- Top U.S. executive will lead endurance test of Audi TDI vehicles
- Audi TDI system represents the world's most fuel-efficient technology
- Cross-country drive to show TDI answers today's energy challenges
- Clean diesel delivers driving performance and power
HERNDON, Va., Sept. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- America will soon discover Audi
TDI(R) turbocharged clean diesel technology, which has earned media
attention and consumer praise throughout the world for its exceptional fuel
efficiency and dynamic performance. Next month, the Audi Q7 3.0 TDI will
debut in the U.S. during the Audi Mileage Marathon, a two-week cross
country drive that will display the world's leading fuel-efficiency
technology.
This won't be an ordinary coming out party. Instead, Audi will
demonstrate the Q7 3.0 TDI's capabilities and ultra-low emissions system
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 in New
York and concluding in Los Angeles. From October 5-20, 184 drivers
representing countries in North America, Europe and Asia will drive the
fuel-efficient vehicles in 13 daily stages, during which they'll experience
the confident sportiness and extraordinary efficiency of Audi's TDI models.
Audi of America chief Johan de Nysschen will lead the rally of 23 Audi
TDI vehicles along America's city streets and highways to illustrate how
Audi's clean diesel technology answers concerns about fuel prices, energy
dependence and global warming.
"Driving responsibly and driving for pleasure have always been
considered incompatible ideals," said de Nysschen, Audi of America's
executive vice president. "Our cross country test showcasing TDI technology
will prove that Audi has redefined diesel vehicles 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 American
audience, it also represents the ultimate progress in SUV engineering.
"Audi knows consumers are concerned about fuel economy and we want to
make sure they know how Audi's TDI engineering is reshaping their options,"
said de Nysschen. "The Q7 TDI will be one of America's first clean, highly
efficient, 7-passenger SUV, combining the power and capacity Americans
expect in an SUV with notable fuel efficiency and ultra low emissions."
The Mileage Marathon's TDI fleet will recast outdated perceptions of
diesel vehicles. Gone are the days of loud, smoky, under-performing diesel
engines. Due to its EPA estimated 25 miles per gallon on the highway, the
Q7 3.0 TDI offers highway driving range of more than 600 miles, far more
than a comparable gasoline-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 a
vehicle's emissions, the Audi TDI exhaust purifying system complies with
the world's most demanding emissions law -- California's LEV II Bin 5. The
TDI system also meets the upcoming Euro 6 norm limits planned for
implementation in 2014. Compared with the fleet average of gasoline engines
typically found in the U.S., the TDI achieves a fuel-efficiency advantage
of up to 40 percent. This means that today's diesel technology is designed
for tomorrow's challenges and can make a greater contribution to reduce the
consumption of fossil fuels than any other type of engine.
Just the Facts
-- Audi has now sold more than 4.5 million cars with TDI engines.
-- Audi's first American TDI diesel introduction under the new 2008
emissions guidelines will be the company's luxury Audi Q7 3.0 TDI
sport-utility vehicle.
-- The Audi Q7 3.0 TDI sets a new standard for acceleration and power with
233 horsepower and 500 Nm of torque, while seating seven.
-- Audi Q7 3.0 TDI is designed to meet emissions regulations for all 50
U.S. states.
-- Diesel vehicles typically get 20-40 percent more miles to the gallon
than gasoline vehicles.
Efficient and Low-Emission System
Perfecting the TDI is just one part of Audi's integrated technology
strategy to further reduce CO2 and the emission of pollutants in all
models. Audi has built this strategy on its state-of-the-art combustion
engines and on the components of its modular efficiency system, including
direct injection and turbocharging, the TFSI gasoline engines and TDI
diesel engines. Audi's powerplants provide convincing performance with
comparatively low consumption now, while their innovative technologies form
a solid basis for significant 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 will
debut in the Mileage Marathon. The Audi A4, the sportiest sedan in its
class, will also make an appearance with the 3.0 TDI engine. The Audi A3
Sportback 2.0 TDI -- equipped with the innovative and efficient S tronic
transmission -- will add yet another highlight to the Mileage Marathon's
efficiency story.
The cars will be monitored during each leg of the journey and evaluated
by speed, distance and fuel economy. Adding to the fuel-efficiency
equation, each Audi vehicle on the Mileage Marathon will be equipped with
Michelin Green X(R) energy saving tires as standard equipment. Michelin
tires carrying the Green X sidewall designation -- including the
Latitude(R) Tour HP and Primacy(TM) HP featured on the marathon --
guarantees a level of energy efficiency among the highest in the market and
reduced CO2 emission while maintaining all the advantages of long wear,
safety, and other performances.
The Mileage Marathon is working with four sponsors throughout the
program. The fuel sponsor for the drive is Shell, a global leader in diesel
technology and technical collaborator to Audi. The marathon will be fueled
with ultra-low sulfur diesel and participants will refuel at Shell-branded
stations along the route. However, two vehicles will kick-off the marathon
fueled with Shell GTL, a synthetic fuel made from natural gas and one of
the components of Shell V-Power Diesel race fuel, which fuels Audi in the
Le Mans series. The two vehicles will test this revolutionary gas to liquid
technology, which is synthesized from natural gas and has outstanding
cetane quality and exceptional purity to burn more clearly and efficiently
than conventional diesel. Additionally, Michelin is supplying all of the
tires and will provide Michelin Maps & Guides Products as in-car and online
reference sources for the event. The European clothing company Belstaff is
sponsoring the staff clothing. Lastly, Sirius Satellite Radio is a sponsor
and Audi installs Sirius exclusively in all of its vehicles sold in the
United States.
Coming to a City Near You
The route of the Mileage Marathon leads across America from New York to
Los Angeles, passing major cities like Chicago, Dallas and Las Vegas as
well as vistas, including the Rocky Mountains, Death Valley and the Grand
Canyon.
The route includes a realistic mix of city driving and rural driving on
urban streets, interstate highways and country roads. In this environment
and under conditions that mirror everyday driving, the TDI will be able to
clearly show off its superiority over every other efficiency technology.
Driving enthusiasts are welcome to follow Audi's Mileage Marathon
online by visiting http://www.audimileagemarathon.com and media can find
more information at http://www.audiusanews.com .
Mileage Marathon Cities & Dates:
New York, New York: October 5 - 6
Washington, D.C.: October 6 - 7
Cleveland, Ohio: October 7 - 8
Chicago, Illinois: October 8 - 9
Memphis, Tennessee: October 9 - 10
Dallas, Texas: October 10 - 11
Amarillo, Texas: October 11 - 12
Denver, Colorado: October 12 - 13
Durango, Colorado: October 13 - 14
Sedona, Arizona: October 14 - 15
Las Vegas, Nevada: October 15 - 16
Mammoth Lakes, California: October 16 - 17
Monterey, California: October 17 - 19
Los Angeles, California: October 19 - 20
ABOUT AUDI OF AMERICA
Audi of America Inc. and its 270 dealers offer a full line of
German-engineered luxury vehicles. The Audi line up is one of the freshest
in the industry with 23 models, including 12 models launched during model
years 2008 and 2009. Audi is among the most successful brands globally.
Last year AUDI AG recorded its 12th consecutive 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.
SOURCE Audi of America, Inc.
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Related links:
http://www.audiusa.com
http://www.audimileagemarathon.com
http://www.audiusanews.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/111330.html /
CONTACT:
Jeff Kuhlman, +1-703-364-7423,
jeff.kuhlman@audi.com, or Andrew Lipman, +1-917-691-8000,
andrew.lipman@audi.com, both of Audi of America Inc.
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