Audi switches to power output designations on its models; kW-based performance levels for all power types

Audi is adopting a standardized nomenclature for the power output designations of its worldwide range of automobiles. While the names of the model series—from Audi A1 to Audi Q7—will remain unchanged, within the model families, combinations of two numbers will replace the various type designations previously used. The new designations stand for the specific power output and apply both to cars with combustion engines and to e-tron models with hybrid and electric drives.

The reference value for the new model designations is the power output of the individual model in kilowatts (kW). Audi is thus subclassifying its model range into different performance levels—each identified by a two-numeral combination.

For example, “30” will appear on the rear of all models with power output between 81 and 96 kW, “45” stands for power output between 169 and 185 kW, and “70” for the performance class above 400 kW. In each case the numerals appear along with the engine technology: TFSI, TDI, g-tron or e-tron.

The number combinations identifying the performance levels in the Audi product range increase in increments of five, and they represent the hierarchy within both the respective model series and the brand’s overall model range.

According to the new nomenclature, in the future the spectrum will range from the Audi Q2 30 TFSI with 85 kW to the Audi Q7 50 TDI with 200 kW. A special place in the line-up is occupied by the high-end, high-performance S and RS models and the Audi R8. They will retain their classic names in reference to their top position in the model range.

As alternative drive technologies become increasingly relevant, engine displacement as a performance attribute is becoming less important to our customers. The clarity and logic of structuring the designations according to power output makes it possible to distinguish between the various performance levels.

—Dr. Dietmar Voggenreiter, Board of Management Member for Sales and Marketing at Audi AG

The changes will kick off with the new Audi A8 generation in the fall of 2017. First among the two six-cylinder engines to be redesignated will be the 3.0 TDI with 210 kW – as the Audi A8 50 TDI, and the 3.0 TFSI with 250 kW – as the Audi A8 55 TFSI.

In the coming months, all Audi model series launched on the market will be assigned the new performance designations beginning when they are offered for sale. Audi will change the designations of the remaining model series in the current product range in time for the new model year changeover in summer of 2018.

Chevrolet To Lure TDI Crowd With Cruze Hatchback 6 Speed Diesel

Before it was bad to own a diesel it was good to own one. Prior to the Dieselgate emissions scandal, Volkswagen built up a small but loyal following of people who adored getting truly amazing fuel economy with their diesel powered cars. Since VW got caught lying about the pollutants pouring out of the tailpipe of its diesel cars, TDI fans have been suffering from separation anxiety. No other manufacturer has offered anything like their beloved TDIs — until now. Rejoice, diesel fans. Chevrolet feels your pain.

The bow tie brand says it will offer a diesel engine mated to a 9 speed automatic or 6 speed manual transmission for the Cruze sedan beginning in early 2017. Those powertrain choices will be extended to the newly introduced Cruze hatchback in 2018. No turbocharger, but what the heck. It will be the closest thing to the move loved Volkswagen SportWagon TDI available in the US market.

The last Cruze offered with a diesel engine was in 2015. It had a base price of $26,485, including shipping, and was rated at 27 mpg city/44 highway/32 combined with a six-speed automatic. Today, the Cruze with a gas engine and 6 speed automatic has a highway rating of 40 mpg.
Add a diesel and a 9 speed tranny and some think the combo could top out at or near 50 mpg.

“We expect it to do better than that (40 mpg highway with the gasoline version) but we can’t talk numbers yet,” said David Poniatowski, program manager for the Cruze. AutoPacific analyst Dave Sullivan thinks GM would be happy with 47 or 48 mpg. “If the Cruze diesel can hit 47 or 48 mpg, it should be a success in closing the gap with hybrids for highway driving efficiency,” Sullivan said. “Keep in mind that the Malibu Hybrid gets 46 mpg on the highway.”

Some are annoyed that GM and Chevrolet are continuing to pump the tires on diesel engines when what the world really needs is cars with no tailpipe emissions at all. But for those who went into a state of depression when the Volkswagen TDI was taken off the market, this is welcome news indeed. The newly introduced Cruze hatchback is attractively styled. Squint a little while tugging your left ear and it looks like a 5 door Tesla Model 3. With a price under $30,000 and phenomenal gas mileage, it could prove to be a popular choice for a lot of people.

