Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com Autoblog Green http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/%SiteURL%/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog Green http://green.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/Chris Shunk, Sam Abuelsamid and Dan RothThe podcast by the people who obsessively cover the auto industry.<![CDATA[All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/all-grown-up-audi-celebrates-the-20th-birthday-of-tdi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/all-grown-up-audi-celebrates-the-20th-birthday-of-tdi/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/20/all-grown-up-audi-celebrates-the-20th-birthday-of-tdi/#commentsFiled under: , ,


Audi A3 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

As Audi begins to roll out the A3 TDI to its U.S. dealers in the coming weeks and the diesel version of the Q7 takes an ever larger share of sales, it's time to celebrate. This fall marks the 20th anniversary of the introduction of the first ever TDI engine. TDI, for the uninitiated, stands for turbocharged-direct-injection, and refers to modern diesel engines from the Volkswagen group. Today's TDI technology has evolved from that 20 year-old 2.5-liter five cylinder in the Audi 100.

Back then, the first TDI engines retained distributor type injector pumps, although the fuel was sprayed directly into the combustion chambers rather than a pre-chamber. Later, the company used something called Pumpe Düse - pump-injectors - for fuel delivery. This design integrated the high pressure pump and injector for each cylinder. These days, TDI uses common rail injection where a single pump pressurizes a single fuel rail that feeds all of the injectors. Regardless of the injector type, TDI has gone a long way towards improving the power output and reducing emissions of diesel engines. Audi and Volkswagen have built over five million TDI powerplants and remain committed to the technology. Congratulations on the double-decade milestone, guys.

Gallery: Review: Audi A3 TDI


Photos Copyright (C)2009 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

Continue reading All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI

All Grown Up: Audi celebrates 20th birthday of TDI originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 20 Nov 2009 17:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi dieselaudi dieselsaudi tdiAudiDieselAudiDieselsAudiTdidieseltditdi 20th anniversaryTdi20thAnniversaryturbo direct injectionTurboDirectInjectionvolkswagenvolkswagen tdivolkswagen tdi engineVolkswagenTdiVolkswagenTdiEngineFri, 20 Nov 2009 17:06:00 EST<![CDATA[LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/la-auto-show-design-challenge-entrants-reveal-youthmobile-2030-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/la-auto-show-design-challenge-entrants-reveal-youthmobile-2030-d/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/11/05/la-auto-show-design-challenge-entrants-reveal-youthmobile-2030-d/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , , , ,

Mazda Souga Concept from LA Design Challenge 2009 - Click above for high-res image gallery

This year's iteration of the annual Design Challenge at the LA Auto Show asks the question: How will a new generation of drivers age 16-23 - raised with cell phones, web cams and online communities - emotionally connect to the automobile in 2030? We don't know the answer either, but at least six designers from some of the world's top automakers decided to give it a go with their own ideas. if you thought the Aptera was futuristic, check these out.

First up are the eSpira and eOra from Audi, which are controlled by thought and by the minutest adjustments to the pilot's body. Next we have the General Motors Car Hero... yes, the name is borrowed from the popular Guitar Hero line of games and the car, as you might imagine, "turns driving into gaming." What happens when the inevitable "Game Over" comes at the end? Moving along, we come to the Honda Helix, a shape-shifting vehicle that borrows actual DNA from its owner. Yuck, we don't want to be a car, we want to drive a car.

Which brings us to the Mazda Souga, easily our favorite out of this crop of concepts. This vision for the future would have each owner design his own car for the low price of $2,000 while paying an additional monthly usage fee that also covers the price of electricity to power the Souga.

Nissan's vision for the future includes cars that get their power from an electrically-charged roadway called the GRID, and the vowel-challenged V2G UNLMTD is quickly hacked into an OFF-GRID transportation device by the next breed of young hackers. Lastly, we have the Toyota Link. According to Toyota, future college students will have nearly no income and will rely on mass transit vehicles like the Link that allow them to interact via their various social networks on their daily commutes. Sounds boring to us, but what do we know?

Be sure to check out all six designs in our high-res image gallery below and hit the jump for the official press release.



