Things may change later but this is how it's being introduced in the US.

BMW's going to bring their twin turbo 3.0L V6 in the 3-series, Audi will bring it in the Q7 this fall.

That's one of the main reasons for the trademark BMW smoothness at speed. The inline six and the V12 are the two engine designs that are best known for being inherently balanced.

Regardless if it's a V or straight, BMW isn't bringing their diesel until this fall anyways which was my point.

I took this to mean only in sedan form. I'd be pleasantly surprised if it came in coupe and wagon variants, but am not holding my breath. The X5 will also get the 3.0 twin turbo diesel.

At this point, all Audi is saying is 3.0TDI in the A4 "some time in the future." Tanner is correct about the Q7 version in the fall. I just hope it won't be another marketing misstep.

My vote would be for A4 2.7TDIs in stick and auto in both sedan and wagon variants at a price between the 3.2 and 2.0T prices. I'd think those would sell. But now that they have committed to the 3.0, we'll just have to wait... and wait... and wait...

3.0 TDI is 240 hp (220 in US?) the 2.7 TDI is 190 in Europe. The fuel economy difference between the two is very minor, and who knows if Audi can even make the 2.7 TDI 50 state clean (because it's an older diesel)

Told my ABS last year I was seriously interested in a 3.0TDI Avant, if offered in the US. So, I'm number 1 on that list. Not to sound too Spoonie-like, but BMW is quoting 265 hp and 425 lb-ft from the 3.0 twin turbo in the 335d. Say what you will about styling (still ugh-ly), but those numbers coupled with projected 23/33 mpg make a compelling case for a premium diesel performance car. At 240 bhp and 405 lb-ft, the 3.0TDI will be perceived by the masses as an inferior engine.

I mentioned the 2.7TDI as it could have been a price leader. If they were to put the 2.0TDI in the B8 and market it as a mileage leader (50 mpg highway), they might have a runaway success on their hands. However, that would steal sales from the Jetta TDI.

Guess I'm disappointed Audi isn't using its racing success with diesels to ramp up interest. They could be first out of the gate with several good diesel cars backed by racing cred. But as we all know, this is AoA.

You can drive racecar technology, or at least you could once they're offered here.

That's my speculation based on all the various reports I've read.

I'd like a B8 avant in 3.0TDI form, and I think we will get that iteration.<b> Here's why:</b>

Audi is only (so far) bringing the 2.0T B8 avant, and they have stated they are NOT bringing either the B8 3.2 avant or future S4 (V6 S/C) avant, nor are they offering anything but the TIP 6 speed automatic <i>(no manual or DSG).</i>

<b>WHY?</b> Because <i>[my speculation is]</i> they intend to bring the 3.0 TDI to the USA B8 avant, and the market for the avant in the USA is too small to justify federalizing the TDI avant in addition to the 3.2 and S4, especially considering the 3.0TDI offers performance slightly better than the 3.2FSI and slightly below the S4 with the 3.0 S/C.

Additionally, the automatic TIP is the best transmission to offer to the majority of Americans, and all the moreso in the 2.0T and 3.0TDI cars (turbos like automatics and generally, torque converters). (of course IMO manual and DSG are preferable).

The 3.0TDI B8 avant should satisfy everyone in the 'practicality-minded' wagon niche with regard to fuel economy and performance.

What I've read in various articles that quote AoA employees indicates that they plan to bring the 3.0TDI to the A4, A6 and Q7, with the Q7 being the first vehicle to be offered, with the others following shortly after. They have not, as far as I've read, distinguish WHICH body styles on the A6 and A4 will get the 3.0TDI, but the complete lack of a V6 option in the A4 avant for the first time ever is a very strong indicator that the 3.0TDI WILL be offered in that car.

Just my .02, but I bet I'm right.

Since more than anything, 'Muricans like big SUV's (true that) Audi had to put the 3.0TDI in the Q7 first (economic decision) and then, based on teh reception they get, they will roll it out in various other models.

My guess is it will make it out across the board, with the biggest unknown being the US economy.

The biggest 'dark cloud' is a US recession that would drive spending down by people in the B8 target market. Sadly, that IS happening, so there is a real threat that they may hold off on offering the 3.0TDI in all the A4 and A6 iterations. If they've already completed the federalization (and spent the money), they'll bring it anyway, but otherwise they may hold off another couple years.

The biggest threat to the proliferation of TDI in Audis is (1) a US recession coupled with (2) a weak dollar.

Both those items are real possibilities. My estimation is the TDI will be seen in the B8 avant if they've already spent the money to get it approved. I think that would have been completed by now, but at the same time, if it were, I'd have expected an announcement. The announcement of the car, but not the TDI, means there may still be some hemming and hawing going on at AoA.

Keep your fingers crossed, but moreover: write them, call them, and put a deposit down at your local dealer. Money talks bullshevick walks.

When people posted here that the Avant would only come in 2.0T with auto transmission, I sent feedback on the audiusa.com site expressing disappointment with the lack of choice.
I got a call back a few days later, and the rep said that due to similar feedback from others, Audi was "reconsidering" the choices available to us. Like the old saying goes, "if you don't ask, you don't get", Audi I want to get a TDI Avant.

From Autoweek:

"Company Executives have confirmed that the Q5 will be Audi's first hybrid model offered to customers. It goes on sale in early 2010."

They also say it will come to the states with only the 3.2 automatic configuration, presumably to later be joined by the hybrid.