint finish at the 1935 International Motor Show in Berlin. Only two prototypes were built; although the car created a sensation and was greatly admired, it would have been too expensive for successful series production. Both prototypes have disappeared, and it was therefore decided to build a replica of the Audi 225 Front Roadster by working from photographs.

The Audi 72 played an important role in the brand’s history. Introduced on August 13, 1965 as the Auto Union’s first post-war car with a four-stroke engine, it ushered in a new era for the Ingolstadt-based manufacturer and the abandonment of the two-stroke engine. Between 1965 and 1968 85,000 units of this model, which revived the distinguished Audi name, were sold. A further step back into the premium car class was taken in 1982, when the third-generation (C3) Audi 100 set new standards for aerodynamic efficiency and in many other areas too. The C3 pioneered new design principles and had the outstandingly low drag coefficient of cD = 0.30 – a new world record for a series-production saloon car.

AUDI AG had a high reputation for concept cars to maintain. At the 1991 International Motor Show in Frankfurt, the Audi quattro Spyder caused a sensation. It was the most dramatic sports car concept study so far seen from Audi. Powered by a 174 bhp four-stroke engine and with an aluminium body, it could reach a top speed of 250 km/h, but was destined to remain a prototype although Audi dealers received hundreds of purchase options from intending customers. It proved impossible to put the car into production without exceeding the target price of 100,000 Deutschmarks.

Audi Tradition is illustrating the company’s position in motor sport at the 2009 Techno Classica in a truly impressive way by displaying the Audi Sport quattro S1 “Pikes Peak” and the Audi R10 TDI. For motor sport fans, the Audi Sport quattro S1 “Pikes Peak” has long since achieved the status of a legend. Also nicknamed “The Monster”, the S1 triumphed three times in succession at this hillclimb, held on the slopes of a 4,301 metre high mountain in Colorado, USA. Few people will ever forget the way that Walter Röhrl stormed to the top in under eleven minutes, the first driver to achieve this sensational time. This was the last of a series of successes for the Audi Sport quattro S1, since Audi had withdrawn from rallying two years earlier.

The Audi R10 TDI is the first sports car to have won the Le Mans 24-hour race with diesel fuel in its tank – and has now pulled off this feat three times in succession. The breathtaking finish in 2008 will not be forgotten: the Audi R10 TDI, which scored its first victory in this event in 2006, fought off the challenge from Peugeot’s faster, more recently developed car. Motor sport fans will be able to see the 2006 version of the Audi R10 TDI at the Techno Classica in Essen.

Source: Audi

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Audi 225 Front Roadster at the Techno Classica

Naturally, the Audi A4 allroad quattro features all the innovative technologies which impart to the A4 model line its superiority: a range of powerful and highly energy-efficient engines, Audi drive select (intelligent handling technology), the high-tech S tronic transmission, and innovative communication and assistance systems. The vehicle will be available in early summer at a basic price of 37,100 euros.

The design of the Audi A4 allroad quattro recalls the A4 Avant: crisp lines enclose tastefully curved surfaces and the low roof line establishes a coupé-like silhouette. Striking details re-interpret this model line’s sporty elegance. The moon-gray single-frame radiator grille bears vertical chrome strips; an accentuated bumper and large air inlets underscore this vehicle’s unique identity. Chrome rings encircle the fog lights. And in the option featuring xenon plus headlights, light-emitting diodes comprise the daytime running lights and taillights. Underneath the front end and tail end, the A4 allroad has a stainless-steel underbody guard.

Viewed from the side, the vehicle dazzles with flared wheel arches, angular sills (available with stainless-steel insert strips), and large wheels – 17-inch wheels in 7-arm design are standard. The roof is capped off by an offset rail with two high crosspieces. The width of the A4 allroad quattro is emphasized by the rear bumper’s distinctive styling and the integrated horizontal reflectors. On the 2.0 TDI, the two exhaust tailpipes appear side by side; on the 2.0 TFSI and 3.0 TDI, they terminate to the left and to the right.

Body and Luggage Compartment

The Audi A4 allroad quattro is a truly expressive car. Its measurements include: 4.72 meters (15.49 ft) in length, a wheelbase of 2.81 meters (9.22 ft), 1.84 meters (6.04 ft) in width, and 1.50 meters (4.92 ft) in height. It also features greater ground clearance than the Audi A4 Avant: 180 millimeters (7.09 inches) when the Audi A4 allroad quattro is unloaded.