[Source: LA Design Challenge]

Continue reading LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs

LA Auto Show Design Challenge entrants reveal Youthmobile 2030 designs originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi eoraaudi espiraAudiEoraAudiEspiradesign challengedesign challenge 2009DesignChallengeDesignChallenge2009general motors car heroGeneralMotorsCarHerohonda helixHondaHelixLA Design challengeLA Design Challenge 2009LaDesignChallengeLaDesignChallenge2009mazda sougaMazdaSouganissan v2gnissan v2g unmltdNissanV2gNissanV2gUnmltdtoyota linkToyotaLinkThu, 05 Nov 2009 18:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Fanciful rendering of Audi Avatar shows what ultralights could be like in 2032]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/fanciful-rendering-of-audi-avatar/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/fanciful-rendering-of-audi-avatar/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/28/fanciful-rendering-of-audi-avatar/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Audi Avatar Concept - Click above for high-res image gallery

There are a lot of fanciful renderings out there that try to imagine what kind of vehicles we'll be driving in the coming decades. The renderings from Yanko Design are some of the strangest, including the latest, the Audi Avatar Concept. The ultralight, three-seat Avatar is supposed to be reminiscent of the unreal vehicles from racing video games. The wheels are apparently hidden in the thin "legs." Oh, and it's purely electric, although we imagine there are some technical difficulties to work out before anyone can drive one. The 2032 Avatar is theoretically powered by four in-wheel motors and could reach 62 mph in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 224 mph. Click through the gallery to see what might be coming in 20+ years.

Gallery: Audi Avatar


[Source: Yanko Design]

Fanciful rendering of Audi Avatar shows what ultralights could be like in 2032 originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi avatarAudiAvataravatarrenderingyanko designYankoDesignWed, 28 Oct 2009 15:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Spy shots: Audi A1 spotted wearing swirlies and not much else]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/18/spy-shots-audi-a1-spotted-wearing-swirlies-and-not-much-else/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/18/spy-shots-audi-a1-spotted-wearing-swirlies-and-not-much-else/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/18/spy-shots-audi-a1-spotted-wearing-swirlies-and-not-much-else/#commentsFiled under:

Audi probably won't be taking the wraps completely off its new small car until the Geneva Motor Show next March but the spy shooters are already out there hunting down the prototypes. The clearest image we've seen yet shows a mini-car that appears to have changed very little from the MetroProject concept that first appeared at the last Tokyo Motor Show two years ago. The new A1 is expected to go on sale around the middle of next year in Europe although its not clear if it will ever come state-side.

To keep costs down, Audi is expected to build the A1 with a conventional steel structure as opposed to the aluminum space frame of the A2 of a few years ago. Power is expected to come from a range of gas and diesel engines likely topping out at about 1.4-liters. Some of the unseen mechanical bits will likely be shared with the new VW Polo, but this is definitely more than just a re-badge job as evidenced by the completely different shape.

[Source: Car]

Spy shots: Audi A1 spotted wearing swirlies and not much else originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a1audiAudi A1audi a1 metroproject...audi a1 sportbackaudi a1 sportback conceptAudiA1AudiA1Metroproject...AudiA1SportbackAudiA1SportbackConceptspyspy picsspy shotspy shotsspy-shotsSpyPicsSpyShotSpyShotsSun, 18 Oct 2009 11:55:00 EST<![CDATA[Rendered Speculation: Pondering what an electric Audi R4 roadster would look like]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/rendered-speculation-pondering-what-an-electric-audi-r4-roadste/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/rendered-speculation-pondering-what-an-electric-audi-r4-roadste/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/15/rendered-speculation-pondering-what-an-electric-audi-r4-roadste/#commentsFiled under: ,

At last month's Frankfurt Motor Show, Audi board member Michael Dick confirmed that a production version of the electric eTron sports car concept would be produced by late 2012. Following the show, Audi NA president Johan de Nysschen confirmed that announcement and now AutoExpress has produced a rendering of a production model. However, there appears to be some details lost in the translation. The eTron is based on the aluminum space frame of the R8 while AE says the R4 will be a smaller roadster with a chassis shared with the next generation Porsche Boxster/Cayman.

An Audi R4 has been speculated for some time, with the rumors flaring up after VW showed off the concept BlueSport in Detroit this year. It's not clear if Audi will move ahead with the larger R8-based EV sportster or a smaller machine, or perhaps both. If they do, something like this rendering would be welcome, combining elements of the BlueSport, the eTron and even the top and flying buttresses of a Lotus Elise.

