3 Audis TDIs Set to Cross the North American Continent in < 48 Hours at > EPA Highway

Re: 3 Audis TDIs Set to Cross the North American Continent in < 48 Hours at > EPA Hig

Hi John:

Audi considered the Q5 TDI the mule so they do not count even though you put the smack down on both of us (the A6 and A7 TDI quattro) on a percentage over EPA highway basis

Wayne

 

Re: 3 Audis TDIs Set to Cross the North American Continent in < 48 Hours at > EPA Hig

Hi All:

Regarding the drive, here are three stats that are even more astounding.

The 2014 Audi Q5 TDI quattro achieved an excellent 154.492 MPG (per person-vehicle equivalent) while weighing in at close to 6,000 pounds!!!

The 2014 Audi A7 TDI quattro achieved an excellent 170.612 MPG (per person-vehicle equivalent) while weighing in excess 5,500 pounds!

The 2014 Audi A6 TDI quattro achieved an excellent 174.244 MPG (per person-vehicle equivalent) while also weighing in over 5,500 pounds.

On a CO2 or fuel consumption basis, few modes of transport can come close to reaching the levels the three 2014 Audi TDI quattros did and they most certainly could not have achieved it while crossing the continent with the comfort, power, opulence, and confidence inspired handling that we were provided during the drive!

Wayne

 

Re: 3 Audis TDIs Set to Cross the North American Continent in < 48 Hours at > EPA Hig

Hi All:

While I try and get the post Drive pics processed and up, I received some Questions on FB that some may be interested in seeing my responses:

Wayne

 

Re: 3 Audis TDIs Set to Cross the North American Continent in < 48 Hours at > EPA Hig

Hi Tom:

Yes, reviews in the future will be somewhat problematic. I just got out of the Cruze TD two weeks ago and it does not hold a candle to these Audi super diesels in terms of driver/passenger appointments and refinement yet it too kicked the hell out of its EPA.

What is worse is I am essentially car less at the moment. I am using my parents Ranger while my dad is in the hospital and it is on the absolute bottom when it comes to ride, handling, fuel economy, appointments, NVH and general drivability.

A 14 Silverado with the 4.3L V6 and AFM is arriving today and I have to run down to Ft. Wayne for a Chevrolet Event with it. It should be fun and I am looking forward to driving that 4.3L but I know it will not be an Audi TDI by any stretch.

I have had a few conversations with much more experienced auto journalists than I am over the past two months regarding this "problem". The advice I have been receiving is rate the car or truck against its peers, not against the super cars many of us have driven in the past or will be driving in the future. Another piece of advice I was provided with is find something good about each car you drive. I was told that I may be surprised at how sometimes the least expensive econo box has something that will surprise even the most hyper luxury sports machine.

That said, I am still a huge fan of the compact with a fuel efficient engine. I am just finally glad to see the upper end receive fuel efficiency that they can drive rather than loathe. The Upper 1% will be driving Audi A8 Ls and with the 3.0L V6 TDI onboard, it would have given the A6 and A7 TDI a run for their money just as it proved to do in the high speed Washington DC to Richmond and back A8L and A6 TDI comparison drive results. 42 vs. 43 mpgUS displayed respectively. The A8 L was on A/C even longer and had a 1 mph higher avg. speed (64 vs. 63 mph on the same 100 + mile drive loop).

While we were not afforded the opportunity to drive the A8 L on the transcontinental drive, can you imagine an $80 to $100K luxury automobile with no other offerings capable of providing what it does in terms of luxury appointments and amenities pulling 40 mpg on a high speed coast to coast run? This is new territory for the North American auto industry and one I have been waiting to see and experience for a very very long time. It is here today and none too soon I might add.

Wayne

 

Re: 3 Audis TDIs Set to Cross the North American Continent in < 48 Hours at > EPA Hig

Hi Bill:

I noticed the trailer train was powered by Audi as well

While the B&O system is a $5,900 option and totally not worth it to most of us here at CleanMPG on a cost basis alone, for someone purchasing a $70,000 or more automobile, they have the $'s to enjoy the better things in life and once you listen to it, it is spectacular.

A little story regarding the Audi A8 L TDI B&O speaker and standard mic system that the rest of the guys and gal on the trip have probably already heard a number of times.

I called Marian via Bluetooth while in the A8 L in Washington DC last month. She asked if I received a new phone because it sounded so crisp and clean. I said I was using the Motorola RAZR MAXX HD via Bluetooth in the Audi A8 L. She said it was far better than any cell phone conversation she had ever heard. She uses an iPhone 4S if that helps?

Wayne

 

Re: 3 Audis TDIs Set to Cross the North American Continent in < 48 Hours at > EPA Hig

Hi All:

Audi TDIs Star in the “Truth In 48” – The Aftermath


The only casualty over the entire crossing was a Kamikaze frog and Jill's nail ​

I had a Mets game planned but once Audi Corporate found out how well everyone performed (they probably felt sorry for us given how ragged and war torn we looked plus knowing we had been living off of PB&Js, potato chips and Gatorade for the previous 48 hours ), they offered to take us all out for a 5-star top of the list steak place in downtown Manhattan and being limo’d in the latest Audi A8 Ls. … Mets game ... a Steak dinner and lavish ride … Mets Game … Steak dinner and lavish ride … I told everybody the choice but sort of came to the same conclusion that everybody else did before asking.

Dinner it is and thank you so much Audi for the over the top hospitality.

A pair of A8 Ls bringing team members to a much appreciated dinner. Beats PB&J now doesn’t it



From Left to Right: Sebastian, Christian and Jay enjoying a dinner far beyond what most have experienced.


From Right to Left: John, Jill, Edwin, Chris, Bob, and Richard enjoying the same.


Celebratory Audi World Record dinner moves to “Chartreuse”, a post dinner liquore (I hope I spelled that right???)... Audi PR says, "Otherwise known as battery acid..."



The Manhattan Skyline with the Freedom Tower shrouded in clouds as we head out to drop off the Audi TDIs on Tuesday morning.




Saying goodbye to the mighty Q5 and A6 TDI quattros.​

What a trip and I am so much forward looking to drive the Audi’s again. There is simply nothing like it.

Wayne

 

Re: 3 Audis TDIs Set to Cross the North American Continent in < 48 Hours at > EPA Hig

Hi All:

The 14 Silverado just arrived and it is equipped with both the 4.3L V6 and a 3.23 rear end. It is also 2WD. I'm excited too! Maybe not as much as driving the 14 Audi Q5/A6/A7/A8 L TDIs but I am still excited

Wayne