Sep 28 2008
America will soon discover Audi TDI turbocharged clean diesel technology, which has earned media attention and consumer praise throughout the world for its exceptional fuel efficiency and dynamic performance. Next month, the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI will debut in the U.S. during the Audi Mileage Marathon, a two-week cross country drive that will display the world's leading fuel-efficiency technology.
This won't be an ordinary coming out party. Instead, Audi will demonstrate the Q7 3.0 TDI's capabilities and ultra-low emissions system ahead of its 2009 U.S. launch by putting it through tough, real-world conditions.
The Mileage Marathon will cover more than 4,800 miles starting in New York and concluding in Los Angeles. From October 5-20, 184 drivers representing countries in North America, Europe and Asia will drive the fuel-efficient vehicles in 13 daily stages, during which they'll experience the confident sportiness and extraordinary efficiency of Audi's TDI models.
Audi of America chief Johan de Nysschen will lead the rally of 23 Audi TDI vehicles along America's city streets and highways to illustrate how Audi's clean diesel technology answers concerns about fuel prices, energy dependence and global warming.
"Driving responsibly and driving for pleasure have always been considered incompatible ideals," said de Nysschen, Audi of America's executive vice president. "Our cross country test showcasing TDI technology will prove that Audi has redefined diesel vehicles as car-lover's cars without the guilt."
Spotlight on the Audi Q7 TDI
The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI doesn't just recast diesel for an American audience, it also represents the ultimate progress in SUV engineering.
"Audi knows consumers are concerned about fuel economy and we want to make sure they know how Audi's TDI engineering is reshaping their options," said de Nysschen. "The Q7 TDI will be one of America's first clean, highly efficient, 7-passenger SUV, combining the power and capacity Americans expect in an SUV with notable fuel efficiency and ultra low emissions."
The Mileage Marathon's TDI fleet will recast outdated perceptions of diesel vehicles. Gone are the days of loud, smoky, under-performing diesel engines. Due to its EPA estimated 25 miles per gallon on the highway, the Q7 3.0 TDI offers highway driving range of more than 600 miles, far more than a comparable gasoline-powered vehicle. It also provides 400 lb-ft of torque, more than most exotic sports cars.
Audi TDI
By reducing up to 90 percent of the nitrogen oxide (NOx) from a vehicle's emissions, the Audi TDI exhaust purifying system complies with the world's most demanding emissions law -- California's LEV II Bin 5. The TDI system also meets the upcoming Euro 6 norm limits planned for implementation in 2014. Compared with the fleet average of gasoline engines typically found in the U.S., the TDI achieves a fuel-efficiency advantage of up to 40 percent. This means that today's diesel technology is designed for tomorrow's challenges and can make a greater contribution to reduce the consumption of fossil fuels than any other type of engine.
Driving enthusiasts are welcome to follow Audi's Mileage Marathon online by visiting http://www.audimileagemarathon.com.