Audi has created a vehicle body consisting primarily of high-strength and ultra-strong steel panels – which, in turn, reduce the car’s weight while enhancing its rigidity, vibrational comfort, and impact safety. An array of precisely arranged metal sections protects passengers in the event of an accident.

In addition to the two front airbags, which take into consideration the precise positions of the driver and front-seat passenger, there are side air bags in the front and, optionally, in the rear as well. Last but not least, a head-protection airbag system also stands at the ready. The integral head-restraint system in the front diminishes the risk of whiplash in the event of a rear-end collision.

The luggage compartment’s base capacity is 490 liters (17.30 cubic feet). This can be increased, however, to an impressive 1,430 liters (50.50 cubic feet) and a length of 1.78 meters (5.84 feet) by folding down the split rear-bench backrest, which optionally features a load-through hatch with removable ski bag. The hatch is exactly one meter wide (3.28 feet). The luggage compartment boasts an ingenious design which enhances its use and is lined with high-quality carpet.

Befitting its character, the A4 allroad quattro has a wealth of practical flourishes: the luggage-compartment cover and the partition safety netting are stored in separate compartments; a mere tap of the hand triggers the cover to automatically retract upward. Additional standard equipment includes fastening rings and bag hooks as well as a shelf on one side with an adjustable net.

Every Audi A4 allroad quattro also has a reversible loadliner, the underside of which has been designed as a dirt-resistant tray. Optional equipment includes a reversible mat, a 12-volt outlet, an electromechanical assembly for the tailgate, and a load-securing set with a telescopic rod and strap retainer. The load-securing set’s two rails in the floor allow the luggage compartment to be divided as required.

Interior

Refined touches, uncompromising quality and flawless functionality: the interior of the Audi A4 allroad quattro embodies all the strengths for which Audi is renowned. The cockpit clearly serves the driver. Among the control unit’s highlights: the standard electromechanical handbrake – which has replaced the lever on the center console with a button – and the central on-board monitor. A color display complements the concert or symphony sound system, or the MMI navigation system plus; the MMI’s offset control unit is housed in the center console.

Customers can choose one of several different trim materials: an exclusive allroad fabric, two types of leather, or an Alcantara/leather combination. The fabric designs are available in two colors and the leather trim in seven colors (two of which feature sporty contrasting stitching). Standard inlays are micrometallic platinum; options include aluminum trigon, natural fine-grain ash, laurel nutmeg, and walnut brown. Carpeting is made of velour; the headlining is star silver, linen beige, or black (optional). Many of the operating controls gleam thanks to their standard aluminum look; the door sill trims bear special allroad logos.

As for seats, Audi offers a seat-heating system, electrical adjustability, a sporty version with pronounced side sections, and climate-controlled comfort seats. The latter not only can be heated, but also deliver relief on hot days thanks to an integrated cooling unit with small fans. The long wheelbase of the A4 allroad quattro ensures plenty of interior space – even on the rear bench seat.

The Engines

Audi will initially offer three different engines for the A4 allroad quattro: a gasoline engine and two diesel engines. All three are turbocharged direct-fuel-injection engines. They command respect due to excellent performance, impressive pulling power, smooth running, and high fuel efficiency. The engines are further bolstered by pioneering technologies arising from Audi’s modular efficiency expertise. For example, all three units boast a standard on-board recuperation system, which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy during deceleration.

The 2-liter TFSI – voted “Engine of the Year” on four consecutive occasions by an international panel of experts – incorporates three high-end technologies: FSI direct gasoline injection, the turbocharger, and the Audi valvelift system, which boosts pulling power by means of a variable control system. Between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm, the four-cylinder engine delivers 350 Nm of torque to the crankshaft. Peak output is 155 kW (211 bhp). In addition, the 2-liter TFSI propels the Audi A4 allroad quattro to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 6.9 seconds, and to a top speed of 230 km/h (142.92 mph). On average, it consumes a mere 8.1 liters of fuel per 100 km (29.04 mpg).

As for the 2.0 TDI, the successor to the most successful diesel engine ever, a common-rail system providing injection pressure of 1,800 bar ensures excellent driving refinement. The two-liter diesel engine delivers 350 Nm between 1,750 and 2.500 rpm. A respectable 125 kW (170 bhp) provides admirable output, yet requires just 6.4 liters of fuel per 100 km (36.75 mpg). The Audi A4 allroad quattro 2.0 TDI reaches 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 8.9 seconds and a top speed of 213 km/h (132.35 mph).

