Audi introducing new “ultra” A4, A5, A6 models; diesels with up to 60 mpg
04 February 2014
Audi is expanding its “ultra” strategy with 11 new models: especially efficient diesel engine versions in the A4, A5 and A6 model lines will be launched in Europe in early 2014. A new 2.0-liter TDI will provide the drive at 100 kW (136 hp), 120 kW (163 hp) or 140 kW (190 hp); the engine emits just 104 to 119 grams of CO2 per kilometer (167.37 to 191.51 g/mile) depending on the model.
“Ultra” is Audi’s designation for more efficient mobility that is fully available for everyday use. With a combined fuel consumption rate of 3.9 to 4.6 liters per 100 kilometers (60 to 51 mpg) and CO2 emissions of 104 to 119 grams per kilometer (167 to 192 g/mile), the new ultra models from Audi are among the most efficient cars of their segment.
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| Audi A6 2.0 TDI ultra, Audi A5 2.0 TDI ultra, Audi A3 1.6 TDI ultra. Click to enlarge. |
The 2.0 TDI, newly developed in many areas, delivers high torque (320 or 400 N·m [236 or 295 lb-ft]) at low engine speeds, along with low fuel consumption.
A highly efficient SCR system removes NOx from the exhaust, said Audi Head of Powertrain Development, Dr. Stefan Knirsch. The new ultra models will meet the future Euro 6 emission standards while achieving lower fuel consumption.
Standard on the ultra models is a manual transmission that makes the gear ratio somewhat taller in the upper gears. Optional on the A6 is a seven-speed S tronic that further reduces the average consumption rate to 4.4 liters per 100 kilometers (53.5 mpg) with 4.6 liters on the Avant (51.1 mpg). This corresponds to a CO2 emission of only 114 grams per kilometer (183.5 g/mile) and 119 grams (191.5 g/mile) for the Avant.
This completely redesigned dual-clutch transmission launches a new generation, distinguished by high efficiency as well as by especially fast and comfortable gear changing.
The innovations include minimized internal friction, highly efficient oil supply and a centrifugal pendulum-type absorber that counteracts undesirable vibrations and allows low-noise driving at very low engine speeds. A gradation of the gears in interplay with the wide spread provides comfortable driving. The seven-speed S tronic as well as the six-speed manual transmission conducts the power to the front wheels.
The standard start-stop system and the driver information system with efficiency program make an important contribution to the economy of the new ultra models from Audi. On the A4 and A4 Avant, modifications of details in the aerodynamics and a lowered body also optimize the fuel consumption.
| New Ultra models | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Model | Max. output kW (bhp) |
Max. torque N·m (lb-ft) at rpm | Acceleration 0–100 km/h in seconds |
Top speed km/h (mph) |
Fuel consumption (combined) l/100 km (US mpg) |
CO2 emissions g/km (g/mile) |
| A4 Sedan 2.0 TDI ultra |
100 (136) | 320 (236) / 1500 - 3000 | 9.3 | 215 (134) | 3.9 (60) | 104 (167) |
| A4 Sedan 2.0 TDI ultra |
120 (163) | 400 (295) / 1750 - 2750 | 8.3 | 225 (140) | 4.2 (56) | 109 (175) |
| A4 Avant 2.0 TDI ultra |
100 (136) | 320 (236) / 1500 - 3000 | 9.6 | 208 (129) | 4.2 (56) | 109 (175) |
| A4 Avant 2.0 TDI ultra |
120 (163) | 400 (295) / 1750 - 2750 | 8.6 | 216 (134) | 4.4 (53) | 114 (183) |
| A5 Coupé 2.0 TDI ultra |
120 (163) | 400 (295) / 1750 - 2750 | 8.3 | 225 (140) | 4.2 (56) | 109 (175) |
| A5 Sportback 2.0 TDI ultra | 120 (163) | 400 (295) / 1750 - 2750 | 8.6 | 221 (137) | 4.3 (55) | 111 (179) |
| A6 Sedan 2.0 TDI ultra | 140 (190) | 400 (295) / 1750 - 3000 | S tronic: 8.2 Manual: 8.4 |
232 (144) | S tronic: 4.4 (54) Manual: 4.5 (52) |
S tronic: 114 (183) Manual: 117 (188) |
| A6 Avant 2.0 TDI ultra |
140 (190) | 400 (295) / 1750 - 3000 | S tronic: 8.5 Manual transmission: 8.7 | 226 (140) | 4.6 (51) | 119 (192) |
The new ultra models will go on sale successively from the first quarter of 2014. The ultra range from Audi also includes the A3 1.6 TDI ultra, that had its debut as the first ultra model in fall 2013. It consumes on average just 3.2 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers (85 grams of CO2 per kilometer) [73.5 mpg/ 136.79 g/mile]. All ultra models are visually identifiable by lettering at the rear.
If a heavy, high power, very high speed car can do 60 mpg, wouldn't a future very light (under 2000 lbs), lower power (100 hp), regular speed (120 kph) unit do 100 mpg?
Posted by: HarveyD | 04 February 2014 at 08:05 AM
Harvey
Yes but this are diesel, a turbo-diesel 2 cylinders with a start and stop and braking regenerative battery charging (or mild hybrid)would probably be close to 80mpg but it is a costly solution when you add the de-pollution system to clean the diesel exhaust. Compression ignition gazoline engine combine with mild hybrid would also get close but again not a cheap solution
Posted by: Treehugger | 04 February 2014 at 09:35 AM
That's why PSA Hybrid Air looks so promising for small cars. Emerging markets would love it too.
Posted by: Hey_ghis | 04 February 2014 at 12:27 PM
Two things to note: These are not EPA rating and the EPA ratings would probably about 80% of the given ratings. Also, given the relatively high performance available, very few people that buy these cars age going to drive them in an economical manner.
One of the reasons that The Toyota Prius gets relatively good mileage is that they relatively poor performing cars that are not meant to be driven hard and are not rewarding to drive hard.
Posted by: sd | 04 February 2014 at 03:25 PM
@HarveyD
The VW Group market several brands that are lighter, have lower power and top speed than Audi, which is supposed to be a premium car within the group. However, as good mileage as up to 100 mpg is still out of reach. About 80 mpg is plausible on the conditions you mentioned.
Posted by: Peter_XX | 04 February 2014 at 11:22 PM
Not bad!! Much better than the foolish muscle cars that Audi has been bragging so much about recently.
Replace the start/stop with a real hybrid unit with a decent size battery (not as large as plug-in sized, but say a 10-mile/10-minute/3.3kWh battery), and the best of these cars would get 80mpg.
Then start selling the same technology under VW branding and then we would really make a dent in the oil consumption.
Posted by: Jus7tme | 05 February 2014 at 12:11 AM
Since you can get about 6% efficiency gain with each 10% weight reduction, reducing weight by 50% could further increase efficiency by about 30%. Coupled with reduced friction, e-ancillaries, 10+ speed auto-transmission, improved engine and aerodynamics, it may be possible to get 100 mpg in the not too distant future.
Carbon fibre composite uni-bodies, light weight aluminium wheels, engines, exhaust systems etc will be cost competitive by 2020?
Posted by: HarveyD | 06 February 2014 at 09:16 AM