Volkswagen Reveals New 268 Horsepower TDI Engine

The Volkswagen TDI line of turbodiesel engines has been a cornerstone of Wolfburg’s new car lineup for over three decades, and with each evolution it only gets better. Volkswagen has revealed a new 268 horsepower version of its 2.0 liter TDI engine, using an electric turbocharger to make it the most powerful TDI yet.

Electric turbochargers are going to play a huge role in Volkswagen’s lineup, with the Audi Q7 to debut the technology in a production model in the next couple of years. Despite having two fewer cylinders and a whole liter less of displacement, the new 2.0 liter TDI actually makes 10 more horsepower than the just-updated 3.0 liter V6 TDI, and about 30 horsepower more than the outgoing 2.0 liter TDI motor. It is however overshadowed by a more potent version of the 3.0 liter V6 found in the RS5 concept, churning out a healthy 326 horsepower.

Despite this though, the new motor is actually 14% more efficient, which could mean an extra 4 or 5 MPG on the road. Volkswagen isn’t talking torque numbers just yet, but it should be in the same area as the outgoing model, which offered 369 lb-ft of twist.

So where can we expect to find this uber-powerful TDI motor? The engine is going to be reserved for upper-end models, including the upcoming production version of the Volkswagen CrossBlue SUV concept. VW also released a few details on its upcoming 10-speed dual-shift gearbox (DSG), including a torque limit of 405 lb-ft and a coasting function that shuts down the engine similar to a start-stop system, but while the car is in motion at speeds under 4 MPH.

Volkswagen is also investing heavily into plug-in vehicles, which leaves the door open for a hybridized version of this drivetrain, perhaps pairing it with a couple of electric motors for even better performance. A guy can dream, right?

Source: Gas2

2015 Audi A7 Debuts 326 HP TDI Engine

The 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans was won (once again) by Audi, continuing an almost uninterrupted reign of racing dominance anchored by a powerful turbodiesel engine.  To celebrate its many successes at Le Mans, the 2015 Audi A7 has been fitted with a 326 horsepower 3.0 liter turbodiesel engine.

With that 326 horsepower comes a 38 MPG rating, Audi even managed to squeeze a 20-horsepower overboost feature in at full throttle. That makes it good for 26 horsepower over the standard A7 TDI when you push the pedal to the metal.

The 2015 Audi A7 TDI Sportback Competition (full name) also gets the aluminum treatment, with the doors, hood, and many interior features being made of the lightweight material. Of course all this comes at a hefty price, starting at around 72,000 euro, or about $97,300. For that you also get the S line sport package, which drops the suspension 20 mm with five-spoke 20-inch wheels over 7-inch brake rotors.

As for the new 3.0 liter bi-turbo diesel engine, changes to the camshaft and overboost function make the engine capable of 346 horsepower. The cherry on top though is the 480 ft-lbs of torque that’ll put you back in your seat at full throttle, once that overboost feature kicks in.

See? You can have your cake and eat it too. Just gotta dig a little deeper into those pockets to have it.

Source: Audi

1968 Camaro TDI Is A 40 MPG Turbodiesel Hot Rod

The world of muscle cars is full of big cars with massive motors with as much displacement as the soda aisle at your local grocery store. But big engines aren’t as cool as they used to be, and Americans are increasingly turned on to the idea of turbodiesel engines, and not just for their new cars. In the grand tradition of hot rodding, somebody has installed a 1.9 liter Volkswagen TDI engine into a 1968 Camaro. Some might cry heresy, and others might wonder what’s the point. Me? I’m just pissed somebody beat me to the punch.

Seriously, the Volkswagen 1.9 liter TDI engine is both durable and packing a good bit of performance potential…if you know what you’re doing. The guy who built this badass blacked-out Camaro certainly did, somehow splicing the TDI’s wiring harness into the Camaros. After a deal to turn this ‘68 Camaro into a drag car fell through, the owner was left with two options; scrap it, or keep it. He obviously opted to keep the Camaro, but lacked a proper V8 to put under the hood, which is where the turbodiesel motor enters the equation.

