Audi used the Paris Motor Show today to introduce a high-efficiency version of its new A4 sedan. Dubbed “concept e,” the vehicle is described as a “near-production study,” meaning a similar vehicle will come to market in the next few months. Delivering 59 mpg, the A4 TDI e will join the 28 mpg A8 FSI e, and the 44 mpg A6 TDI e, both of which are on sale in Europe now.
The powertrain of the Audi A4 TDI concept e uses a direct-injection TDI engine with an output of 120 hp 213.89 pound-feet of torque. It propels the sedan from 0 to 62 mpg in 10.7 seconds, and tops out at 128 mph.
A long list of modifications — from soft springs on the intake valves to a new thermal management system — improves fuel efficiency. Intelligent technologies are used in the engine’s functional environment as well, such as on the fuel pump and on the automatic air conditioning’s compressor.
The recuperation system is another fundamental component for improving fuel efficiency. It recovers power when braking and coasting to a stop, and temporarily stores it in a battery. A start-stop system switches the engine off when the vehicle comes to a standstill. Magnesium was used to reduce the weight of the six-speed transmission, which received an insulating cover for faster warm-up and modified gear ratios.
Audi uses an electromagnetic servo assembly for steering; electrically actuated brakes are fitted at the rear. The 225/45 R17 tires have been optimized for road resistance. Sophisticated fine-tuning measures have improved the aerodynamics of the body. Two types of support are at the driver’s fingertips: he can either call up an economy training program, or have the navigation system calculate the most fuel-efficient route to his destination.
10/02, 2:41 PM
posted by:
autonut
I would love to own one of those. Chances are it will take forever, if ever, to come to our shores. Mileage is a bit optimistic, perhaps measured in Imperial gallons (they are 15% more voluminous)
10/02, 3:30 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
Nice concept. But, I just saw a new Audi A6 broken down on the side of the road this morning on the way to work. Doesn’t give me much faith that VW has turned the corner on the reliability front.
10/02, 3:30 PM
posted by:
pav8581
I would love 95% of the diesel engines to jump the pond, but the reality is that it will never happen :/
10/02, 3:32 PM
posted by:
A4
maybe he had a flat tire… put a tight suspension on it and watch prius owners cry
10/02, 4:08 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
Interesting approach, kind of like a hybrid without the generator.
10/02, 4:36 PM
posted by:
Z06ified
No flat tire – hood was open and he was on the cell phone.
10/02, 5:09 PM
posted by:
eurobart
In Belgium Audi’s and VW’s drive everywhere. Never saw anyone by the side of the road. Not recent ones anyway. The Mileage of 59 is actually correct. It’s 3.99 liter/100km in european terms. My VW Golf TDI used to be happy with 5.7 l / 100 km which is 41 miles a gallon, and that was 8 years ago. It was a 1.9 liter, the new TDI’s are only 1.6 liter but our more powerful.
All the new stuff being introduced in Europe is now less then 5.5 liter diesel. Even for bigger cars. And if you drive it calmly you can actually get that mileage. But of course a Gallon of petrol sets you back 7.8 dollar here.
What also helps is that under the new european laws, cars should be very fuel efficient in a few years time. And all the european car builders are scrambling to get very fuel efficient cars out of the door.
10/02, 5:31 PM
posted by:
loudpedal
I don’t want a 120 hp Audi.
10/02, 5:54 PM
posted by:
e36m
2nd the no to any 120hp car that takes 10+ secs to get up to freeway speeds.
10/02, 6:06 PM
posted by:
Bimmer
Sounds great, wish it would be available in NA.
10/02, 7:33 PM
posted by:
MikeFX
In the suburbs of Philly where I lilve you rarely get to even get a car up to 60mph (aside from the TP). So a stylish roomy car with good low end tourque and great mileage without utilizing a complicated system is a slam dunk for me.
10/02, 8:16 PM
posted by:
howsmydriving
“I don’t want a 120 hp Audi.”
I thought they were all 120 hp before forced induction.
10/02, 8:42 PM
posted by:
autonut
I just returned from Europe and if I loved diesels before my desire for them increased even more. Yep, engines got smaller and more powerful. If a few short years majority if European diesels were from 1.7 liter to 2 liters, now they come from 1.3 liter all the way to 12 cylinders that win LeMans. Even 1.3 liter with only 75 hp generates more low rpm torque then most non-turbo gasoline 4 cylinders engines in US. And if you don’t have sphincter burning desire to pay extra for fuel and new tires you can drive it quite well. What the difference if you get to 62 mph in 10 or 6 seconds, if you driving 5-15 miles on a highway? and if you are in traffic the difference is even less noticeable. On PCH and in Manhattan Lambos and Porsches are sitting ducks in traffic next to a cab or a bus.
10/02, 10:08 PM
posted by:
jonmiles
In a fuel economy competition, Audi Averaged 69 mpg in 4 cars at approx 50 mph
10/03, 7:34 AM
posted by:
loudpedal
Yah, they probably were. I never owned one.
10/03, 12:37 PM
posted by:
beatusmongous
Autonut, the 0-60 time can affect merging onto the freeway, especially in my town. We have short ramps, which means slow cars end up holding up freeway traffic. However, the city is working on updating a lot of freeway here, and they are making longer ramps.
10/04, 9:43 AM
posted by:
jonmiles
Amen, Mike FX. Stop by Don Rosen Imports and be the first to place an order on one!