I think this is good news.

Audi has announced that it will bring its 3.0L clean diesel to the U.S. market in 2008, coinciding with the engine's European debut. The first U.S.-spec Audi vehicle to receive diesel power will be the Q7 SUV, followed by Audi's all-new A4. Audi failed to mention a time frame for introduction, but a late 2008 debut is likely.

Output for the 3.0L TDI V6 is rated at 240 horsepower and 406 lb-ft of torque. Despite all that power, Audi claims the new engine is 35% more efficient than a comparable gasoline engine and can get up to 40 mpg highway. The engine is also clean enough to earn it certification in all 50 states.

Earlier this year, Audi announced it would introduce a hybrid version of the Q7. It remains unclear which model will achieve better fuel economy, but the diesel variant will undoubtedly have better performance numbers.


http://www.leftlanenews.com/audi-to-bring-diesels-to-us-in-2008.html<ul><li><a href="http://www.leftlanenews.com/audi-to-bring-diesels-to-us-in-2008.html">http://www.leftlanenews.com/audi-to-bring-diesels-to-us-in-2008.html</a</li></ul>

we have been hearing for a year now. First in the Q7, then in the A4 and A6 when appropriately redesigned to accomodate it. It certainly makes no sense to go through certification for only one year in a model before the the new model comes out. That would be a waste of money. Also not a surprise to introduce engine packages one at a time, but it should only be a few months at most between 3.2 and 2.0T. Probably tips at first and MT a couple of months after that. It is a situation of filling the pipeline with the most popular and most profitable first, then keeping adding more choices. Unless you are coming out of a lease at the wrong time, just sit tight and be patient until your choice comes around. Besides it gives you plenty of time to visit your local dealership for lots of test drives while you are waiting.

<center><img src="http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/2006geneva/audi_r10.jpg"></center><p>;)

Audi 5000 diesel 1979-83

The Q7 TDI has been pushed to calendar `09. Assume the A4 TDI around Labor day `09.

The 3.0TDI sounds like the ideal engine for me. I just hope it's not priced rediculously high or there isn't enough to go around when they first come out. The last thing I want is to have to pay full sticker for a limited type car. Any guesses as to how much more of a premium the optional diesels cost in US dollars (looking at the UK for examples)?

about $2000 to the price. Not sure if that will be over the 2.0T (hopefully) or the 3.2. Part of it depends on how they set up the equipment level. Hopefully the diesel can be essentially a separate option, allowing all other options and packages to be selected or not. Sometimes for "limited interest" powertrains, they will specify a fairly high level of equipment, typically comfort options not sport ones, and not allow many changes or additions. Hope they don't go that way.

With torque ratings this high on the TDI, I would guess it's going to be more than the price of the V6. Thanks for the info.