Make no mistake, this motor isn’t going to set the streets on fire, as in stock form it made between 105 and 130 horsepower-ish. With some new injectors, a bigger turbo, tuning, and a few other improvements, this tiny motor could easily push out 200 horsepower…which still isn’t that much. But the torque, oh god the torque. Despite displacing less than a two-liter bottle of soda, this engine can crank out 400 ft-lbs of torque when properly tuned, and still glide along the highway at 40 MPG all day.

What’s not to love?

To top it all off, it even appears to have a manual transmission for some gratifying shift-for-yourself action . There’s so much win in this eBay ad, I’m not even going to question the $22,390 asking price. I’d rather rock this flat black turbodiesel beast all day than a twice-as-powerful 5th generation Camaro V6. The cool factor is just off the charts, and I can imagine all the sputtering and spinning heads when the little TDI fires up and coughs up black smoke from the back.

Blowing minds and racking up big MPGs, that’s what this turbodiesel Camaro is all about.

Source: Gas 2.

2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI Sportwagen Is Close To Perfect

Don’t be fooled by the frumpy face and stretched wheelbase, the 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI Sportwagen ain’t no Jetta, but it’s close to the perfect car. With ample utility, plenty of torque, and hybrid-rivaling fuel economy, the Golf TDI Sportwagen concept is just the latest expansion of Volkswagen’s MQB platform.

The new long-roof version of the 2015 Golf is like a gift from the car gods to every auto writer out there; an affordable, diesel station wagon with an available manual transmission. Sure, it’s just a concept, but Volkswagen is already planning on bringing the Sportwagen to America in much the same form, with wiether a 2.0 liter TDI or 1.8 liter turbo gas engine. According to Volkswagen, the Golf Sportwagen will be up to 17% more efficient than the Jetta Sportwagen it takes after.

Alas, the one feature that makes this concept a cut above the rest, its all-wheel drive system, may not make the cut when it comes time for production next year. I’m sure all my fellow New Englanders are sad to hear that, though the inclusion of a manual transmission option means even better MPGs. As it stands, the 2014 Jetta TDI Sportwagen is rated at 30 MPG in the city and 42 MPG on the highway. If Vdub’s predictions are true, the Golf Sportwagen should be good for close to 34 MPG around town, andclose to 50 MPG on the highway.

A 50 MPG turbodiesel station wagon with an available manual transmission? I’ve died and gone to car guy heaven. The only way it could be better is with rear-wheel drive, but as the Rolling Stones once sang, you can’t always get what you want. For now, the 2015 Volkswagen Golf TDI Sportwagen is close-enough to perfect for me to want one for myself.

Source: Volkswagen

Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion Concept: High-MPG Model At Detroit Auto Show

At next week's Detroit Auto Show, VW will take the wraps off a concept car that previews a new and more fuel-efficient version of its mainstream Passat mid-size sedan.

The Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion Concept features a direct-injected and turbocharged 150-horsepower, 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 184 lb-ft of torque. It powers the front wheels through a DSG dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The concept car is said to return gas mileage of up to 42 mpg on the highway cycle, though Volkswagen didn't specify all three components of an EPA rating.

Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion Concept, 2014 Detroit Auto Show

The engine and transmission are the same ones used in the Jetta Hybrid compact sedan, and they will become a mainstay in many VW models over the coming years.

Other features that boost fuel economy in the small engine are cylinder deactivation under light loads, already fitted to European versions of that engine used in the new Golf and other models.

The Active Cylinder Management system deactivates valves on the two middle cylinders under light loads at low speeds, and VW says it's a first for an inline four-cylinder engine.

Volkswagen has also included a start-stop feature that switches off the engine when the Passat Concept is at rest.

And a coasting function decouples the transmission from the engine when the driver lifts a foot off the accelerator, allowing the car to roll further on momentum due to reduced mechanical drag.

The concept car, coated in a Reef Blue metal paint that will be added to the Passat lineup, features blue highlights on the two-tone leather seats.

