While extremely popular in Europe, for a long time, diesel-powered passenger cars were a non-entity in the U.S. automotive business. Furthermore, it was more likely to see pink flamingos parading in Times Square than a premium brand automobile with a diesel engine under its hood.
Today, things are quite different. Diesel engines are nothing like they used to be, nor are gasoline prices, so manufacturers are not afraid to add diesel variants to their U.S. line-up.
Audi, for one, introduced no less than four new models fitted with its new 3.0-liter “clean” V6 diesel at the LA Auto Show. The TDI unit is already available in the updated Q7 full-size SUV since September and will go on sale in the 2014MY A8 flagship saloon from next spring and in the A6, A7 and Q5 in fall 2013.
The engine has an output of 240HP and 406 lb-ft (550 Nm) of torque and, according to the German carmaker, enables each of its models to improve fuel economy and lower CO2 emissions by 30 percent compared to gasoline engine-powered versions.
“Owners of Audi TDI engines have helped save over 4 million gallons of gasoline, or the equivalent of more than 240,000 barrels of foreign oil, since the introduction of Audi TDI to the U.S. in 2009”, said the president of Audi North America Scott Keogh. “TDI technology delivers better fuel efficiency without sacrificing performance”, he added.
By Andrew Tsaousis
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