Jack Foulard

Let's say that Audi does offer the 3.0 TDI in the A6 series for MY 2008. Would you buy it or would you wait to let the quirks get worked out?

Does Audi test thoroughly prior to releasing or do they test sufficiently and let the public be the guinea pigs?

I am really intersed in the TDI A6 offering, if it ever comes, but am slightly hesitant that there could be more issues/probs than I really want to deal with.

Interested but hesitant but at the same time very excited,

Jack

Austin A6 3.2

The car has been available in Europe since 2004 - no more quirks than any other A6

Jack Foulard

There was a 2 part interview on audiworld.com with an Audi spokesperson and he stated that the engine has to go through pretty significant modification to satisfy US requirements. As a result of this, Audi would probably bring 1 TDI and not many different displacements.

So, this engine will have new aspect to it and this is what can account for additional problems for the US market.

Opinion?

marmadogg

The emissions testing will be quite extensive but Bosch's Bluetec solution has that covered as Merc has been putting that technology through the paces for some time now.

"The problem that all car-makers have with diesels is nitrogen oxide emissions. In order to minimize unburned hydro-carbons and fuel consumption all engines (gas and diesel) have been moving toward leaner fuel-air mixtures and one side-effect of this is extra nitrogen oxide production. One way to get around that is to expose the exhaust to ammonia. This causes the nitrogen oxides to convert to water vapor and nitrogen gas. Injecting an aqueous urea solution known as AdBlue, provides the necessary ammonia. This system was developed by Mercedes-Benz and Bosch and commercialized under the name BlueTec. Mercedes already announced their intentions to sell a 50 state legal BlueTec system in 2008. Now they have reached an agreement with Volkswagen group to use BlueTec on VW and Audi diesels and are close to finalizing a deal with BMW as well. It's great that DaimlerChrylser has chosen to share this technology, because diesels are an important step to reducing fuel consumption and in turn greenhouse gases. The only problem with the BlueTec solution is the need to replenish the urea supply periodically. The three car makers are all planning to show BlueTec equipped diesel vehicles at the Los Angeles Auto Show in December. VW will be showing their new Tiguan compact SUV, and Audi Q7, BMW will have the diesel version of the new X5, and Mercedes will have the R, ML and GL class diesels."<ul><li><a href="http://www.autobloggreen.com/2006/10/09/bmw-daimlerchrysler-and-volkswagen-to-team-on-bluetec-for-the-u/">BMW, DaimlerChrysler and Volkswagen to Team on BLUETEC for the US</a></li></ul>

Jack Foulard

So what you're saying is that MB will be the guinea pig and our 3.0's should be solid?

marmadogg

The only portion that needs testing is Bluetec.

If Bluetec malfunctions then you pollute. Your engine will not cease to function.

Diesel engines are more efficient (higher MPG) than gasoline engines because Diesel fuel has more energy per volume than gasoline and there is less friction and less wear and tear on a diesel engine.

Diesel engines last longer than gasoline engines.

Audi's 3.0 TDI has been used in Europe for several years.

BlueTec is a way to solve emissions.

It is a pollution issue not a mechanical issue.