Frankfurt Preview: Audi to intro clean A4 TDI, A3 TFSI, coming to America?

Friday, August 28, 2009

Frankfurt Preview: Audi to intro clean A4 TDI, A3 TFSI, coming to America?

Posted by SharK at 8:47 AM

Filed under: Diesel, MPG, Audi, Frankfurt Motor Show

Audi A4 TDI - click above for high-res image gallery

Audi will be launching at least three new models next month at the Frankfurt Motor Show, two of which seem like they have a good chance of coming to North America and one that doesn't. The A4 TDI clean diesel will make its debut at the German show with the latest edition of the firm's 3.0-liter diesel V6. While the TDI V6 has been available in the current-generation A4 since it launched early last year, the new one adds the same 2,000 BAR common rail fuel system and urea injection found on the Q7 and VW Touareg now available in the U.S. market. The V6 TDI A4 has always seemed like a natural fit for the torque-loving American market and it now seems likely to arrive, especially since the gas V6 was discontinued for 2010. In sedan form, it's rated at 34.6 mpg (U.S.) which is consistent with what we've seen driving the existing A4.

The A3 gets a new 1.2-liter TFSI (turbocharged and direct injected) gas engine with 105 horsepower and 129 lb-ft of torque. This little engine gets the A3 to 42.8 mpg (U.S.) although the 0-62 mph time is a more relaxed 11.1 seconds. This one could probably pass U.S. emissions with ease, but given Audi's premium position in the market, they are less likely to offer it here anytime soon.

Finally, Audi will also publicly show the new A5 Sportback which it has already said will not be offered in the States. The five-door hatch A5 will get the same 333 hp supercharged 3.0-liter V6 going into the new S4 to start, but it will also likely get the other engines available in the A4/A5 eventually.

Gallery: ABG First Drive: 2008 Audi A4 3.0 TDI Quattro