[Source: AutoExpress]

Rendered Speculation: Pondering what an electric Audi R4 roadster would look like originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 15 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiAudi E-TronAudi e-tron Conceptaudi electric vehicleaudi etronaudi evaudi r4Audi R4 RoadsterAudiE-tronAudiE-tronConceptAudiElectricVehicleAudiEtronAudiEvAudiR4AudiR4Roadsterrenderrendered speculationrendered-speculationRenderedSpeculationrenderingrenderingsrendersThu, 15 Oct 2009 16:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi spends €5 million on new environmental foundation]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/audi-spends-5-million-on-new-environmental-foundation/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/audi-spends-5-million-on-new-environmental-foundation/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/12/audi-spends-5-million-on-new-environmental-foundation/#commentsFiled under:

Those four rings aren't just good for clever ads. Audi AG recently announced it was using its corporate power to start a new environmental foundation that aims to bring together all of the company's "worldwide environmental measures." Audi endowed the new foundation with €5 million, which should be enough to put at least a little bit of green sheen on the cars like the 525 hp 2010 Audi R8 Spyder 5.2 V10.

The Audi Environmental Foundation "will focus exclusively on environmentally minded pursuits for the common good," the company said in a statement. This means that the AEF will "strive to protect the natural livelihood of people, animals, and plants. Financial assistance will be allocated to measures and research activities which encourage the development of environmentally compatible non-automotive technologies. These measures will also promote environmental awareness and sustainable human/environment harmony." On the vehicle side of things, Audi is aiming for a reduction in overall fleet CO2 emissions of around 20 percent by 2012.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi spends €5 million on new environmental foundation

Audi spends €5 million on new environmental foundation originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 09:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aefaudiaudi agaudi environmental foundationAudiAgAudiEnvironmentalFoundationMon, 12 Oct 2009 09:07:00 EST<![CDATA[2010 Green Car of the Year finalists - three hybrids, two diesels - announced]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/2010-green-car-of-the-year-finalists-three-hybrids-two-diesel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/2010-green-car-of-the-year-finalists-three-hybrids-two-diesel/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/07/2010-green-car-of-the-year-finalists-three-hybrids-two-diesel/#commentsFiled under: , , , , , , , ,

Mercury Milan Hybrid - Click above for high-res image gallery of GCOTY finalists

Last year, Volkswagen's Jetta TDI was named the 2009 Green Car of the Year at the LA Auto Show, which means that the Volkswagen Golf TDI has a bit of baggage if it wants to try and win the 2010 award. Regardless, the Golf was named one of five finalists today, along with the Audi A3 TDI, the Honda Insight, the Mercury Milan Hybrid and the Toyota Prius. Odd that the Mercury would be chosen above the Ford Fusion hybrid, but so it goes. That makes is two diesels and three hybrids vying for top spot.

The Green Car of the Year award is given out by the Green Car Journal, which narrows the field of green cars down to five and then turns over the decision to pick a winner to "jurors such as Jay Leno, Jean-Michel Cousteau, Carroll Shelby, Matt Petersen of Global Green USA and the Sierra Club's Carl Pop." The winner will be announced in LA on December 3.

View Poll



Gallery: 2010 Green Car of the Year Finalists

2010 Honda Insight2010 Honda Insight2010 Audi A3 TDI2010 Audi A3 TDI2010 Volkswagen Golf TDI

[Source: Green Car Journal]

Continue reading 2010 Green Car of the Year finalists - three hybrids, two diesels - announced

2010 Green Car of the Year finalists - three hybrids, two diesels - announced originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audi a3AudiA3Green Car Journalgreen car of the yearGreenCarJournalGreenCarOfTheYearHonda InsightHondaInsightMercury MilanMercuryMilantoyota priusToyotaPriusvw golf tdiVwGolfTdiWed, 07 Oct 2009 12:38:00 EST<![CDATA[REPORT: Audi e-tron is a go, should be available in 2-3 years]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/report-audi-e-tron-is-a-go-should-be-availalbe-in-2-3-years/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/report-audi-e-tron-is-a-go-should-be-availalbe-in-2-3-years/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/report-audi-e-tron-is-a-go-should-be-availalbe-in-2-3-years/#commentsFiled under: ,

Audi e-tron concept -- Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi of America President Johan de Nysschen - the very guy who got into so much trouble last month when he criticized the Chevy Volt and other electric cars - has said that Audi will be bringing the fairly insane (3,319.03 lb-ft of torque!) e-tron concept to market. The e-tron, based on the Audi R8, should be available in the U.S. in two to three years, de Nysschen told Automotive News. Running examples should be on the roads sometime in the next two years.