The BlueMotion efficiency sub-brand has been used in Europe for more than five years, but this is its first significant appearance in the U.S. market.

Volkswagen Passat BlueMotion Concept, 2014 Detroit Auto Show

The 2014 Passat is offered today in the U.S. with four engines, three gasoline models and a diesel.

The best fuel efficiency is provided by the Passat TDI with the 140-hp 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine and six-speed manual gearbox, rated at 35 mpg combined (31 mpg city, 43 mpg highway). The gasoline version with the best mileage uses a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine, either with a five-speed manual gearbox or a six-speed automatic, that's rated at 28 mpg combined.

The concept car is likely a lightly-disguised version of a new Passat production version that will be launched sometime later this year, perhaps as a 2015 model.

For all the latest news from next week's auto show, see our Detroit Auto Show index page.

Source: Green Car Reports

Volkswagen Passat TDI Aims For 68 MPG On U.S. Road Trip

Volkswagen's 2013 Passat TDI is the most efficient diesel vehicle currently on sale.

Its EPA-rated figures of 31 mpg city, 43 highway and 35 combined put it above a throng of other Volkswagen-Audi diesels, and make it a prime choice for frugal highway driving.

But is 68 mpg within reach? If you're multiple economy record holder Wayne Gerdes, it might be.

In conjunction with Volkswagen of America, serial hypermiler Gerdes has set off on a 8,000-mile journey around the 48 contiguous states to set a Guinness World Record for "lowest fuel consumption--48 U.S. states for a non-hybrid car."

To set that record, Gerdes and the Passat will have to beat the previous record, already held in the Passat TDI, of 67.9 mpg.

"It’s going to be a great adventure and I’m confident we can improve upon the current record," Gerdes said.

With the journey already underway--Gerdes set off on June 7th from VW of America's Hernden, VA headquarters--Gerdes and co-driver Bob Winger will comfortably exceed VW's claims for 795 highway miles on every tank of diesel--already impressive range for a passenger vehicle.

Gerdes is certainly the right man for the job. In addition to holding the equivalent 48-state record in a hybrid vehicle, he's set over 100 other economy records.

That hybrid record was set just one year ago, by Gerdes and co-driver Chris Bernius in a 2012 Kia Optima Hybrid sedan, with a final figure of 64.5 mpg.

Such figures are beyond the reach of many drivers, and we'd usually not advocate the sort of ultra-efficient driving required to achieve such numbers--some hypermiling techniques can disrupt traffic or even be dangerous, though we're sure Gerdes is experienced in that regard.

But it does show that almost any vehicle is capable of more than its advertised figures, with careful driving.

Source: Green Car Reports

Audi to introduce four new TDI® clean diesel models to the U.S. Market at the L.A. Auto Show

PRESS RELEASE

The Audi A8 TDI clean diesel achieves manufacturer estimated fuel efficiency of 24 city/ 36 highway

New 3.0 liter V6 TDI clean diesel models will include the Audi A8, A7, A6, Q5 and an updated Q7 TDI

Audi to use #FuelForThought at the LA Auto Show to create a social media experience at the display and online

Audi of America announces the arrival of the new TDI® clean diesel models for the Audi A8, A7, A6 and Q5 to debut at the Los Angeles Auto Show. The addition of these four models marks the first time Audi will feature a full lineup of TDI clean diesel vehicles in the U.S. as they join the updated Q7 model. Each TDI vehicle delivers up to 30% better fuel economy and 30% lower carbon dioxide emissions than gasoline engines*, resulting in longer range and fewer trips to the fuel pump. By having more density than gasoline, diesel packs more energy content in the same amount of fuel, which helps maximize the miles per gallon when that energy is released during a more powerful combustion cycle.

The TDI clean diesel engine lineup adds to Audi's list of advanced technologies that help enhance fuel efficiency, including Audi ultra® lightweight technology, such as the use of aluminum, and the AFS® frame technology.

"Owners of Audi TDI engines have helped save over 4 million gallons of gasoline, or the equivalent of more than 240,000 barrels of foreign oil, since the introduction of Audi TDI to the U.S. in 2009**," said Scott Keogh, President, Audi of America. " And, TDI technology delivers better fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance."