The very best of the three engines is the 3.0 TDI. This V6 diesel produces 176 kW (240 bhp) and transmits 500 Nm of torque to the crankshaft at 1,500 to 3,000 rpm. The 3.0 TDI in conjunction with S tronic propels the Audi A4 allroad quattro to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 6.4 seconds, and tops out at 236 km/h (146.64 mph). On average, the three-liter engine sips only 7.1 liters of fuel per 100 km (33.13 mpg). Like the other two engines, it already meets the EU’s Euro 5 emission standard.

The Driveline

The 2.0 TDI transmits its power to a six-speed manual transmission. The 3.0 TDI and 2.0 TFSI feature the next generation of Audi’s dynamic and very efficient S tronic. This innovative dual-clutch transmission switches extremely smoothly among its seven gears within a few hundredths of a second. S tronic also excels thanks to its high efficiency ratio and a broad spread of the gear ratios. The seven-speed S tronic has a fully automatic mode at the ready: the driver can shift as required, if necessary via shift paddles on the steering wheel.

In the Audi A4 allroad quattro drivetrain, the differential is in front of the clutch and immediately behind the engine. This technical stroke of genius made it possible to reposition the front axle much closer to the vehicle’s front end, in turn allowing for a long wheelbase and an ideal distribution of the axle loads. The benefits include steady straight-line stability, superb ride comfort, and excellent driving dynamics.

The Audi A4 allroad quattro features quattro permanent all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Its purely mechanical center differential favors the rear, distributing power at a 40:60 ratio to the front and rear axle. If necessary, the quattro permanent all-wheel drive can route up to 65 percent to the front or as much as 85 percent toward the tail end.

The Chassis

The width of the Audi A4 allroad quattro lays the foundation for its driving dynamics. The car’s track is 1,583 mm (62.32 in.) at the front and 1,574 mm (61.97 in.) at the rear – some 20 mm (0.79 in.) wider, respectively, than the A4 Avant. The body is higher on account of a new chassis with longer springs, which – like the new shock absorbers – combine sportiness with comfort. The standard, 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels are fitted with 225/55 tires. At a diameter of 690 millimeters (27.17 inches), even this standard configuration looks rather imposing. For the time being, Audi is also offering 18-inch wheels.

The chassis in the A4 allroad quattro retains all the advantages which distinguish the A4 model line. Steering is straightforward and responsive. A steering box beneath the wheel conveys the driver’s input directly to the wheels. The five-link front suspension and the self-tracking trapezoidal-link rear suspension consist largely of aluminum to reduce unsprung weight. 16-inch brakes with excellent cooling behavior provide for rapid deceleration. It should come as no surprise that the A4 allroad quattro offers sportiness, comfort, and stability – onroad and offroad. After all, it is an A4.

On rough terrain, the A4 allroad quattro relies on a high-tech feature of its Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP): the Offroad Detection (ORD) technology automatically identifies the type of driving surface and adjusts the ESP’s control parameters accordingly. When the driver depresses the gas pedal, ESP increases propulsive power by tolerating more wheel spin than otherwise. If necessary, it will override for a time in the interests of safety.

On paved roads, Audi drive select further enhances the joys of driving. This control system automatically and perfectly adapts the personality of the Audi A4 allroad quattro to the driver’s preferences. Audi drive select namely evaluates the engine’s throttle response, the Servotronic power steering, and S tronic’s shift points in automatic mode. The driver can freely switch among three different engine maps: comfortable, standard, and sporty. And MMI navigation plus provides yet another on-board control option, and is individually programmable.

Audi drive select can be paired with Audi dynamic steering. It consists of a superimposed gear system, and varies the steering ratio as well as steering assistance in a continuously variable manner. Audi drive select functions directly at low speeds and indirectly at high speeds. At the vehicle’s cornering limit, the dynamic steering keeps the A4 allroad quattro on course via split-second corrective actions – subsequently obviating extensive ESP intervention.

Equipment Packages

The Audi A4 allroad quattro will be available at dealerships early this summer at a basic price of 37,100 euros. It is generously equipped with 17-inch lightweight alloy wheels, fog lights, a headlight washer system, roof rails, a convenient luggage-compartment cover, a reversible loadliner, an automatic climate-control system, an electromechanical handbrake, and a sound system with CD player.