The e-tron seats two and gets up to 62 mph in 4.8 seconds from its 313 hp and four electric motors. The 53kWh li-ion battery pack (42.4 kWh of which is usable) gives the e-tron a range of just over 150 miles using the EU combined driving cycle.

Gallery: Audi e-tron concept


[Source: AutoWeek]

REPORT: Audi e-tron is a go, should be available in 2-3 years originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiAudi E-TronAudi e-tron Conceptaudi etronAudiE-tronAudiE-tronConceptAudiEtronMon, 05 Oct 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi introduces its first start-stop system with automatic transmission]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/audi-introduces-its-first-start-stop-system-with-automatic-trans/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/audi-introduces-its-first-start-stop-system-with-automatic-trans/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/05/audi-introduces-its-first-start-stop-system-with-automatic-trans/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Automatic start-stop systems have become increasingly common in Europe in the last few years, but until now they have pretty much only been available on cars with manual transmissions. Audi is looking to change that with the introduction of a new system on the A3 that is paired with the 7-speed S-tronic dual clutch transmission.

The setup is available on two different A3 models, the 105 hp 1.6 TDI diesel and the 125 hp 1.4 TFSI gas engine. In both cases, the cars are also equipped with brake energy regeneration which captures some energy during coast down to charge the battery. This has the effect of reducing the alternator load on the engine during acceleration.

While this is Audi's first such application, it isn't so different from the GM mild hybrid system which was offered for several years on the Saturn Vue and Aura and the Chevy Malibu. The 1.6 TDI gets an EU combined rating of 56 mpg (U.S.) with CO2 emissions of 109 g/km while the 1.4 TFSI is rated at 44.4 mpg (U.S.) and 124 g/km.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi introduces its first start-stop system with automatic transmission

Audi introduces its first start-stop system with automatic transmission originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 10:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20102010 aud a32010AudA3aud a3AudA3audiautomatic start stopAutomaticStartStopstart stopStartStopMon, 05 Oct 2009 10:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi completes A to B efficiency challenge, A3 TDI gets 71.3 mpg (U.S.)]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/audi-completes-a-to-b-efficiency-challenge-a3-tdi-gets-71-3-mpg/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/audi-completes-a-to-b-efficiency-challenge-a3-tdi-gets-71-3-mpg/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/03/audi-completes-a-to-b-efficiency-challenge-a3-tdi-gets-71-3-mpg/#commentsFiled under: ,

Audi A3 1.6 TDI - click above for high-res image gallery

The north-south trans-European Audi efficiency challenge ended late this week and the 120 customers and journalists covered 4,200 km demonstrating how thrifty these cars can be. As expected, the A3 Sportback 1.6 TDI came out on top of the heap with an average over the full distance of 71.3 mpg (U.S.).

By the time the fleet of 20 cars and SUVs arrived in Italy, the A4 2.0 TDIe had covered the distance at an average of 53.5 mpg, excellent for a mid-sized sedan. However, Audi brought along more than just the usual high-mileage specials. The high performance TT-RS achieved 31.8 mpg. The Q7 TDI clean diesel equipped with the same after-treatment system as the U.S.-spec version averaged 29.4 mpg, similar to what we achieved a year ago on the U.S. mileage marathon. The biggest surprise was the 500 hp Q7 V12 TDI which got 24.8 mpg!

Gallery: Audi Efficiency Marathon A to B


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi completes A to B efficiency challenge, A3 TDI gets 71.3 mpg (U.S.)

