Audi launches new A4 2.0 TDI e

Diesels are getting more and more fuel efficient. Audi will launch A4 2.0 TDI e in Europe in June, with the first cars will be delivered. Pricing starts at €30,800. But Audi hasn't yet announced any plans to bring the car to the U.S.

Billed by Audi as the most efficient standard-sized sedan on the market, the A4 2.0 TDI e rates a healthy 51.13mpg US (4.6L/100km) in the EU's combined cycle. That works out to 119g/km of CO2 emissions - just 10g/km more than a second-gen Toyota Prius - and puts it head and shoulders above its petrol-powered competition at Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus - or even other Audis.
Diesels are getting more and more fuel efficient. Audi will launch A4 2.0 TDI e in Europe in June, with the first cars will be delivered. Pricing starts at €30,800. But Audi hasn't yet announced any plans to bring the car to the U.S.

Billed by Audi as the most efficient standard-sized sedan on the market, the A4 2.0 TDI e rates a healthy 51.13mpg US (4.6L/100km) in the EU's combined cycle. That works out to 119g/km of CO2 emissions - just 10g/km more than a second-gen Toyota Prius - and puts it head and shoulders above its petrol-powered competition at Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Lexus - or even other Audis.

BMW and Mercedes both offer competitive diesels in Europe, but Audi thinks its A4 package will prove the most efficient. Even if it doesn't, Audi has shown over the last year that it has something special for the market, taking the sales title in its home market of Germany. The company even has plans to take over all of Europe by next year.

Power ratings of the 2.0L TDI engine sit at 136hp (100kW) - enough to shove the sedan to 62mph in 9.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 133.6mph (215km/h). A range of special efficiency-enhancing technologies have been employed on the TDI e model, including a start-stop function and neutral idle function, which together account for 2mpg (0.2L/100km) in fuel savings, or about 5g/km CO2.

For all the little details on how Audi managed to bring the fuel consumption to such a low level, take a look at the press release below.

A4 2.0 TDI e: Audi Unleashes the Most Efficient Standard-Size Sedan
• The new diesel-powered Audi A4 consumes a mere 4.6 l/100 km (51.13 US mpg)
• Emissions of just 119 grams of CO2 per kilometer (191.51 g/mile)
• Market launch in early June at a price of 30,800 euros
• A4 Avant also available as an ‘e’ model
Audi will soon launch the most efficient standard-size sedan. The Audi A4 2.0 TDI e will be available at dealerships starting in early June. Equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission, this sedan sips 4.6 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (51.13 miles per U.S. gallon). It consequently emits a mere 119 grams of CO2 per kilometer (191.51 grams per mile): the best value of any vehicle in its class. “Efficiency is standard in every Audi. The A4 2.0 TDI e is particularly persuasive proof that efficiency, outstanding performance, comfort and driving enjoyment are not mutually exclusive,” says Michael Dick, Board of Management Member for Technical Development at AUDI AG. This ‘e’ model develops an output of 136 bhp (100 kW); it reaches 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in 9.5 seconds and swiftly tops out at 215 km/h (133.59 mph). The sedan can be ordered now and costs 30,800 euros. This remarkably efficient A4 is also available as an Avant.

The combined impact of several features facilitates the vehicle’s increased efficiency. The standard start-stop system is especially effective during city driving. As soon as the vehicle comes to a stop, the shift lever is in neutral, and the driver removes his or her foot from the clutch pedal, the system turns the engine off. The engine then turns back on as soon as the clutch pedal is depressed.

The start-stop system functions extremely quietly, smoothly, and quickly. While the driver is stepping on the clutch pedal to shift into first gear, the engine instantaneously returns to its idle speed. In the standardized driving cycle, the start-stop system reduces fuel consumption by some 0.2 liters/100 km, which equates to about 5 grams CO2/km (8.05 g/mile).

Furthermore, this ‘e’ model features a 6-speed manual transmission with a final-drive ratio of the rear axle higher by five percent — enabling a reduction in engine speed in each of the six gears. The engine-management system has also been modified for maximum efficiency. The fuel-saving low-resistance tires (205/60 R 16) improve rolling resistance and are exclusive to the A4 model line’s ‘e’ model. Standard equipment also includes the recovery of braking energy. Aided by intelligent alternator regulation, this system converts surplus kinetic energy to electrical energy during a vehicle’s braking phases. This electrical energy is temporarily stored in the electrical system’s battery. When the vehicle resumes acceleration, the battery supplies this stored energy to the vehicle’s network — reducing the load on the alternator and thus saving fuel.

An on-board computer with efficiency program is also part of the standard-equipment package. The driver information system with gearshift indicator and efficiency-data display notifies the driver when it is sensible to shift gears to conserve fuel. The on-board computer displays all fuel-efficiency data on the center screen. These recommendations enable drivers to conserve fuel to the tune of 30 percent — simply by modifying their particular driving habits. Audi’s efficiency program continuously analyzes the vehicle’s energy consumption and gives the driver situation-specific advice on how to optimize fuel efficiency based on the given driving situation or driving style.