Optional equipment also includes a multitude of attractive features. The high-beam assistant automatically switches between high beams and low beams. The two-part panoramic glass roof with an electrically operated interior shade suffuses the interior with sunlight and fresh air. And the electromechanical tailgate, the ingenious three-zone climate-control system, the xenon plus headlights with LED daytime running lights and LED reverse lights, and the climate-controlled comfort seats are all luxurious options.

If a customer so desires, they can take delivery of an A4 allroad quattro with innovative assistance systems straight from the luxury class. Audi lane assist helps the driver to remain in a given lane, while Audi side assist makes it safer to change lanes. Adaptive cruise control is a radar-assisted cruise-control system which detects vehicles ahead and maintains the proper following distance by braking and accelerating on its own. Should the rate of deceleration for some reason not suffice, the system alerts the driver via one of two alarms based on the extent of danger.

Audi also offers top-notch multimedia options. The world-class MMI navigation plus system belongs to Audi’s cutting-edge generation of new high-tech devices. It integrates a color display with three-dimensional maps, a DVD player, a voice-activated unit facilitating whole-word commands, and a large hard disk drive which stores data for navigation, music, and phoning. MMI navigation plus can be rendered even more sophisticated by means of tuner modules which enable digital TV/radio reception. Last but not least, a Bang & Olufsen sound system indeed constitutes a luxurious extra: its 14 speakers delivering 505 watts create breathtaking surround sound.

Source: Audi.com

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The Audi A4 allroad quattro: A Vehicle that knows no Boundaries

Audi is geared up to bring additional FSI efficiency for the A5 coupe. The performance of Audi will increase taken as a whole due to engine replacement since the latest four-cylinder engine used for A5 mixes petrol injection along with turbo charging giving a resultant increase in performance.

The well-known 1.8-litre Turbo petrol engine that had been used in the A3, A4, A6 and TT versions in the past and will be discontinued in the A5 1.8TFSI because the latest model of A5 will implement the superior and direct injected element. The brand new Audi A5 coupe has been modified accordingly to accommodate the four-cylinder engine and this model will hit the market by end of November.

The Audi A5 coupe has a fuel-rationing FSI direct petrol injection system that is couples with turbo charging that increases the performance to drastic levels while providing 170PS at 4,800rpm and a torque of 250Nm that can be accessed between 1,500rpm to 4,800rpm.The six-speed manual transmission, front wheel driven Audi A5 1.8TFSI exceeds a speed of 62mph in a mind boggling 8.4seconds and can reach a top speed of 140mph.You even can opt to buy the advanced Audi A5 coupe at an OTR cost of ₤26,190 even though it is expected to be launched by late November.

The company making the Audi A5 coupe has hardly made a few changes to the large equipment list when we compare the latest Audi A5 coupe to its older V6-powered A5 model. The new Audi has included features like rear acoustic parking sensors, three-zone climate control, Milano leather-upholstery and many other features which are found in bigger cars. It even has features like space liberating electromechanical brake that assists in parking. The company has even introduced non obligator features like Xenon head lamps with LED daytime running lights, even a sports model having large 18-inch wheels and the audio system has 14-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system with rear mounted cameras and the Audi Parking System Advanced.

Keeping in pace with the latest technology, Audi will replace its successful older 1.8-litre engine model and introduce more FSI effectiveness to the A5 coupe.

Phil Walkley is an Audi enthusiast who is always looking for news on Audi cars .

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New FSI Engine for Audi A5

The luxury division of Volkswagen, Audi has recently announced its plan of launching its TDI initiative on the North American market. The plan is scheduled to transpire early next year. Audi will start the production of the cleanest diesel engine in the world in the USA in conjunction with its launching in Europe. The 3.0 TDI with ultra-low emission system will be made available for the Audi Q7 and later on for the new Audi A4.

Audi has been expanding it’s in the US for many years now and sees US as a potential market for its cutting-edge TDI engines. The low-sulphur fuel required to power the engines was introduced throughout the country a year ago and has given way for developments to begin.

The TDI engine is truly a breakthrough in the sense that it is the most successful efficiency technology produced so far. Audi has first introduced it into a series production 18 years ago and has ever since has been progressively extending its lead over rival technologies.

Ralph Weyler, Board Member for Marketing and Sales at Audi AG said at the German TecDay which is an information event organized jointly by Volkswagen, Bosch, and the Association of the German Automotive Industry at San Francisco, California, “The TDI units burn up to 35 percent less fuel than the average of petrol engines typically used in the USA. This means that the TDI can assume an important role in the rapid reduction of CO2 emissions. No other drive system can beat the TDI’s combination of high power and low fuel consumption.”