Audi completes A to B efficiency challenge, A3 TDI gets 71.3 mpg (U.S.) originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Sat, 03 Oct 2009 11:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi efficiciency challengeaudi efficiciency challenge a to baudi efficiencyAudiEfficiciencyChallengeAudiEfficiciencyChallengeAToBAudiEfficiencySat, 03 Oct 2009 11:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi shows off lightweight aluminum/carbon fiber A5 prototype]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/audi-shows-off-lightweight-aluminum-carbon-fiber-a5-prototype/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/audi-shows-off-lightweight-aluminum-carbon-fiber-a5-prototype/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/10/01/audi-shows-off-lightweight-aluminum-carbon-fiber-a5-prototype/#commentsFiled under: ,

Audi Aluminum A5 Coupe Prototype - Click above for high-res image

As much as we like the Audi A5 with it's lovely lines and proportions and good driving dynamics, we have to admit that it's a bit porky. The lightest version currently available in the U.S. market is the 3.2-liter V6 quattro at 3,737 pounds. To date, the A5 has not been the beneficiary of Audi's extensive experience in working with aluminum structures in cars like the A8, R8 and TT. At a recent tech day event in Germany, Audi showed off a prototype A5 with a body fabricated from an aluminum space frame and the work clearly paid off.

Starting with a European spec 2.0-liter TFSI front wheel drive A5 that weighed in at 3,130 pounds, the new body structure allowed the engineers to carve off 220 lbs. In addition to the aluminum space frame, the lightweight A5 also has a carbon fiber hood and rear deck.

Cutting mass will be a significant factor in helping automakers reach future efficiency and emissions standards. However, it's not a trivial problem. Aluminum structures are more expensive than steel and carbon fiber takes significantly more energy to produce then either metal. Carbon fiber components are also difficult to recycle, unlike steel and aluminum. Full details in the press release after the jump.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi shows off lightweight aluminum/carbon fiber A5 prototype

Audi shows off lightweight aluminum/carbon fiber A5 prototype originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aluminumaluminum structuresAluminumStructuresaudiaudi a5audi a5 light weightAudiA5AudiA5LightWeightcarboncarbon fiberCarbonFiberfalselightlightweightweight reductionWeightReductionThu, 01 Oct 2009 08:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi and Porsche win Michelin GreenX Challenge at Petit Le Mans]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/audi-and-porsche-win-michelin-greenx-challenge-at-petit-le-mans/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/audi-and-porsche-win-michelin-greenx-challenge-at-petit-le-mans/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/28/audi-and-porsche-win-michelin-greenx-challenge-at-petit-le-mans/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,

Audi R15 TDI leading Petit Le Mans - click above for high res gallery

The American Le Mans Series ran half of its annual flagship race this past weekend at a rain-saturated Road Atlanta track in Georgia. The race marked the first anniversary of the inauguration of the ALMS Green Challenge and in spite of the truncated race length, organizers announced winners in both the prototype and GT categories and the winners all came from the Volkswagen Group.

Among the prototypes, the number 1 Audi R15 TDI led for more than four hours until shortly before the race was red flagged. However, the combination of the diesel's fuel efficiency and performance gave the Audi sufficient points to be declared the Michelin GreenX Challenge winner. Among the GT cars, several problems hurt the performance of the cellulosic E85-fueled Corvettes. Thus, the Flying Lizard team's Porsche 911s had the best combination of carbon footprint and performance. With only one race remaining at Laguna Seca, the Porsches are strong contenders to win the season's green challenge championship.

Gallery: Audi R15 TDI at Petit Le Mans 2009


Gallery: Flying Lizard Porsche at Petit Le Mans 2009

Continue reading Audi and Porsche win Michelin GreenX Challenge at Petit Le Mans

Audi and Porsche win Michelin GreenX Challenge at Petit Le Mans originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>almsalms green challengeAlmsGreenChallengeamerican le mans seriesamerican le mans series green challengeAmericanLeMansSeriesAmericanLeMansSeriesGreenChallengeaudiaudi r15 tdiAudiR15Tdiflying lizardFlyingLizardmichelin greenx challengeMichelinGreenxChallengepetit le mansPetitLeMansporsche 911 gt3Porsche911Gt3Mon, 28 Sep 2009 11:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi A3 1.6 TDI shines during opening stages of efficiency challenge, scores 78.4 mpg (US)!]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/audi-a3-1-6-tdi-shines-during-opening-stages-of-efficiency-chall/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/audi-a3-1-6-tdi-shines-during-opening-stages-of-efficiency-chall/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/25/audi-a3-1-6-tdi-shines-during-opening-stages-of-efficiency-chall/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Audi A3 1.6 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi has kicked off its latest efficiency marathon in northern Norway this week with a fleet of A3, A4, A5, Q7 and TT models to demonstrate what they can do in the real world. Leading the pack in terms of minimal fuel consumption is the new A3 1.6 TDI. On the road in Norway in the opening stage, the drivers managed to squeeze out an astounding 78.4 mpg average from the 1.6-liter diesel engine. Next up was the A4 2.0 TDI e sedan, which went an average of 60.3 miles on every gallon (U.S.) of diesel.