In order to fuel the conversation surrounding the benefits of TDI technology in the U.S., Audi will use the hashtag, #FuelForThought and invite fans to join the conversation through a social experience at the display and online.

Audi A8 TDI
The flagship of the Audi brand, the A8 TDI, makes a powerful statement in achieving a manufacturer estimated fuel efficiency of 24 MPG in the city and 36 MPG on the highway*. The A8 TDI clean diesel executive sedan embodies superior design and progressive advancements which sets new standards for luxury sedans in terms of uncompromising efficiency and performance. The new 2014 A8 sedans dramatically expand the flagship's engine offerings by moving from two variants (4.2 liter V8 and W12) to six, including: the entry level A8 3.0T V6; the 420 horsepower A8 4.0T V8; the new Audi S8 4.0T V8; the A8 6.0 liter W12; and the new A8 3.0 TDI V6. The new 3.0 liter TDI clean diesel engine generates an astonishing 240 horsepower with 406 lb.-ft. of torque and seamlessly goes 0-60 in 6.4 seconds.

Audi A7 TDI
The Audi A7 TDI clean diesel is the pinnacle of design and is now more fuel efficient than ever. Without compromising design or performance, every detail of the A7 TDI delivers a striking visual statement. The A7 was the first car in the world to feature available factory-installed Wi-Fi (for up to 8 passenger devices) with Audi connect™ and MMI® navigation plus with 3D Google Earth™ maps. From the groundbreaking available MMI touchpad and its gracefully integrated display screen, to the state-of-the-art head up display, the Audi A7 TDI is the perfect marriage of progressive design, efficiency and versatile space.

Audi A6 TDI
One of Audi's most innovative and technologically advanced models to date, the A6 TDI performance sedan sacrifices virtually nothing in performance, comfort or design. As with the successful A6 TFSI® gas engines, the A6 TDI clean diesel engine can make up to 2,000 decisions per second. Available driver assistance systems include night vision assistant, head-up display and Audi pre sense plus that helps detect imminent collisions and initiates protective measures when needed. Other available intelligent features include head-up display and a MMI Touch pad that recognizes handwriting, along with available Audi connect – the first factory-installed wireless internet connection that enables Google Earth maps, Google Local Search, and a WiFi hotspot for up to eight passenger devices.


Audi Q5 TDI
The Audi Q5 has proven itself an absolute success as one of the best-selling models in the Audi lineup. For the 2014 model year, the Q5 will receive the new TDI engine which will allow for better fuel economy along with increased torque. The Audi Q5 TDI combines the driving appeal of a sedan with high versatility of its interior space and many practical solutions for recreation and everyday driving. Audi has further sharpened the profile of its performance SUV in its design, technological advancements, driver assistance systems and fuel efficiencies. The new TDI clean diesel engine marks the fourth engine variant for the Audi Q5 model lineup, adding to the current four-cylinder 2.0T, the 3.0T V6, and the Q5 hybrid.

Audi Q7 TDI
The Audi Q7 continues to establish the standard in progressive design, sophisticated technology and fuel efficiency in premium sport utility vehicles. The benefits of TDI clean diesel technology are further enhanced through the revised V6 TDI engine that offers a 10 percent efficiency improvement compared to gasoline engines. The revised TDI clean diesel engine has an increased output of 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque that helps improve performance and offers impressive fuel economy with an EPA estimated 19 city/ 28 highway miles per gallon*. The incredibly efficient TDI clean diesel engine enables the Q7 TDI to achieve a range in excess of 700 miles per tank***.

2014 MY Availability
A8 TDI Spring 2013
A7 TDI Fall 2013
A6 TDI Fall 2013
Q5 TDI Fall 2013

Pricing for all 2014 MY vehicles to be announced at a later date

2013 MY Availability Starting MSRP
Q7 TDI Since September 2012 $52,000

* EPA estimates. Mileage will vary.
** Based on total A3 TDI and Q7 TDI vehicles sold, average nationwide gasoline fuel prices, and EPA estimated annual average miles driven.
*** Range based on 28-mpg highway EPA estimates and a 26.4-gallon fuel-tank. Mileage will vary.

