Audi Bringing Diesel Q7, New A4 to U.S.

Audi announced today it will indeed bring its new clean-diesel power plants to the U.S. in 2008. This is one of those rare times when U.S. consumers will not only get a shot at diesel engines, but they’ll get them at roughly the same time as European buyers. The first vehicle slated for the 3.0-liter V-6 TDI ultra-low emission system will be the Q7 SUV, which will arrive sometime in 2008. The redesigned A4 will have the same power plant when it arrives in the U.S. at an unspecified date, most likely late in 2008. We’re also hoping the next A4 Avant gets the TDI treatment.

The diesel engine puts out 240 hp and 406 pounds-feet of torque. That torque figure is the important one; a Mustang GT, for example, has 320 pounds-feet of torque. Like recent entries from Mercedes, the Audi TDI will pass the toughest emission requirements in the world, meaning California’s.

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Comments

[nony]

I just have one word to describe the announcement: finally!

[Scott J.]

Audi sure came around to this decision quickly. I seem to recall reluctance to import diesel vehicles not too long ago. I'm glad they came around.

[Dave T.]

I think they understood if they couldn't sell it in California (let alone the other states with tough emission standards) there was no point in bringing it to the U.S.

[JM]

406 lb-ft of tourqu with an only 3.0L engine will give some really great mpg for the Q7, probably over 20 in the city. right now, it will be the most powerful engine (according to torque) that the Q7 has. In the A4 though, that engine will get astounding milage.

they would be smart to put it in the A6, A5, and possibly the A8 also, along with bringing it down to the VW models.

the 2.0 L diesel is supposed to be impressive in the new jetta...it is going t have some awesome figures also.

[Investor27]

Did they say how much the A4 will be? What's the estimated MPG for the A4 3.0TDI vs the new Jetta's 2.0L TDI?

[Phil]

I haven't been able to find anywhere that tells me whether Audi will offer the A4 TDI in Quattro trim or just FWD. My personal thought is that, with all that torque, Quattro makes the most sense. Plus, it will be initially offered in the Q7 with Quattro so, again, makes sense to do so. But automotive manufacturers have not always been known to do what makes the most sense. I certainly hope so. I also hope it will come earlier in the year, rather than later.