In addition to the high efficiency models, Audi also opted to include several high performance models this time around to show that even they can get very good fuel efficiency when driven sedately. The 340-horsepower TT-RS averaged 32.22 mpg, while the utterly absurd Q7 V12 TDI with its 500 horsepower diesel V12 managed a startling 27.03 mpg. That's nearly as good as what we achieved with the V6-powered Q7 TDI on last year's U.S. Mileage Marathon, so it's not too shabby for a big SUV that would probably pull a house off of its foundation


Gallery: Audi Efficiency Marathon A to B


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi A3 1.6 TDI shines during opening stages of efficiency challenge, scores 78.4 mpg (US)!

Audi A3 1.6 TDI shines during opening stages of efficiency challenge, scores 78.4 mpg (US)! originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi a3audi a3 tdiaudi a4audi a5audi a5 sportbackaudi efficiciency challengeaudi efficiencyaudi efficiency marathonaudi q7audi q7 dieselaudi q7 tdiaudi q7 v12 tdiaudi ttaudi tt rsaudi tt tdiaudi tt-rsAudiA3AudiA3TdiAudiA4AudiA5AudiA5SportbackAudiEfficiciencyChallengeAudiEfficiencyAudiEfficiencyMarathonAudiQ7AudiQ7DieselAudiQ7TdiAudiQ7V12TdiAudiTtAudiTt-rsAudiTtRsAudiTtTdiFri, 25 Sep 2009 12:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi attacks the low-CO<sub>2</sub> European market with two new models]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/audi-attacks-the-low-co-sub-2-sub-european-market-with-two-new/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/audi-attacks-the-low-co-sub-2-sub-european-market-with-two-new/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/23/audi-attacks-the-low-co-sub-2-sub-european-market-with-two-new/#commentsFiled under: , , ,



VW has announced that all brands in the VW Group are getting the all-new common-rail 1.6-liter diesels across the range. This new engine, when installed into the Audi A3, manages to reduce both fuel consumption and CO2 emissions. While the 1.9-liter TDIe managed to burn 4.1 l/100 km, the new 1.6-liter lowers it to 3.8 l/100 km (a drop of 57 to 62 mpg U.S.), and CO2 emissions go from 109 to 99 g/km. Besides the new engine, the car gets all the standard improvements to keep diesel consumption low: aerodynamic improvements, low-rolling resistance tires and a lowered body. If you don't like diesels and you prefer a frugal gasoline powerplant, Audi would like you to look at the 1.2-liter Turbo engine that produces 105hp and 175 Nm of torque (129 lb-ft). This engine, mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox, will replace the current base engine for Europe, the veteran 1.6-liter. Fuel consumption is a solid 5.5 l/100 km (43 mpg U.S.) but CO2 emissions remain at 127 g/km. Both models are going on sale in Germany during the first half of 2010, with prices starting at €23,550 and €20,500, respectively.

[Source: Auto News and Auto News]

Audi attacks the low-CO2 European market with two new models originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 23 Sep 2009 10:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi is hitting the road for the third time in about a year for an efficiency marathon. This time around, the German automaker is taking 20 of its vehicles on a north-south trek across Europe from A to B or in this case Å to Bée. Å is on the Lofoten archipelago in northern Norway with Bée being in Italy. The fleet covers the gamut from the newly-introduced A3 1.6 TDI with 99 g/km CO2 emissions to the monster Q7 V12 TDI. Audi isn't just using diesels like they did on last year's Mileage Marathon across America. Turbo-direct injected gas engines are being included as well. The vehicles will be driven by 200 journalists and consumers to see how efficiently they go from point A to point B. The marathon starts today in Norway and ends Sept. 30 after 2,485 miles.

