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A sizable chunk of Audi’s lineup is available with diesel engines nestled underhood, but not in North America. Here, the only two vehicles available with such an engine are the compact A3 hatchback and the large Q7 SUV — but this may soon change. North American executives within the automaker confirm the company is moving to offer diesel engines in most, if not all, of its volume model lines.
In a recent interview with Automotive News, Johan de Nysschen, president of Audi of America, indicated the company was looking to roll out diesel out diesel engines “across the Audi line.” According to the executive, the automaker will offer diesel — or TDI, as it and parent Volkswagen calls it — versions of virtually every model in its lineup, save for its TT and R8 sports car, by 2015. de Nysschen specifically mentioned diesel versions of the A6 and A8 sedans, Q5 crossover, and the next-generation A4 are all currently in the pipeline.
Given Americans’ tempestuous relationship with diesel engines, the move could be seen as bold, but two factors helped — if not forced– Audi to take the diesel plunge in North America. Certainly, the strict 2016 CAFE regulations are forcing the company to re-evaluate its engine portfolio, but interestingly, dealers are asking Audi’s product planners for more diesel options. According to Automotive News, roughly half of all A3 sales are for TDI models, while a whopping 40 percent of all Q7s sold are equipped with a turbo-diesel engine.
According to de Nysschen, diesels could account for at least 20 percent of Audi’s total U.S. sales by 2015, roughly four times as many vehicles than they represent today.
“We have been planning conservatively,” de Nysschen told AN, “and are talking about considerable growth.”
Few details have been revealed thus far on any of the diesel models, but don’t look for the next A4 TDI to carry more than four cylinders underhood. Although the company’s six-cylinder diesel could be used in the car, the sheer cost of adding the engine would conflict with the A4′s high-volume nature.
Would you welcome a diesel-powered A4, Q5, or A8 into your household? Is diesel the right path to Audi’s North American future, or should the company continue to explore other avenues as well? Send us your wishes, hopes, and dreams via the comments section below.
Source: Automotive News (Subscription required)
Having rented Audi A3 & A4 TDI’s in Germany, I grew to appreciate them so much that I’m willing to wait. The smooth diesel power is amazing. If the A3 came in a TDI Quattro 6-Gang here in the States, I’d be driving one today.
Good job Audi/VWofA.We have TDI wagons and cannot wait until something like an A4 or Q5 comes in a diesel. Perhaps a Tiguan. I am not interested in a full size SUV like the Q7, GL, or X5, so please send us a midsize SUV with a TDI engine.I believe Mazda is bring a diesel and Subaru will too. I believe once a Japanese company starts selling one in the US, people will flock to them.As diesel prices go up, there is more incentive to expand diesel refining. I believe MRO was planning on this.
Finally – but it was expected. Not sure why they have waited for over 3 years – since they did Audi Marathon.However it is done in lieu with other German car makers. MB plans are to bring 2.2 Bluetec 204 PS in USA in 2011 for GLK and 2012 for C-class. They are considering getting the same engine in E-class. Confirmed story.Audi should get that new 3.0 TDI engine around 205 PS that gets (if could be believed) 32 MP/G on Q7. Apparently, Porsche will use same engine in Cayenne.Bimmer – have not heard anything about them but I can believe that they will not wait.Apparently Mazda and Volvo are already “done deal” for diesel in USA. Few days ago, I drove Kia Sorento 2.2 diesel in Europe – 197 PS. Too $$$ for us but incredible car. You can’t believe the drive. Got roughly 30+ mpg on average – short drive only (few hundred miles).
One would hope that Audi is smart enough to provide a diesel engine in A4 sport sedan that has more “presence” than their current 140hp 2.0 TDI offering. The A4 may be Audi’s volume product, but it is also competing against the BMW 3 series and Mercedes C-class product offerings. While Mercedes does not offer a diesel in this “entry level” class, BMW offers an excellent sport sedan in the 265hp 335d. Since Audi has stopped importing the 3.2 FSI there is a perfect hole for the 3.0 TDI, an engine that is already offered in the European A4 and is certified in the US for their SUV offerings. Although the cost would be higher than the 2.0 FSI, Audi should be able to offer a 3.0 TDI FWD for $40,000. This would undercut the BMW price by $4,000. It would also do something that the A3 2.0 TDI does not – differentiate itself from the cheaper Volkswagen products.
Woo, a smart move by Audi. They should’ve done this years ago, but at least they’re doing this at all.
A8 TDI? YES!
Too bad about the TT I would have ponied up the money for a TDI TT, all that low end torque with awesome fuel economy, sounds like a winning combo to me.