Audi has been producing really great vehicles as of late and diesel is gaining more traction in the US market. Buyers are finally realizing that today’s diesel-powered cars are not like those of old. Gone are black plumes of soot coming out of diesel vehicles, now effectively eliminated by urea injection within the exhaust path. So what do you get when you combine the sport Audi A3 and a TDI diesel engine? The 2010 Green Car of the Year award, of course.

Announced at the LA Auto Show, Green Car Journal / GreenCar.com presented the honors to Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen. With an EPA-estimated 42mpg highway fuel economy figure, this is proof yet again that a fun, enjoyable driving experience and fuel efficiency aren’t mutually exclusive.

Congratulations to Audi!

Photos courtesy of Audi of America, Inc.

With their tremendous level of success in ALMS and Le Mans racing, it was only time before Audi’s TDI diesel technology made its way down to the consumer. We’re a big fan of diesel – and curious as to why it hasn’t caught on in the States as it has in Europe – and excited to see it makes inroads in the US market. In line with this, Audi has introduced the brand new 2010 Audi Q7 TDI. Highlights include:

• New front lighting design and LED daytime running lights – which has become a trademark of sorts for Audi

• New full LED rear lights (LED running lights, brake lights, and turn signals)

• New MMI navigation system – third generation MMI shows latest evolution of 3D navigation, joystick control for navigation map destination finding, updated graphical clarity, SIRIUS artist/title preview, SIRIUS traffic-based navigation, voice-based destination input control, and voice inputs such as “I’m hungry,” “I need money,” “I need gas” and “I need coffee” that will point to closest options within current vicinity
• 25 mpg highway (!) and over 600 highway miles of range one tankful of diesel fue
• Bin5 / ULEV (ultra low emissions vehicle) II 50-state status; Audi clean diesel is measured on the same emissions basis as gasoline-based engines, but with 30% better fuel efficiency
• When comparing diesel fuel prices 1:1 to Audi-recommended Super unleaded gasoline, the price differential will pay for itself over a few years time, and even sooner if resale value, and the Alternative Motor Vehicle credit is taken into consideration
• 5-star crash test ratings from NHTSA NCAP, “Top Safety Pick” from IIHS\
• S line package option provides up to 21 inch wheels with 295/35 tires
• Six-piston front and four-piston rear brakes provide ample stopping power

• Turbocharger optimized for US market, with torque peak arriving sooner than current EU model.
• 225 hp / 406 lb-ft
• Variable turbine geometry generates 23.2 lbs of boost (1.6 BAR), with its vanes powered by an electric servo motor to improve propulsive power at low speeds – taken from Audi’s sister company Porsche?

Frankly, we can’t wait to get our hands on this new Q7. Audi plans to launch the vehicle in Fall 2009 as a 2010 model.

Sourcebox

Audi of America, Inc.
2200 Ferdinand Porsche Drive
Herndon, VA 20171
1-800-FOR-AUDI (367-2834)

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