[Source: Audi]


Continue reading Audi hits the road again for the North-South Europe efficiency run

Audi hits the road again for the North-South Europe efficiency run originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a to bAToBaudiaudi efficiciency challengeaudi efficiencyaudi efficiency marathonAudiEfficiciencyChallengeAudiEfficiencyAudiEfficiencyMarathonÅ to BéeÅToBéeTue, 22 Sep 2009 16:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi e-tron available for "virtual test drives" on PlayStation]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/audi-e-tron-available-for-virtual-test-drives-on-playstation/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/audi-e-tron-available-for-virtual-test-drives-on-playstation/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/22/audi-e-tron-available-for-virtual-test-drives-on-playstation/#commentsFiled under: , ,



Want to know what it's like to drive an awesome electric concept car like the Audi e-tron? Well, we have good news for you... sort of. While you're extremely unlikely to be plunking your real hind end behind the steering wheel of Audi's 3,319 lb-ft of torque monster, you'll soon be able to just that in the virtual world.

If you have a Sony PlayStation 3, head on over to Audi Space, the company's digital realm over at PlayStation Home. Once there, you'll be able to play the Vertical Run driving game, which puts the Audi e-tron through its paces over what sounds like a ridiculous set of unrealistic tracks.

You may never actually get the chance to drive your very own electric Audi R8 - the automaker hasn't exactly made a big deal of its future production possibilities - so this may be the next best thing. Click past the break for the full press release.


Gallery: Audi e-tron concept


[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Audi e-tron available for "virtual test drives" on PlayStation

Audi e-tron available for "virtual test drives" on PlayStation originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi e-tronaudi etronaudi r8audi spaceAudiE-tronAudiEtronAudiR8AudiSpacee-tronelectric audi r8electric r8ElectricAudiR8ElectricR8etronplaystationplaystation homePlaystationHomer8Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:52:00 EST<![CDATA[TiVo Alert: Audi TDI clean diesels to be featured on "How It's Made"]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/tivo-alert-audi-tdi-clean-diesels-to-be-featured-on-how-it-s-m/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/tivo-alert-audi-tdi-clean-diesels-to-be-featured-on-how-it-s-m/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/18/tivo-alert-audi-tdi-clean-diesels-to-be-featured-on-how-it-s-m/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


2009 Audi Q7 TDI - Click above for high-res image gallery

Time to fire up the TiVo. Friday night, the Science Channel will be debuting a new episode of "How It's Made" that features the Audi TDI clean diesel engine range. What's the big deal, haven't diesels been around since the death of the dinosaurs? Well, sorta. While they still share the same basic architecture that Rudolph Diesel invented all those years ago, today's modern diesel powerplants are a far cry from the old smoke belching, shake-themselves-to-pieces lumps of yore.

The actual engine featured in the segment will be Audi's 3.0-liter TDI V6, which puts out 225 horsepower and a whopping 406 lb-ft of torque in the engine bay of the 2009 Q7 TDI while still maintaining class-leading fuel efficiency. Soon, the German automaker will introduce its second clean diesel-powered vehicle here in the States in the form of the 2010 A3 TDI, which you can read about here.

Anyone interested in what goes into building a modern diesel powerplant will want to tune in to the Science Channel at 9pm (Eastern and Pacific). Click past the jump for the press release.

NOTE: BMW North America contacted us to correct the statement that the Audi Q7 TDI offers class-leading fuel efficiency. With an EPA mpg rating of 17 city/25 highway, the Q7 TDI is bested by the BMW X5 xDrive35d at 19 city/26 highway. The BMW's 3.0-liter diesel is also more powerful with 265 hp and 425 lb-ft of torque.

