xcel
01-24-2009, 10:20 PM
Clean diesel is a technological breakthrough a century in the making... (cleanmpg.com/forums/showthread.php?p=182709)
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Audi_A3_TDI_near_Chicago.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) – Jan. 24, 2009
Audi A3 with its 2.0L TDI - 50.5 mpgUS achieved during the Washington DC to Cleveland, OH segment of the 2008 Audi Mileage Marathon.
Second to last installment highlighting CleanMPG’s coverage of the 2009 NAIAS - Detroit Autoshow.
Detroit - As the Audi Mileage Marathon concluded last fall, Audi was positioning itself for carbon constrained and turbulent economic times ahead with its diesel prowess leading the way. Is it any wonder given the extremely fuel efficient Turbo charged and Direct Injection diesel technology known as TDI invented by Audi?
Audi is currently pushing Congress for changes in tax laws and emissions regulations that hinder full acceptance of clean diesel into the US. Diesel automobiles in their current form offer one of the best opportunities available to lessen our nation's dependence on foreign oil supplies today, not tomorrow.
The EPA estimates that if 1/3 of vehicles on the road in the US were powered by clean diesel, we would save 1.4 million barrels of oil per day. That happens to be the amount of oil we import daily from Saudi Arabia!
“We can dream about discovering new oil fields to make this country less dependent on foreign oil, or we can embrace the technology that achieves the same result,” said J. de Nysschen, executive VP of Audi. “This is only phase 1. Phase 2 kicks in when the oil industry masters the ability to produce bio-diesel from ecologically sustainable waste organic material – not part of the food chain – in economically viable quantities. The technology exists, and the production challenges will be solved. Then we will have reached the point of renewable energy and economically viable transportation.”
Unfortunately, America stands in its own way.
If the US Government is serious about reducing its dependence on foreign oil, it must do more to encourage consumers to drive more fuel efficient vehicles.
Along with offering some of the most fuel efficient C-Class sized compact diesel powered automobiles in Europe, namely the A3 with a 104 HP rated 1.9L TDI capable of 52.3 mpgUS combined on the NEDC, Audi now has plans for diesel in America.
We have already seen details about the previously announced Q5 and behemoth Q7, both with 3.0L TDI’s and SCR with AdBlue based emissions controls, but Audi’s next US based model will include the compact but fuel efficient luxury based A3. With an ultra modern fuel efficient yet 50-state emissions compliant 140 HP capable 2.0L TDI as equipped in the current 09 VW Jetta, it too is bound to make its status known.
2.0L TDI - Engine and emissions control system details
Although the A3 with the 2.0L TDI is not quite as efficient as the older 1.9L (46.1 mpgUS vs. 52.3 mpgUS on the NEDC), the latest technology transforms it into an excellent performer (0 to 60 mph in under 9 seconds vs. the 1.9L’s 11.2 seconds).
The 2.0L is also far smoother running thanks in part to the common rail, and 26,000 psi capable Piezo-electric injectors allowing multiple injections per cycle. This advanced high pressure injection system not only smooths out the clatter and vibration of less advanced diesel predecessors but also improves performance and reduces emissions.
An advanced EGR capable of running up to 60 percent recirculated and cooled exhaust gas significantly reduces NOx emissions. A variable vane third-generation turbocharger improves throttle response by reducing turbo lag from low RPM’s.
The included Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and NOx adsorbing catalyst, the first of its kind attached to a consumer based diesel that is 50-state emissions compliant, allows the A3 2.0L TDI to be driven anywhere in the world that low sulfur diesel is available. The emissions control solution is so advanced it does not need an additional and expensive Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) Catalytic Converter, AdBlue reservoir, metering and injection control system required by most 50-state compliant diesels, including its bigger brothers, the Q5 and Q7.
Finally, we will see the A3 equipped with a 6-speed Dual-Clutch DSG Automatic Transmission that is so highly rated that other manufacturers are stumbling all over themselves to include something similar in their own future vehicle lineups.
A3 Marketplace
The upcoming Audi A3 moves into the luxury market segment that currently lacks a highly fuel efficient diesel or hybrid compact. With an 08 EPA estimate similar to that of the current VW Jetta TDI (29/40 mpgUS city/highway), the A3 will target buyers who need a small but versatile package without sacrificing luxury and sportiness. Key competitors will include the BMW 1-series, Mini Cooper S, Volvo C30 and S40, upcoming Toyota Prius-III and Honda Insight-II.
Safety
The current conventionally powered US based A3 is already rated a “Top Safety Pick” by the IIHS for top frontal/side/rear crashes The 2.0L equipped A3 TDI will be no different.
Pricing and Availability
The US based Audi A3 2.0 TDI is expected to go on sale in the first quarter of 2010 as a 2010 model year vehicle. Pricing will be announced closer to the actual US launch.