The A4 2.0 TDI e also consumes less fuel thanks to enhanced aerodynamics made possible by additional aerodynamic-drag optimizations such as an underbody trim panel, the partially enclosed radiator grille, and the reduction in ride height of 20 millimeters (0.79 inches) facilitated by the sports chassis.

The A4 2.0 TDI e is also available as an Avant. Its combined fuel consumption amounts to just 4.9 liters of diesel per 100 kilometers (48.00 miles per U.S. gallon). This Avant consequently emits 129 grams of CO2 per kilometer (207.61 grams per mile). The basic price for the Avant is 32,800 euros.

The Most Efficient Audi Models
The A4 2.0 TDI e is the fourth Audi ‘e’ model. Another ‘e’ model is the Audi A3 1.9 TDI e, available as a three-door hatchback or a five-door Sportback. It consumes 4.5 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (52.27 miles per U.S. gallon) and emits 119 grams of CO2 per kilometer (191.51 grams per mile). As a three-door model, the Audi A3 1.4 TFSI with start-stop system also achieves outstanding values, with fuel consumption at 5.7 l/100 km (41.27 miles per U.S. gallon) and CO2 emissions of 132 g/km (212.43 grams per mile). In the business sedan segment, the Audi A6 2.0 TDI e, available as a sedan and Avant, emits just 139 grams of CO2 per kilometer (223.70 grams per mile) while consuming just 5.3 l/100 km (44.38 miles per U.S. gallon). The Audi A8 2.8 FSI e was the first luxury sedan to remain under the threshold of 200 grams of CO2: 199 g/km (320.26 g/mile) at 8.3 l/100 km (28.34 miles per U.S. gallon). Although there is no ‘e’ in the model designation of the Audi TT 2.0 TDI quattro, it has attracted a lot of attention as a diesel sports car. The coupé’s fuel efficiency of 5.3 l/100 km (139 g/km CO2) [44.38 miles per U.S. gallon (223.70 g/mile CO2)] sets a benchmark in the sports-car segment. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62.14 mph) in just 7.5 seconds and reaches a top speed of 226 km/h (140.43 mph).

The next Audi A4

2009 Audi A4 will only be about one inch longer than the current A4, although the longer wheelbase will make it appear to be a relatively bigger car. Front and rear overhang each decrease by nearly three inches. Thanks to its available next generation quattro all-wheel drive (rear-biased with a 40/60 split) and MLP architechture the new Audi A4 will handle better than any of the previous generation A4s before it.

The new Audi A4 will utilize Audi's up-and-coming MLP (Modular Longitudinal Platform) technology which will form the basis of not only the Audi A4 and A5, but the also soon-to-be-revealed Q5 crossover SUV, next-generation A6, the as-yet-to-be-announced A7 and even the next A8. MLP allows Audi to place the engine and transmission further back behind the axle and helps stretch the wheelbase without lengthing the car's exterior dimensions. Less front overhang means the 2009 Audi A4 will be less front-heavy than its predecessor, a problem which has dogged most Audis for some time.

The new Audi A4 will also get something that its A5 brethren unfortunately did not - LED tail lamps. We have been told that the development cycle on the A5 was such that tail lamp designs had to be locked-in before the more cost effective LED models to be used on the Audi A4 could be finalized. The Audi A4 will also include headlight-integrated LED daytime running lights as an option, while the S4 will get them as a standard feature.

Inside the new Audi A4 it will be more of the same from Audi; world class interior treatments will grace the Audi A4 and each of its variants. The cabin will be very similar to the A5's with a more raked (and slightly driver's side skewed) center console, an all new climate control and audio center stack and more distinctive gauges. The driver will be able to adjust the armrest both up-and-down and by sliding front to back.

Powerplants for North America will be standard Audi fare with a 2.0-liter TFSI, a 3.2-liter V6 and the 4.2-liter FSI V8 in the S4 version. Expect to see a new 1.8-liter TFSI offering for Europe as well as both 4 and 6-cylinder TDI variants. Available transmissions will include a 6-speed manual, multitronic and Audi's newest S-tronic dual-clutch gearbox.

Looking at the current generation Audi A4, Audi produces the Audi A4 sedan, Audi A4 Avant, Audi A4 Cabriolet, Audi S4 sedan, Audi S4 Avant, Audi S4 Cabriolet and Audi RS4. Things will definitely change, but the final details are unknown at this time.

We can safely speculate that the Audi A4 and Audi S4 Cabriolets go away in favor of a A5 and S5 Cabriolets, respectively. We have also read at least one article saying that the Audi A4 and Audi S4 Avants will be replaced by the upcoming Audi Q5, although we hear that this is simply not the case. The Q5 will be marketed as an SUV, which is clearly different than the Audi A4 / S4 Avant. Last, a four-door Audi A4 Sportback has been mentioned and this remains a weak possibility as a 2010 or beyond model.

The 2009 Audi A4 will be available in Europe by spring 2008 with general availability in North America later that fall. No pricing has been confirmed, but consumers should not expect to see much in the way of price increases. One things is certain: buyers will be getting more car for the money with the next generation Audi A4.