Audi Clean Diesel to Run in Coast-to-Coast Rally

Tag : diesel

- Top U.S. executive will lead endurance test of Audi TDI vehicles
HERNDON, Va., Sept. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- America will soon discoverAudi TDI(R) turbocharged clean diesel technology, which has earnedmedia attention and consumer praise throughout the world for itsexceptional fuel efficiency and dynamic performance. Next month,the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI will debut in the U.S. during the Audi MileageMarathon, a two-week cross country drive that will display theworld's leading fuel-efficiency technology.
This won't be an ordinary coming out party. Instead, Audi willdemonstrate the Q7 3.0 TDI's capabilities and ultra-low emissionssystem ahead of its 2009 U.S. launch by putting it through tough,real-world conditions.
The Mileage Marathon will cover more than 4,800 miles starting inNew York and concluding in Los Angeles. From October 5-20, 184drivers representing countries in North America, Europe and Asiawill drive the fuel-efficient vehicles in 13 daily stages, duringwhich they'll experience the confident sportiness and extraordinaryefficiency of Audi's TDI models.
Audi of America chief Johan de Nysschen will lead the rally of 23Audi TDI vehicles along America's city streets and highways toillustrate how Audi's clean diesel technology answers concernsabout fuel prices, energy dependence and global warming.
"Driving responsibly and driving for pleasure have always beenconsidered incompatible ideals," said de Nysschen, Audi ofAmerica's executive vice president. "Our cross country testshowcasing TDI technology will prove that Audi has redefined dieselvehicles as car-lover's cars without the guilt."
Spotlight on the Audi Q7 TDI
The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI doesn't just recast diesel for an Americanaudience, it also represents the ultimate progress in SUVengineering.
"Audi knows consumers are concerned about fuel economy and we wantto make sure they know how Audi's TDI engineering is reshapingtheir options," said de Nysschen. "The Q7 TDI will be one ofAmerica's first clean, highly efficient, 7-passenger SUV, combiningthe power and capacity Americans expect in an SUV with notable fuelefficiency and ultra low emissions."
The Mileage Marathon's TDI fleet will recast outdated perceptionsof diesel vehicles. Gone are the days of loud, smoky,under-performing diesel engines. Due to its EPA estimated 25 milesper gallon on the highway, the Q7 3.0 TDI offers highway drivingrange of more than 600 miles, far more than a comparablegasoline-powered vehicle. It also provides 400 lb-ft of torque,more than most exotic sports cars.
Audi TDI
By reducing up to 90 percent of the nitrogen oxide (NOx) from avehicle's emissions, the Audi TDI exhaust purifying system complieswith the world's most demanding emissions law -- California's LEVII Bin 5. The TDI system also meets the upcoming Euro 6 norm limitsplanned for implementation in 2014. Compared with the fleet averageof gasoline engines typically found in the U.S., the TDI achieves afuel-efficiency advantage of up to 40 percent. This means thattoday's diesel technology is designed for tomorrow's challenges andcan make a greater contribution to reduce the consumption of fossilfuels than any other type of engine.



Efficient and Low-Emission System
Perfecting the TDI is just one part of Audi's integrated technologystrategy to further reduce CO2 and the emission of pollutants inall models. Audi has built this strategy on its state-of-the-artcombustion engines and on the components of its modular efficiencysystem, including direct injection and turbocharging, the TFSIgasoline engines and TDI diesel engines. Audi's powerplants provideconvincing performance with comparatively low consumption now,while their innovative technologies form a solid basis forsignificant fuel consumption reductions in coming years.
The TDI Traveling Fleet
Along with the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI, the brand new Audi Q5 3.0 TDI willdebut in the Mileage Marathon. The Audi A4, the sportiest sedan inits class, will also make an appearance with the 3.0 TDI engine.The Audi A3 Sportback 2.0 TDI -- equipped with the innovative andefficient S tronic transmission -- will add yet another highlightto the Mileage Marathon's efficiency story.
The cars will be monitored during each leg of the journey andevaluated by speed, distance and fuel economy. Adding to thefuel-efficiency equation, each Audi vehicle on the Mileage Marathonwill be equipped with Michelin Green X(R) energy saving tires asstandard equipment. Michelin tires carrying the Green X sidewalldesignation -- including the Latitude(R) Tour HP and Primacy(TM) HPfeatured on the marathon -- guarantees a level of energy efficiencyamong the highest in the market and reduced CO2 emission whilemaintaining all the advantages of long wear, safety, and otherperformances.
The Mileage Marathon is working with four sponsors throughout theprogram. The fuel sponsor for the drive is Shell, a global leaderin diesel technology and technical collaborator to Audi. Themarathon will be fueled with ultra-low sulfur diesel andparticipants will refuel at Shell-branded stations along the route.However, two vehicles will kick-off the marathon fueled with ShellGTL, a synthetic fuel made from natural gas and one of thecomponents of Shell V-Power Diesel race fuel, which fuels Audi inthe Le Mans series. The two vehicles will test this revolutionarygas to liquid technology, which is synthesized from natural gas andhas outstanding cetane quality and exceptional purity to burn moreclearly and efficiently than conventional diesel. Additionally,Michelin is supplying all of the tires and will provide MichelinMaps & Guides Products as in-car and online reference sourcesfor the event. The European clothing company Belstaff is sponsoringthe staff clothing. Lastly, Sirius Satellite Radio is a sponsor andAudi installs Sirius exclusively in all of its vehicles sold in theUnited States.
Coming to a City Near You
The route of the Mileage Marathon leads across America from NewYork to Los Angeles, passing major cities like Chicago, Dallas andLas Vegas as well as vistas, including the Rocky Mountains, DeathValley and the Grand Canyon.
The route includes a realistic mix of city driving and ruraldriving on urban streets, interstate highways and country roads. Inthis environment and under conditions that mirror everyday driving,the TDI will be able to clearly show off its superiority over everyother efficiency technology.
Driving enthusiasts are welcome to follow Audi's Mileage Marathononline by visiting http://www.audimileagemarathon.com and media can find more information at http://www.audiusanews.com .



ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA
Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line ofGerman-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi line up is one of thefreshest in the industry with 23 models, including 12 modelslaunched during model years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the mostsuccessful brands globally. Last year AUDI AG recorded its 12thconsecutive record year for sales and profit growth. Visit http://www.audiusa.com or http://www.audiusanews.com for more information regarding Audi vehicle and business issues.
Web site: http://www.audiusa.com/
http://www.audimileagemarathon.com/
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