2011 Audi A4 TDI

2011 Audi A4 TDI

While most automakers are looking to hybrid and electric vehicle technology to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions, Audi remains adamant that its TDI diesel technology has a secure future and with cars like this new A4 TDI it’s easy to see why.

The automaker has just announced for the European market a new A4 TDI model equipped with a 2.0-liter turbodiesel engine rated at 136 horsepower and 236 pound-feet of torque, the latter of which is available between 1,750 and 2,500 rpm. This is enough to accelerate the vehicle from 0-60 mph in around 9.5 seconds and see it reach a top speed of 134 mph.

While these numbers are nothing to get excited about, the new A4 TDI returns a fuel economy of 53.46 mpg on the European combined cycle. Fuel economy for the A4 Avant TDI fares slightly worse at 51.13 mpg.

The latest model makes use of technology from Audi’s modular efficiency platform. All the gear ratios of their six-speed manual transmissions were lengthened slightly, and the forged 16 inch alloy wheels are shod with low rolling resistance tires. Aerodynamic tweaks to the body and a lower ride height also improves the drag coefficient, while drivers can squeeze even more efficiency out of the luxury sedan thanks to a new program included in the on-board computer that gives tips about when to shift and on fuel-efficient driving styles.

Earlier this week Audi announced that by 2015 it will offer a diesel option on every model it sells in the U.S., which means that within the next couple of years we can potentially all look forward to luxury sedans with fuel economy upwards of 50 mpg on better.

[Audi]