Audi to Launch Cleanest Diesel

From mid-2008 Audi will be putting the cleanest diesel technology in the world into series production. The new TDI engines with their ultra-low emission system combine the spontaneous performance and superior pulling power of today’s TDI power units with outstanding fuel consumption figures and incomparably low emissions. Indeed, they will already undercut the most stringent emissions limits that are to be applied in the future in Europe as soon as production starts. Just as the entire Audi range complied with the Euro 4 standard and the forthcoming Euro 5 emissions limits years in advance, the Ingolstadt brand is once again set to assume its role as the pioneer of groundbreaking technology.

Consistent strategy throughout all model series
With its latest generation of TDI engines, Audi is now out to prove that this high-tech drive unit still has high potential and a guaranteed future: thanks to the optimised combustion process and the inclusion of an ultra-low emission system, these models comply with the BIN 5 emissions requirements in the US as well as meeting the toughest standards expected to come into force in Europe for the foreseeable future.

Audi is kicking off its consistent TDI strategy for 2008 with the three-litre V6 units in the Audi A4 and Audi Q7. Developing 240 bhp and a supreme peak torque of 369 ft.-lbs. in the Audi A4 (not available in US) and 406 ft.-lbs. in the Audi Q7, they boast the sublime dynamism combined with relatively low fuel consumption that is the hallmark of any Audi. Additional models will follow in rapid succession, with Audi seeking to extend the new technology to other vehicle classes and power categories by 2010.

The status of the new-generation TDI as the definitive clean-running, high-tech diesel is sealed by the downstream ultra-low emission system which reduces nitrogen oxide emissions by up to 90 percent. The ultra-low emission system runs on a biodegradable additive in the form of a solution called AdBlue. Tiny doses of this solution are injected upstream from the DeNOx catalytic converter. The ultra-low emission system as a whole comprises the catalytic converter, the metering module, the AdBlue tank and heated lines, as well as an extensive system of sensors. The comprehensive emission control system is rounded off by the separate two-way catalytic converter and the highly efficient, electronically controlled diesel particulate filter.

Great potential for reducing fuel consumption all around the world
Thanks to their extremely low emission levels, these cutting-edge direct-injection diesel engines can be put into service anywhere in the world, even in the US state of California where the most stringent emissions limits are enforced. Compared to the average fleet consumption of petrol engines typically fitted in the USA, the TDI offers a fuel saving of as much as 35 percent. As a consequence, diesel technology can make a greater contribution to reducing the consumption of fossil fuels and emissions of environmentally harmful greenhouse gases than any other form of propulsion currently available. Audi will be marketing these new models in the USA and in Europe from the second half of 2008.

Hybrid systems for a number of models
Nevertheless, there may also be a call for a hybrid system designed for individual markets and to meet specific requirements. Audi is developing hybrid systems for a number of model series and will put them into series production wherever it sees this as producing significant benefits for customers. Audi unveiled the Audi Q7 hybrid study with an electric motor integrated into the driveline between engine and gearbox back in 2005. Designed as a “full” hybrid, as it is known, the Audi Q7 can run on either the petrol engine or the electric motor alone or be powered by both in unison. During phases when the vehicle is coasting or braking, kinetic energy is converted into electrical energy, fed to the battery and then transformed into propulsive power as and when required.

Alternative fuels
Extra efficiency at the push of a button
Audi has already unveiled a vehicle that gives drivers the option of selecting an especially fuel-efficient mode for certain situations at the push of a button with its Cross Coupé quattro study. In the “efficiency” mode, the engine and the gearbox mapping are switched over to a more economical operating programme, the power draw of the main consumers and comfort modules is restricted, and the cruise control system is programmed to give priority to low fuel consumption. This mode is selected intentionally by the customer and is accompanied by a slight reduction in both power and comfort. Apart from this, as the navigation system's road data becomes even more precise in future it will be used for particularly economical routing and vehicle guidance.

With the help of its clean-running diesel power units and integrated efficiency strategy, Audi is set to hone the sporty and elegant character, the sense of driving pleasure and the high-class quality of its models whilst continuing to reduce their emissions.

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