Audi A3 during its initial European launch
http://www.youtube.com/v/HlBInTOzRsU&hl=en&fs=1
http://www.cleanmpg.com/photos/data/501/Audi_A3_TDI_near_Chicago.jpgWayne Gerdes - CleanMPG (cleanmpg.com) – Jan. 24, 2009
Audi A3 with its 2.0L TDI - 50.5 mpgUS achieved during the Washington DC to Cleveland, OH segment of the 2008 Audi Mileage Marathon.
Second to last installment highlighting CleanMPG’s coverage of the 2009 NAIAS - Detroit Autoshow.
Detroit - As the Audi Mileage Marathon concluded last fall, Audi was positioning itself for carbon constrained and turbulent economic times ahead with its diesel prowess leading the way. Is it any wonder given the extremely fuel efficient Turbo charged and Direct Injection diesel technology known as TDI invented by Audi?
Audi is currently pushing Congress for changes in tax laws and emissions regulations that hinder full acceptance of clean diesel into the US. Diesel automobiles in their current form offer one of the best opportunities available to lessen our nation's dependence on foreign oil supplies today, not tomorrow.
The EPA estimates that if 1/3 of vehicles on the road in the US were powered by clean diesel, we would save 1.4 million barrels of oil per day. That happens to be the amount of oil we import daily from Saudi Arabia!
“We can dream about discovering new oil fields to make this country less dependent on foreign oil, or we can embrace the technology that achieves the same result,” said J. de Nysschen, executive VP of Audi. “This is only phase 1. Phase 2 kicks in when the oil industry masters the ability to produce bio-diesel from ecologically sustainable waste organic material – not part of the food chain – in economically viable quantities. The technology exists, and the production challenges will be solved. Then we will have reached the point of renewable energy and economically viable transportation.”
Unfortunately, America stands in its own way.
If the US Government is serious about reducing its dependence on foreign oil, it must do more to encourage consumers to drive more fuel efficient vehicles.
Along with offering some of the most fuel efficient C-Class sized compact diesel powered automobiles in Europe, namely the A3 with a 104 HP rated 1.9L TDI capable of 52.3 mpgUS combined on the NEDC, Audi now has plans for diesel in America.
We have already seen details about the previously announced Q5 and behemoth Q7, both with 3.0L TDI’s and SCR with AdBlue based emissions controls, but Audi’s next US based model will include the compact but fuel efficient luxury based A3. With an ultra modern fuel efficient yet 50-state emissions compliant 140 HP capable 2.0L TDI as equipped in the current 09 VW Jetta, it too is bound to make its status known.
2.0L TDI - Engine and emissions control system details
Although the A3 with the 2.0L TDI is not quite as efficient as the older 1.9L (46.1 mpgUS vs. 52.3 mpgUS on the NEDC), the latest technology transforms it into an excellent performer (0 to 60 mph in under 9 seconds vs. the 1.9L’s 11.2 seconds).
The 2.0L is also far smoother running thanks in part to the common rail, and 26,000 psi capable Piezo-electric injectors allowing multiple injections per cycle. This advanced high pressure injection system not only smooths out the clatter and vibration of less advanced diesel predecessors but also improves performance and reduces emissions.
An advanced EGR capable of running up to 60 percent recirculated and cooled exhaust gas significantly reduces NOx emissions. A variable vane third-generation turbocharger improves throttle response by reducing turbo lag from low RPM’s.
The included Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) and NOx adsorbing catalyst, the first of its kind attached to a consumer based diesel that is 50-state emissions compliant, allows the A3 2.0L TDI to be driven anywhere in the world that low sulfur diesel is available. The emissions control solution is so advanced it does not need an additional and expensive Selective Catalyst Reduction (SCR) Catalytic Converter, AdBlue reservoir, metering and injection control system required by most 50-state compliant diesels, including its bigger brothers, the Q5 and Q7.
Finally, we will see the A3 equipped with a 6-speed Dual-Clutch DSG Automatic Transmission that is so highly rated that other manufacturers are stumbling all over themselves to include something similar in their own future vehicle lineups.
A3 Marketplace
The upcoming Audi A3 moves into the luxury market segment that currently lacks a highly fuel efficient diesel or hybrid compact. With an 08 EPA estimate similar to that of the current VW Jetta TDI (29/40 mpgUS city/highway), the A3 will target buyers who need a small but versatile package without sacrificing luxury and sportiness. Key competitors will include the BMW 1-series, Mini Cooper S, Volvo C30 and S40, upcoming Toyota Prius-III and Honda Insight-II.
Safety
The current conventionally powered US based A3 is already rated a “Top Safety Pick” by the IIHS for top frontal/side/rear crashes The 2.0L equipped A3 TDI will be no different.
Pricing and Availability
The US based Audi A3 2.0 TDI is expected to go on sale in the first quarter of 2010 as a 2010 model year vehicle. Pricing will be announced closer to the actual US launch.
Audi A3 during its initial European launch
http://www.youtube.com/v/HlBInTOzRsU&hl=en&fs=1