Basing on the calculations made by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the United States could conserve around 1.4 million of barrels of crude oil every day if just one third of the all passengers cars as well as light-duty commercial vehicles were equipped with up-to-date diesel engines.

J.D. Power the leading market research firms has predicted that diesel engines will have a 12 to 15 percent share of the US market in 2015 which represents a substantial jump compared to the current share of sales of around four percent.

The new ultra-low emission Audi 3.0 TDI produces an output of 240hp and 406 lb-ft of torque which makes it both powerful and efficient. Moreover, the new technologies optimize the combustion process in the V6 wherein the common rail-injection system builds up 29,400 psi of pressure while sensors monitor the combustion chambers.

One of the significant innovations is the ultra low emission system in the exhaust tract much similar to that of the Gibson exhaust which largely eliminates nitrogen oxides through the application of a carbonic acid diamide solution. And with this equipped on the 3.0 TDI enables it to meet the toughest emission standard in the world—the LEV II Bin 5 classification which is impose in the US states of California, New York, Maine, Massachusetts, and Vermont. The high-tech diesel from Audi also complies with the emission requirements that are to be enforced in Europe from 2014.

Audi is serious about the issue of efficiency and it’s evident on its new technologies, new engines, and new drive concepts. The luxury division of Volkswagen aside from its TDI initiative also hosts other avant-garde solutions of which include the groundbreaking, ultra-efficient FSI engines with petrol direct injection and technology modules for Intelligent Energy Management (IEM) such as the start/stop system and a micro-hybrid. And in view of the company’s belief that fuels have a key role to play in the reduction of CO2 emissions, the brand with the four rings is focusing all its efforts on the second generation of biofuels.

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Audi to Launch TDI Initiative on North American Market

With a back to back overall win at the first two events of the American Le Mans season, the Audi R10 TDI fielded by Audi Sport North America was expected to dominate not only its class but all other cars. After the team’s two consecutive wins, the lighter LM P2 cars showed that they can beat the much praised diesel race car. Eight overall wins were posted by the lighter LM P2 cars which are fielded by Penske Racing and backed by Porsche.

At the Petit Le Mans though, Audi proved that they can beat LM P2 cars despite the disparity in weight and the size of the fuel tank. Allan McNish co-driving the No. 1 Audi R10 TDI claimed his third American Le Mans championship career title with their win at Road Atlanta. The victory also marked the second win of the Scotsman in Petit Le Mans.

As for the team’s dominance in Petit Le Mans, they have scored their eighth consecutive win at the event this year. With that win, they once again swept the three most prestigious endurance races. On March 17 of this year, Marco Werner, Emanuele Pirro, and Frank Biela scored the team’s first win at the first race of the season in the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring. Then, on June 17, the same three drivers won the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans.

“I’m very, very proud of this race victory considering the fight we faced and obstacles that were put in front of us – a perfect way to win the Drivers’ title again,” said McNish. “Petit Le Mans is a long event not only for a car and its drivers but the entire team and everyone played a major part in this victory,” he added.

“I couldn’t avoid hitting a spinning backmarker and then had a deflating rear tyre which necessitated two pit-stops. Dindo and I opened up a one lap lead after seven hours but a full course caution brought the Porsche back into contention but that’s endurance racing. Audi are back on the very top of the rostrum and there is no better way for Dindo and I to have won a second consecutive title – our third ALMS title in total.”

The race had a strange twist as luck was definitely on Audi’s side. With Romain Dumas driving his Porsche leading the way, the yellow flag was raised. The caution allowed Capello to erase the 30 second lead of the LM P2 car. “If the yellow had not come out, I don’t think I could have caught him,” said Capello. “His pace was so strong that it didn’t let me relax. I only realized when I crossed the line that Romain was the closest car to me,” Capello added.

Dumas accepted the second overall finish saying: “We won Mosport with luck and today the luck was on the other side. Unfortunately the safety car came out and took away our gap, but I tried to keep the pressure on Dindo. It was a great race.”

This years’ victory of the diesel powered, Audi spoiler -equipped Audi R10 TDI shows that the automaker is serious in developing diesel engines not only for motorsport but also for commercial passengers.

About the Author: Anthony Fontanelle is a 35-year-old automotive buff who grew up in the Windy City. He does freelance work for an automotive magazine when he is not busy customizing cars in his shop.

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Audi Back On Top