Where stated, fuel economy values (mpg) are EPA estimates. All other fuel economy values are forecast manufacturer values for the USA; those EPA estimates were not available at time of release. Audi Connect and SiriusXM Traffic services may require additional subscriptions. MSRPs exclude taxes, title, transportation, options and dealer charges.

Diesel Hybrids: Why They Don't Make As Much Sense As You Think

Volkswagen's line of TDI diesel cars has passionate fans.

Now that the company is launching the 2013 VW Jetta Hybrid, it will likely gain some hybrid advocates too.

But diesel and hybrid fans are very different groups, as the company's marketing surveys show.

So why couldn't Volkswagen simply add a hybrid system to its diesel, thereby getting the best of both worlds?

Many diesel fans have suggested just that, but there turn out to be valid reasons that automakers believe will largely keep diesels and hybrids separate.

In discussions with engineers from Volkswagen and other diesel makers, three main hurdles come to the fore:

(1) COST

First and foremost is the issue of cost. On average, a diesel engine costs about 15 percent more to manufacture than a gasoline engine of equal output.

Add to that the $1,000 or more for a high-voltage battery pack, power electronics, and one or two electric motor-generators, and you've created a very pricey powertrain indeed.

In European countries, where diesel fuel and gasoline can cost $7 to $10 a gallon, buyers will pay a considerable premium for more fuel-efficient cars.

That's less true in the U.S., where gasoline averages less than $4 a gallon--and where diesel fuel is often more expensive per gallon than gas.

And it's one of the reasons that diesel passenger cars pose a thornier equation in the States.

While their torquey driving characteristics make diesels appealing (just like electrics), the fact that both the cars and the fuel are more expensive makes the payback from diesel's greater fuel efficiency more challenging to compute.

(2) NON-COMPLEMENTARY TORQUE CURVES

Most hybrids, especially those from market leaders Toyota and Ford, use gasoline engines specially tuned to run on what's called the Atkinson Cycle.

This highly efficient tuning gives them maximum power output at the top of their range, but almost no torque at lower speeds.

That is perfectly complemented by a hybrid's electric traction motor, which develops peak torque at 0 rpm, neatly compensating for the gutless gas engine until it runs up to speed.

A diesel, on the other hand, produces all its torque down low--as does an electric motor.

That means a diesel hybrid should have boatloads of torque off the line, but may require extensive gearing to ensure highly efficient running at speed.

There's likely a more technical explanation of the relative power and torque curves of the three different sources, but we're not going to attempt it here.

2013 Volkswagen Jetta Hybrid

(3) LESS IMPRESSIVE IMPROVEMENT

Finally, one of the reasons that hybridizing gasoline engines works well is that they're less fuel efficient to start with.

Gasoline engines convert 25 to 30 percent of a fuel's energy content into forward motion at the wheels; the rest is wasted as heat and noise.

By contrast, a diesel converts 30 to 35 percent of the fuel's energy into forward motion--hence the higher fuel efficiency figures.

But that leaves less "headroom" for improvement.

In the end, say diesel engineers, a diesel hybrid would add a very expensive electrified system to an already-expensive engine ... but produce a less impressive overall increase than in gasoline cars.

Aha, but you say, there are already three diesel hybrids on the market in Europe!

Well, that's true. But only one of them pairs the diesel engine and electric motor together into a single powertrain: the Mercedes-Benz E 300 BlueTEC Hybrid.

The other two--the Peugeot 3008 HYbrid4 and the Citroën DS5 Hybrid--are what is known as "through-the-road hybrids," meaning that they have one powertrain on either end.

Those two can use the electric motor alone for lower-speed trips, the diesel engine for high-speed travel, and combine for highest performance driving by transmitting power through all four wheels.

It's probably significant that Mercedes-Benz, which has sold diesels in the U.S. for many decades, has no plans to sell the world's sole diesel-electric hybrid powertrain here in the States.

We'll see how it does in Europe once it's been on sale for a year or two.

Source: Green Car Reports