Audi Diesels: No V-12, but V-6 Could Show Up Elsewhere

Diesel fans, time to start saving up. Audi could unleash its latest diesel V-6 on future versions of the A4 and A6 sedans, among others. Asked Saturday at a racing event in Elkhart Lake, Wis., about the production likelihood of a V-12 TDI, spokesman Chris Bokich instead pointed toward Audi’s smaller TDI V-6, which held “possibilities” for usage in the A4, A5 and A6. We would have liked to have seen the V-12 — it made a Herculean 738 pounds-feet of torque in a Q7 concept last winter — but the V-6 will have to do.

The engine makes its official U.S. debut in the 2008 Q7 TDI. It cranks out an unexceptional 233 hp and, more importantly, 369 pounds-feet of torque, the long overlooked performance statistic. That’s a healthy figure for a 5,300-pound SUV. How it will transform a 3,500-pound sedan like the A4 is anyone’s guess. Compare for yourself: The A4’s turbo four-cylinder makes 207 pounds-feet of torque; the optional V-6 makes 243.

The official word from Audi is mum. Spokesman Andrew Lipman says Audi will test the market for a diesel in the Q7 and “make a determination about putting it in other models.” But considering diesel engines’ pulling power and efficiency – mileage can be 30 percent better than regular gas, and thanks to modern exhaust treatment, sooty particulates are a thing of the past — we like the chances.

Comments

Diesels are great, especially now that they are finally cleaning up their exhausts.
The V6 might be a bit overkill in the A4, but is a natural for the A6. Of course it would be nice if they could tell us what size the engine actually is, but that might be asking too much the writer to know.

It's 3.0 liters. Check out more on the Q7 TDI here: http://www.cars.com/go/features/autoshows/vehicle.jsp?autoshow=&vehicletype=production&autoshowyear=2007&vehicle=production_audi_q7_v6&make=Audi&model=Q7%20TDI

Sounds like good performance and economy potential for the Audi V-6 diesel. But as usual, the writer fails to put in perspective the reported tree stump pulling torque number which usually greatly exceeds that of a similar displacement gasoline engine. Of course, the maximum torque of the diesel is at low rpms, so the diesel engine is not guaranteed[and usually doesn't] to out-accelerate the gasoline engine to 60 mph. Let's have a vote for fair and balanced torque/horsepower reporting!!

Why not give car performance facts on diesel engine cars such as 0-60 mph times, 1/4 mile times, and fuel economy ratings so we can compare "apples versus apples" for "diesel cars versus gasoline cars"? I am not looking to buy a diesel-powered car in order to pull a cabin cruiser but instead I am just looking to reduce my fuel consumption each month without giving up acceptable acceleration.

I drove the A4 3.0 TDI last week & it was very quick & "seat of the pants powerful" It was a press test vehicle that was at my dealership for service & we were able to take it for a quick & I mean QUICK trip around the block. It will be the future. Hope there is not too much of a premium for it over the regular gasoline V6. The Jetta 4 cyl TDI's were about $1500 more expensive than the gas versions when they were last available a few years back, but at this point we have no pricing or specific release dates for any of the diesels.