Audi Promotes Diesel Engines Over Hybrids

While all the hype may surround hybrids, plug-ins and electric vehicles, Audi has chosen to push clean-diesel engines as an efficient alternative to standard gasoline-powered cars. You’ve probably already seen the ads for the diesel Q7 SUV that the automaker introduced earlier this year, and Audi will also roll out a diesel A3 wagon in late 2009. In campaigns for both cars, the automaker wants to emphasize that diesel vehicles cut oil use substantially.

According to Audi, if a third of Americans drove diesel cars, daily imported oil use would fall by 1.5 million barrels, because diesel engines are 30% more fuel-efficient than gas-powered models. It also points out that roughly half of Europe’s cars are diesels. Right now, diesels make up 3% of U.S. sales, while hybrids account for 2.4%, according to J.D. Power and Associates.

While both types of cars certainly have a lot of room to grow, there are some key issues Audi will not bring up in its drive to sell diesel cars. For instance, while it’s true that some clean-diesel vehicles qualify for tax credits, so do some hybrids. Audi’s point is that the technology for diesel vehicles is here right now, but again, the same can be said of your standard hybrid.

Weekend Athlete: 2009 Audi Q5

I don’t know who Audi has in mind to drive this car, but it isn’t Weekend Athletes.

Yes, you could take it camping in the way you could take any car camping. And you could take a bike in it, just like you could in any midsize SUV. But as far as I’m concerned, it would be like taking your grandmother’s irreplaceable china as the place setting for a picnic. You could do it, but why on earth would you want to?

On to the tests.

Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Audi Q5

Cars.com’s Kelsey Mays compares the 2009 Audi Q5 with pistachio-mint ice cream. Why, you ask? Mays believes that for Audi faithful, the Q5 will be an instant winner, but if you don’t like the taste of mint all that much, well, you’ll end up on his side of the fence. Read Mays’ full review to find out why the Q5 didn’t send him into a tizzy and which other luxury SUVs rank higher in his estimation.

2009 Audi Q5 Review

Audi Q5, Volkswagen CC Named IIHS Top Safety Picks

Audi’s Q5 small SUV and Volkswagen’s CC midsize sedan – both new for 2009 – have earned the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s highest crash-test distinction, Top Safety Pick. To earn Top Safety Pick status, IIHS requires a vehicle to pass front, side and rear tests with its best rating, Good, and come standard with an electronic stability system.

The Q5’s closest competitors also earned Top Safety Pick status, including the Acura RDX, BMW X3 and Infiniti EX35. Some of the Volkswagen CC’s competition has also earned the distinction, including the Acura TL, Hyundai Genesis sedan and Infiniti G37. 

Audi Wants Lighter Cars

In a society whose collective conscience seems to want to be “greener” these days, Audi wants you to know it hears the message and will make more efficient cars in the future.

The luxury automaker plans to increase the average fuel efficiency of its fleet through a combination of green initiatives – like hybrid and electric vehicle technology.

However, the additional components necessary in hybrid and electric vehicles add extra weight, so Audi has made it a priority to also reduce the overall weight of its vehicles.

The automaker has initiated a project that focuses on lightweight construction techniques. Audi says it will draw upon insight from the project when designing its next-generation modular car platform. The weight savings would also have a huge benefit in terms of gas mileage for Audi’s regular gasoline engines, and would improve handling and performance, Audi officials say.

2009 Audi Q5 Video

Audi's Q5 is just the latest compact luxury SUV to hit the market, and it seems to be generating sales for the German brand. Cars.com senior editor Joe Wiesenfelder delivers this video about the Q5, and we learn some things we didn't know about it. For example, did you know that the car's suspension can tell when there's cargo attached to the roof rack? Didn't think so.

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Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Audi TTS

Latching that “S” onto the end of an Audi model name usually means good things. In this case, the 2009 Audi TTS takes the TT coupe and roadster and adds more performance, including a more powerful four-cylinder turbocharged engine. Cars.com reviewer Mike Hanley looks at the TTS to see how it fares against small sports cars from Porsche and BMW. Does he find Audi’s Achilles heel? Read the full review to find out.

2009 Audi TTS Review

Deal or No Deal: Cars That Impressed at Road America

Last week, Cars.com’s editors took part in a rally at the Road America racetrack in Elkhart Lake, Wis. There were dozens of new cars on hand to take on the track or local roads. More so than in past years, we were surprised by many new models, and not always in good ways. Here’s what resonated most.

Cars.com Reviews the 2009 Audi Q5

Cars.com reviewer Joe Wiesenfelder had an added task when he reviewed the 2009 Audi Q5: Not only did he have to decide what he thought about the car, he had to decide where the new compact crossover fit amid the crowded lineup of Audi hatchbacks. Read his full review to find out how the Q5 stacks up compared with its siblings, as well as competition from the likes of Mercedes-Benz, BMW and Volvo.

2009 Audi Q5 Review

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Ch-Ch-Changes: 2010 Audi Q7

It’s that time again: The auto show season is winding down and all the brand-new models have been unveiled, but car companies still have to update existing nameplates. Audi is offering minor tweaks to its Q7 SUV, including a mildly revised front and rear end. The most noticeable change, of course, is the LED running lights encircling the entire headlight design. The rear also gets full LED brake lights.

The interior remains basically the same, with new leather front seats and Audi’s third-generation infotainment system with MMI (multi-media interface). The voice-activation feature for the navigation system is quite interesting. Users just need to say commands, such as “I need gas” or “I’m hungry,” for the computer to find the right points of interest in the vicinity.

Engine choices include the existing 3.6-liter V-6 and 4.2-liter V-8, along with a new TDI option for those looking for a diesel alternative. Audi says its 2010 Q7 TDI will get 25 mpg with a 600-mile range.  

The 2010 Q7 goes on sale this fall. A few more images are below.