Audi is no stranger to diesel engines. In Europe and other
world markets, Audi has a number of TDI options available for consumers for the
many models in its lineup. In the United States, however, those looking for a
diesel Audi can only choose from the tiny A3 TDI or the mammoth Q7 TDI.
Now, according to Fourtitude,
Audi is looking to spread a bit more TDI lovin' to customers in the U.S. The
company just announced today that it would bring its 3.0-liter TDI engine to
the A6 sedan, A8 sedan, and Q5 small crossover vehicle.
Those still holding out for a TDI engine in the popular A4
sedan and Avant will have to wait a little longer. Audi officials say that
since the current A4 is already in the "advanced stages" of its
lifecycle, that U.S. customers will have to wait until the next generation A4
arrives in a few years.
The 3.0-liter TDI coming to the A6, A8, and Q5 is already
available in the Q7 TDI. It generates a respectable 225hp at 3,750 rpm and a
gargantuan 406 lb-ft of torque at 1,750 rpm in that application. The engine is capable of giving
the 5,567-pound crossover EPA ratings of 17 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the
highway.
The three new TDI models are much lighter which should make
the fuel economy gains even more impressive compared to their gasoline engine
counterparts.
There were recent reports that General Motors is looking to
bring a diesel
engine to the U.S. market for its Cruze compact instead of going for a
fully-fledged hybrid model.