Gallery: Audi Q7 4.2 TDI


Continue reading TiVo Alert: Audi TDI clean diesels to be featured on "How It's Made"

TiVo Alert: Audi TDI clean diesels to be featured on "How It's Made" originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audiaudi q7audi q7 tdiAudiQ7AudiQ7Tdihow its madeHowItsMadeq7q7 tdiQ7Tdiscience channelScienceChannelthe science channelTheScienceChannelFri, 18 Sep 2009 09:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Audi hiring 100 young engineers for ePerformance project]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/audi-hiring-100-young-engineers-for-eperformance-project/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/audi-hiring-100-young-engineers-for-eperformance-project/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/16/audi-hiring-100-young-engineers-for-eperformance-project/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Before we forget, the address where you should send in your resumé, if you want to try out for any of these positions, is here. There. Now that that's done, what job openings are we talking about? Audi has announced they are hiring 100 young engineers for ePerformance, a project house to help the development of an integrated concept for electric drives in automobiles. ePerformance is supported by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research, which tries to bring together research organizations and industry partners. "We are giving young people secure jobs, personal development opportunities and interesting prospects for the future. At the same time, we are making targeted and sustainable investments in specialists for electronics, battery technology and power electronics," says Audi Board Member for HR Dr. Werner Widuckel.

Gallery: Audi e-Tron renderings



[Source: Audi]

Audi hiring 100 young engineers for ePerformance project originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Wed, 16 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>audieperformancehiringWed, 16 Sep 2009 10:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Audi e-tron is red outside, nice inside]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-audi-e-tron-is-red-outside-nice-inside/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-audi-e-tron-is-red-outside-nice-inside/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-audi-e-tron-is-red-outside-nice-inside/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Audi e-tron concept -- Click above for high-res image gallery

The Audi e-tron concept has a few good things going for it on the outside, like lustrous red paint, some wicked cool taillights, and... well... maybe something else that's escaped us. Sadly, those things are overcome by the chrome baleen job for the front and rear grilles, the too-tricky-by-half headlights, the remnant lines of a blade, and... those... wheels... which look like they were designed by Schick. Inside it's much nicer, with a heart-thumpingly curvy design and a thing-of-beauty center console. Although the steering wheel gives us a hint of pause, the angled gauges make us happy. If Audi can actually get that leviathan powertrain sorted out for production (again, 3,319 lb-ft of torque?!), all would be forgiven. In the meantime, try and enjoy it in the gallery below.




Frankfurt 2009: Audi e-tron is red outside, nice inside originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 11:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>alternativeaudiaudi e-tronaudi evAudiE-tronAudiEvbreakingconcept carConceptCarcoupee trone-tronelectric carelectric carselectric vehicleelectric vehiclesElectricCarElectricCarsElectricVehicleElectricVehiclesETronfrankfurtfrankfurt 2009frankfurt motor showFrankfurt2009FrankfurtMotorShowluxuryperformanceTue, 15 Sep 2009 11:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Frankfurt 2009: Audi A4 and A4 Avant go biofuel in Germany]]>http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-audi-a4-and-a4-avant-go-biofuel-in-germany/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-audi-a4-and-a4-avant-go-biofuel-in-germany/http://green.autoblog.com/2009/09/15/frankfurt-2009-audi-a4-and-a4-avant-go-biofuel-in-germany/#commentsFiled under: , , , ,


Audi A4 - Click above for high-res image gallery

Audi's big green reveal from the Frankfurt Motor Show is undoubtedly the e-Tron electric supercar - especially considering the recent comments about electric cars and diesels made by Audi North America President Johan de Nysschen. But there's another type of fuel/energy that Audi drivers in Germany can now use to move their four-ringed vehicles around: ethanol. Audi has never been a particularly strong proponent of the biofuel, but the A4 and A4 Avant 2.0 TFSI flexible fuel models are not the first to get the ethanol treatment.

The flex-fuel engine is a modified version of the standard 2.0 TFSI with Audi valvelift and start-stop system and both engines have the same torque (236.02 lb-ft between 1,500 and 4,200 rpm) and horsepower (180) outputs. A new A4 running on E85 will get 26 mpg (U.S.) on the European cycle, while the A4 Avant gets just 25.5 mpg (U.S.). Super unleaded petro-gasoline turns these numbers into 36.7 and 35.6 mpg (U.S.), respectively. Germany currently has around 300 E85 stations.

Gallery: First Drive: 2009 Audi A4 Avant


Photos Copyright (C)2008 Sam Abuelsamid / Weblogs, Inc.

[Source: Audi]

Continue reading Frankfurt 2009: Audi A4 and A4 Avant go biofuel in Germany

Frankfurt 2009: Audi A4 and A4 Avant go biofuel in Germany originally appeared on Autoblog Green on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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